The Nebraska Cornhuskers have had a great tradition recently with their kicking unit. From Kris Brown to Brett Maher, the Huskers have been putting kickers into the NFL unlike many of their college brethren.
It was a surprise over the past few yours when Alex Henery and Brett Maher were in the running for the Lou Groza Award, yet missed out on winning it.
Henery’s stats need no repeating, as Husker fans know he is the best kicker to come through in school history. Yet, Henery did not win the prestigious award, which was a shame.
Maher was one of the best kickers in the country last year, connecting on 19 of his 23 attempts, with three of those misses from beyond fifty yards. Maher was one of just a handful of kickers to make multiple kicks from beyond the 50.
According to Maher, he has made a kick over 60 yards during the fall camp. 60 yards! Last fall, I watched him in warmups make kicks from beyond 60.
This fall, ESPN.com gave some well deserved love to Maher, naming him their preseason All-American at kicker. While I do hope Maher wins the award, I hope to see him kicking more point after attempts than field goals. Lord knows the Huskers need to stop settling for field goals.
Maher has also been named to the watch list of the Lou Groza Award and Rudy Guy Award – the best punter in the country.
Maher averaged 44.5 yards per punt last year, including downing 25 of his 59 attempts inside the opponents 20. While fans may not see the punting game as the most exciting thing in football, Maher gives the Huskers a weapon many teams do not have.
While he may not be tested (hopefully) early this year, Maher will be a crucial part to success for the Huskers. His unique skill of both punting and kicking will be an asset the Huskers will need.
Paul Troupe is the lead writer for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and San Antonio Spurs, while covering many major sports for RantSports. You can follow him on Twitter @gamin4HIM
Buy Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Tickets | Buy Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Apparel
