The big news out of Ohio State right now is that back up kicker Ryan Pretorious has taken over the position of starting kicker from Aaron Pettrey.  Pretorius was disappointed last year after having a bad day at the kick scrimmage which caused the coaching staff to give Pettrey the nod.  This frustration continued throughout the season as he kicked well and consistently during practices all year long, but rarely got a chance to get on the field.

Now the kicking shoe is on the other foot.  Pettrey had a sub par performance during the kick scrimmage and, though he retains his position as the starter on kick offs, he is second string when it comes to kicking field goals.  To his credit, Pettrey was classy all the way, saying that Pretorious deserved his shot based upon on the field performance.  Pretorious was just as classy, stating that his success was due to the fantastically consistent holds and placements he was getting from his holder, the back up punter, Jim Thoma.

At first it seems unfair that a kicker can lose his starting position based upon one bad day.  But when you think about it, it makes sense.  The nature of the kicking position is all about having one opportunity to come in and win a game.  When there are three seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter and the team is down by two, a kicker facing a 45 yarder does not get to point to the fact that he has made the last three long kicks in a row.  Each time, the kicker has to execute when called upon.  Having a bad day isn’t an option. 

Further, it would be unfair for Pettrey to still be in the running after a bad day when Pretorious was out of the running last year after he had a bad day.  While it is tempting to say that the only fair thing to do would be to give both of them equal opportunities during the season, for some reason, Tressel isn’t doing this.  Since Tressel is right 99% of the time, I suspect that this has something to do with a kicker’s confidence and mentality.  If, as a kicker, you know that you are the guy who is going to be called on in the pressure situation, it may well give you the focus you need to get the job done.

Though there is no arguing with the job that Pettrey did last year, I’m very happy that Ryan Pretorious is going to get a chance to showcase his abilities this season.  I think that in a few years, you are going to see both of these guys in the NFL.

One thought, with Tressel’s emphasis on field position, and with a back up punter as Pretorious’ holder, I wonder if we might see some fake field goals which turn into punts which are downed inside the five?  Just a thought.

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