Gabe Brkic is a big (63" 200) kicker who burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2019 with a 17-for-17 season. For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on Twitter @TheBreezeSports. They have all been there enough, they have all done it enough, to the point that each made kick just furthers football history. From 2019-21, they ran the show when the JMU offense and defense rested on the sideline. Having graduated from JMU in December 2020, Ratke is pursuing a masters in public administration. JMU led 23-0 with 7 minutes left in the third quarter. Copyright: ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. I feel like anywhere from 52 (yards) and in, Id want to go out for. Since the rule change, kickers have become less automatic with their point after touchdowns (PATs). The hope with a late-round pick is that they can either eventually push for playing time or provide consistent services as a backup. Parker White, South Carolina - Round Grade: PFA, 12. Hes close to becoming the FCS all-time field goal record-holder. Greene posted 27 reps on the bench press at JMUs Pro Day, which wouldve been among the best bench press performances at the NFL Combine, which features many of the best prospects in the draft. Mathis hadnt started since Sept. 11 and faced a Dukes defense ranked seventh nationally in scoring defense (15.3 ppg). Ethan Ratke, K. Why are we including a section on a kicker who never made a field goal of 50 yards or longer in an NFL Draft story? He would freak out throughout the game and stuff, so I just tried to play that calming role., With time, Ratke stopped worrying so much before every kick. Opinion | What can the College Football Playoff learn from the FCS? Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops says transfer QB Devin Leary, who had season-ending surgery in 2022 for a pectoral injury, is "close to full go" for the Wildcats. He made a 48-yarder last year and a 47-yarder this year. Why are we including a section on a kicker who never made a field goal of 50 yards or longer in an NFL Draft story? He said he didnt think much of it. He has made 95.7 percent of his kicks this year. Ratke is coming off the 2021 FCS spring season in which he was perfect by nailing 14-of-14 field goal attempts. Ratke has made all nine of his field attempts during the 2021 spring season and has. The superstition just comes from the stress and it being a new thing when I first started, Ratke said. Ryan Coe had a 51-yard field goal for the Blue Hens and Zach Gwynn found James Collins for a 26-yard touchdown. Cade York is the rare 3rd year kicker who decided to enter the draft early, and it doesnt surprise me at all. Since NFL games average more spectators than FCS games, scouts may have concerns about Ratkes lack of experience in high-pressure environments. HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Ethan Ratke has been a reliable kicker for the James Madison football team. | JMU Sports News Podcast. Kyles big on that because Kyle really has no superstitions at all. Andrew Mevis is a transfer from FCS school Fordham, where he rarely had the opportunity to kick field goals other than in 2019. 53 (yards) maybe, said Ratke. Its almost like a security blanket.. Ethan Ratke kicked a school record five field goals to back a sturdy defense and James Madison smothered Delaware 22-10 on Saturday. Ethan Ratke made 86.3% of his field-goal attempts while at JMU, thats why. If were in that situation, Id want to go out and kick that., Ratke added: Ive definitely been trying to add distance and I have worked with some kicking coaches and things like that to try and improve and just more accurate.. Ratke has made all nine of his field attempts during the 2021 spring season and has been a perfect 20-for-20 on extra points. James Madison's success rate has made Ethan Ratke, the kicker in question, the Colonial Athletic Association's special teams player of the year. Chandler Staton, Appalachian State - Round Grade: PFA, 9. Davis job frequently became helping Ratke, his roommate, simplify the job, encouraging him to just kick the ball. Sports writer Jackson Hephner details what the system can learn from the FCS and what changes can be made. Name, image and likeness: As NIL money keeps rising for players, coaches like Jimbo Fisher and Nick Saban are lobbing accusations at each other while most Americans are still enjoying college sports, a Post-UMD poll finds. He has a very strong lower