Kicker Vincent Blanchard is experiencing a significant change in his quest to attract the attention of an NFL team heading into the draft.
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Always used to kicking with a one-inch plate like all kickers playing in Canada, the former soccer player must now hit the ball directly on the ground like the Americans.
In addition to the visibility which is less compared to American kickers, Blanchard is learning to deal with this important change. “He has to adapt to kicking straight from the field without the one-inch plate that helps provide height,” explained Gary Zauner. Like in golf, you can hit the pitch before the ball. This is the biggest change. American kickers don’t use tackles in the NCAA and some don’t use them in high schools.”
Zauner is refining certain technical details. “We worked on adjusting his takeoff foot,” he emphasized, “so that he could obtain the necessary height on his kicks.”
Zauner notes a good difference between Blanchard’s first trip to Arizona in February and this one. “He has progressed a lot,” he said. This week, he made field goals of 65 and 70 yards. There was a slight wind, but not everyone is able to do that. He pays attention to details and is very open to advice. He’s a student of the sport.”
Zauner hopes his protégé can get invitations to rookie camps that will take place in May after the draft.
2024-04-13 03:00:00
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