Interview with New Mexico Kicker Commit Jason Sanders
Today I spoke with Jason Sanders, whom I’ve had the pleasure of coaching through 1 on 1 kicking and punting lessons over the last 2 years in Orange County, CA. Jason trains with me almost every Sunday in ‘the OC’ and we are all very excited about his recent commitment and full-ride scholarship to the University of New Mexico. Enjoy the following interview about Jason’s kicking background, high school football experience and learn about his next move as a Lobo.
INTERVIEW WITH JASON SANDERS
Class of 2014 Villa Park HS Kicker/Punter & New Mexico Commit
Q. How did you get into kicking?
A. My brother started to kick and being the younger brother I followed in his footsteps.
Q. Tell me about your best memory of HS Football or any one specific game that stands out in your career.
A. Favorite memory is one of my games against Esperanza HS where I hit four field goals in one game.
Q. What other sports have you played in high school?
A. I have played soccer like most kickers have.
Q. What’s your favorite school subject? Least favorite?
A. My favorite would have to be any one of my math classes that I have had. Least favorite is English.
Q. Tell me about the recruiting process… How did it all get started and when did it get more serious?
A. A big thanks to my head coach for all the contacts and people he knows. It all started at the end of my junior year and picked up half way through the senior season. And of course being on the Hot Prospect List helped more schools find me & show interest.
Q. Do you have any ‘tips’ for other aspiring high school football players who are wanting to play at the next level?
A. If you want to play at the next level it takes commitment. You perform how you practice, and a good week up practice will result in the next game, I guarantee it.
Q. Was there any one event or game that helped blow up the recruiting process for you?
A. One week I kicked a 51 yard field goal and then a week later, I kicked 4 FGs in a single game. It seems having a big game can certainly get the fire going with coaches!
Q. What ultimately led you to commit to New Mexico? What other schools were in the running?
A. New Mexico stood out because they were one of the only schools offering a full scholarship so I focused mainly on them as my number one school. I went out on an official visit and ended up loving the school.
Q. What did you learn over the last 4 years of HS?
A. To remain determined and committed to all I do.
Q. Favorite NFL team?
A. Dallas Cowboys
Q. Favorite NFL Kicker?
A. Justin Tucker
Q. What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
A. A good warm-up and thinking about how every kick matters.
Q. What’s the Best Part about being a Kicker?
A. Definitely the pressure, I love going on the field in those pressure situations where everyone is counting on you.
Q. Describe an embarrassing sports moment?
A. Slipping in the mud after approaching a kickoff at practice.
Q. Do you have a favorite quote or motto or thought/belief you hold true to your heart?
A. “Perform How You Practice.”
Q. What’s the Most Challenging thing about being a Kicker?
A. Missing a kick or FG when it mattered.
Q. How will you be successful over the next 4 years at New Mexico?
A. By staying determined.
Q. Do you have an intended major yet?
A. I will decide after my 1st year.
Q. What are you most looking forward to in college?
A. Playing in University stadium as a Lobo against some good teams!
To see Jason Sander’s kicking highlight videos, game-stats & more, visit his Hot Prospect Profile.
This concludes the interview conducted on February 10, 2014 between Coach Brent Grablachoff, Owner & Head Coach of Kicking World and future University of New Mexico Kicker Jason Sanders from Orange, CA.
