Granite Hills kicker and SportsForce student-athlete, Tyler Strickland is garnering attention for his amazing accuracy and dedication to his team. The Union-Tribune recently covered Strickland, praising the kicker for his abilities on the field and unwavering commitment to his team and the sport. Bill Dickens of the Union-Tribune writes:
“When it comes to kicking, precision is essential for Strickland and the Eagles football team. With the help of long snapper Joe Cardona and holder Dylan Rubio, Strickland is 13-for-13 on points after touchdown this season and has made one of two field-goal attempts, connecting from 37 yards.
Granite Hills coach Randy DeWitt said Strickland routinely kicks 55- to 57-yarders in practice.
‘In a game, I wouldn’t be afraid to give Tyler a shot from 45 yards — maybe even longer, depending on the situation,’ DeWitt said. ‘He focuses on his craft seven days a week, whether we’re in season or not.'”
Strickland is not just gaining notice in the local spotlight, but has several colleges with their eye on him, the article continues:
Strickland loves to contribute to the scoring, but that’s not his favorite part of the game.
“I like kicking off because that’s when I’m allowed to kick the ball as hard as I can,” said Strickland, who played defense for the Granite Hills soccer team for the past two seasons.
DeWitt, whose Eagles (2-1) host El Centro Central at 7 p.m. tomorrow, is pleased with that part of Strickland’s game. His kickoffs usually reach the end zone, resulting in a touchback. The coach figures about 90 percent of Strickland’s kickoffs are not returned.
“Having a kid like Tyler who can kick the ball that far is like an added weapon,” DeWitt said. “It takes a lot of pressure off our defense in terms of field position.”
Strickland handles all the kicking chores for the Eagles, including punting. Much of his practice time is actually not spent punting the ball.
“It’s all about the drop,” Strickland said. “In practice I’ll stand on the line facing the bleachers and make sure that I throw the ball straight up and let it hit the line. If you drop it to the left or to the right, you’re probably going to shank the punt.”
Arizona State, Nevada and Nevada Las Vegas have expressed interest in Strickland.
“Tyler has an uncanny ability to power the ball,” Eagles kicking coach John Matich said. “He can put the ball in the end zone and has long-range field-goal abilities, which makes him a Division I prospect for sure.”
John Matich, is a former NFL and NCAA kicker and now owner and director of The Kicking System, which offers Camps & Private Kicking Lessons in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles.
Check out Strickland in action and visit his profile page.
–Article portions courtesy the Union-Tribune
When it comes to kicking, precision is essential for Strickland and the Eagles football team. With the help of long snapper Joe Cardona and holder Dylan Rubio, Strickland is 13-for-13 on points after touchdown this season and has made one of two field-goal attempts, connecting from 37 yards.
Granite Hills coach Randy DeWitt said Strickland routinely kicks 55- to 57-yarders in practice.
“In a game, I wouldn’t be afraid to give Tyler a shot from 45 yards — maybe even longer, depending on the situation,” DeWitt said. “He focuses on his craft seven days a week, whether we’re in season or not.”
