UConn grad transfer kicker Michael Tarbutt visited the Gophers recently

EG#9

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He's made some long kicks for UConn over the past two years (a 50 and a 53), but also has choked in a big moment or two (missed an extended extra point that could have forced an overtime as an example)

Article on his struggles 2 years ago: https://www.theuconnblog.com/2018/8/2/17636958/uconn-football-michael-tarbutt-great-kicker-dont-miss

Was 5-8 this past season: https://uconnhuskies.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2236

Would be nice to have a kicker on the roster to compete with Lantz who has some experience IMHO.
 


Connecticut is Gopher Country


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Connecticut is Gopher Country


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I really like this Lantz kid - I have heard a lot of good things about him from a friend who lives in Atlanta. He was warming up before the game kicking 50 yard FG's - as a junior. He has a huge leg that will only get stronger the older he gets on a good weight program. Still - with kickers you always want a plan B just in case it doesn't go well.

Does anyone remember that one kicker we had - I think his name was Giannini? He couldn't even kick extra points - missed them over and over again. They probably should have just had the punter or one of the other guys kick them. But that is why you always have another guy that can fill in just in case.
 



Amazing that we have Ryerse on scholarship and he doesn't even play

While rumor, innuendo and supposition would suggest he’s not the future placekicker- how was he supposed to have played up til now with a Big10 kicker ahead of him?


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While rumor, innuendo and supposition would suggest he’s not the future placekicker- how was he supposed to have played up til now with a Big10 kicker ahead of him?


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Kickoffs, not necessarily kicking FGs.

My understanding is Ryerse has a big leg but accuracy can be questionable (true for most kickers at this level).
 


Maybe the Vikings and the Gophers could share a kicking coach!
 



Does anyone remember that one kicker we had - I think his name was Giannini? He couldn't even kick extra points - missed them over and over again. They probably should have just had the punter or one of the other guys kick them. But that is why you always have another guy that can fill in just in case.

Jason Giannini

Extra Points
2005: 36/44
2006: 38/41
2007: 9/9
 


Jason Giannini

Extra Points
2005: 36/44
2006: 38/41
2007: 9/9

He was pretty good, but in league with the poster who brought up Giannini, I remember one game when he really hooked an extra point so badly that it almost looked impossible to do. Happens to almost everybody at some point.
 

He was pretty good, but in league with the poster who brought up Giannini, I remember one game when he really hooked an extra point so badly that it almost looked impossible to do. Happens to almost everybody at some point.

36/44 isn't the greatest percentage for college extra points during that 2005 year. The other years are fine. Carpenter missed 1 XP out of 118 in his career.
 





Amazing in what way?

It's pretty rare to have a specialist on scholarship that isn't actually playing. They aren't positions of deep depth, if you are a specialist that is on scholarship, the team should be able to get some production out of you.
 

It's pretty rare to have a specialist on scholarship that isn't actually playing. They aren't positions of deep depth, if you are a specialist that is on scholarship, the team should be able to get some production out of you.

Kicking is a different animal. You never know when they will get super good or remain in a slump. Perhaps it is rare to have a specialist on scholarship that isn't producing right away, but I don't believe it is unprecedented. I'm hoping he'll snap out and do well as he has much potential.
 

Kicking is a different animal. You never know when they will get super good or remain in a slump.

This is precisely why the preferred model for most programs over the years has been to bring in kickers (and punters and long snappers) as walk-ons and then award scholarships once there is some track record of success. The model seems to have been changing somewhat, especially here.
 


His Tweet:
"Over the last 3 months there has always been one program that has stood out to me based on culture, expectations, and tradition. With that being said, I would like to officially announce my commitment to the University of Minnesota! Ski-U-Mah! #RowTheBoat #HYPRR"
 



Tarbutt is a cool name too. It's certainly not to the caliber of Texas Longhorns kicker, "Dicker". Two of the better lines I heard on TV this past season:

"Dicker, the kicker" and
"Dicker good"
 

How is his name pronounced?

Tarb-ot

or

Tar-butt

maybe

Tar-boo (silent t's)

maybe

ar-butt (first t is silent?)
 


Depth is important at Kicker. Ask Vikings & Bears fans.
 

PJ said we're getting a transfer kicker on the radio today. Hmmm, wonder who it could be.
 





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