Pat Kirkland discusses specialist options on roster

Pat Kirkland wants competition at all of his specialist positions. 

On kickoff, West Virginia wants to find somebody that can put the ball into the end zone in order to eliminate the opportunity for a return. But there’s more to it than just putting the ball into the end zone.

“So it’s finding that guy that can put the ball five to seven yards deep but also with some pretty good hang time so it gives the coverage an opportunity to get down there,” Kirkland said.

Ball placement is critical as it has to match the coverage. That means when the ball needs to be put in a certain spot, that kicker can do just that. 

“If we want to do some alternative kicks, they’ve got to get to where we’ve got to get to because that’s where the coverage is expecting it to be,” Kirkland said. 

The Mountaineers utilized the transfer portal to add Tulane kickoff specialist Ethan Head and field goal kicker Kade Hensley and the process is highly competitive to sort through the options. It’s easy to look at a highlight tape to see how a kicker performs, but it’s important to watch game film as well.

“When you’re looking at kickers you want a strong leg. But accuracy is important,” he said. 

Those two along with RJ Kocan are currently competing as the team’s field goal kicker.

The Mountaineers have a proven option at punter in Oliver Straw who has started three seasons and previously was primarily used as a rugby-style option. But for the new coaching staff Straw will be asked to stay in the pocket and spiral punt.

Straw has a quick operation and strong leg not only from a distance standpoint but in terms of hangtime to give the coverage time to get down the field. 

On top of those duties, Straw also has been taking over a lot of the holding duties and even with him being a proven option there are still multiple others that can punt. 

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