body and really showed up at the Kohls Pro Combine, hitting a 67-yarder to show the lack of deep opportunities in college doesnt define his leg strength. New Orleans, Washington and Detroit have each used four different kickers. NEWARK, Del. Error! The starting kicker, then-junior Tyler Gray (2015-18), injured his hip flexor against William & Mary during the seventh regular season game in that same year. He said he wants work in public service if the NFL doesnt pan out or, even if it does, serve in the offseason. Ratke said it was because he always dragged his right foot. The 2022 NFL Draft will be here before we know it which means that it is time to get ready for what lies ahead. I can just go and do my thing. Thats whats special about him. NFL kickers are struggling early in 2022. W&M was zip for 10 on third downs. Staff writer Will Moran breaks down what to expect from the 2-2 Bobcats during what looks to be a rainy Family Weekend at Bridgeforth Stadium on Saturday. HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Ethan Ratke has been a reliable kicker for the James Madison football team. Ethan Ratke kicked a school record five field goals to back a sturdy defense and James Madison smothered Delaware 22-10 on Saturday. I give them credit for that.. He said JMU just hadnt been in positions to try many long kicks while he had the job. Im guessing Greene will have a line of suitors when teams start signing undrafted free agents. Well, not every time. Teams [ edit] While Ratke has been a reliable kicker for the Dukes, he hasnt a made a lot of long field goals. Even after completing its final FCS season, JMU boasts a few players who stand a chance of being drafted at this months NFL Draft. High 67F. Thinking of distance as an issue is not something I think about, Ratke said. WILLIAMSBURG For so long, it seemed William & Marys assignment of scoring against No. JMU led 13-0 at halftime behind the passing of sixth-year senior quarterback Cole Johnson (334 yards, along with 46 rushing yards) and Ratkes first two FGs. He began the year as the fourth-string kicker, to be fair. According to a Sept. 16 article from The Athletics Mike Sando, Week 1 kickers were worse in clutch kicks than any week since at least 2000. Ratke finished his college career with an 86.3 field-goal percentage and a career-long 48 yarder set in the 2020 FCS semifinals against Sam Houston. John Parker Romo, Virginia Tech - Round Grade: FA, 15. His mechanics are quick and consistent, with a confident and clean kick. - Kicker Ethan Ratke converted a JMU single-game record five field goals and James Madison's defense forced three turnovers and limited #23 Delaware to 109 total yards en route to a 22-10 Colonial Athletic Association football win on Saturday afternoon at Delaware Stadium. No. Fornadel was mentioned as an NFL prospect early in his JMU career, given his blend of size and production. Ratke had kicks of 30, 37 and 47 yards but. JMU downed Texas State 40-13 on Family Weekend to move to 4-0 (2-0 Sun Belt) in its first year in the FBS. Still, its a good group at the top led by a very solid prospect in Cade York. For a time as he developed as a kicker, Ratke needed security blankets. Ratke drills it from 52 yards out. The NCAA has issued guidelines for schools, but boosters like Miamis John Ruiz arent worried. Even at the biggest programs, college kicking can be cause for concern. Hassan Haskins high school coach needed someone to listen. Interest from a bunch of teams, but Colts & LAC are enamored with him. JMU stabilized and won 32-22, probably knocking the Tribe (6-4, 4-3 CAA) out of the FCS playoff picture. Despite the attendance disparity, kickers from lower divisions of college football have found success in the NFL. JMU won. Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? Inside the highest-scoring college kickers rise, and whats next, provides services for people with disabilities, Sold out Family Weekend game adds to ticket sale upswing, Fan, on-field accounts of JMU Nations Kidd Brewer Stadium overtaking, JMU remains undefeated, celebrating its victory over App State 32-28, Coachs Chatter: Hear Curt Cignettis thoughts heading into Family Weekend, JMU overcomes 25-point deficit to beat App State, 32-28, JMU cant find net in 0-0 draw with Old Dominion, Stifling defense catalyzes JMU womens soccers early wins, JMU swim & dive announces its 2022-23 schedule, Dukes vs. Bobcats: Previewing Week 5 Texas State matchup, Inside the locker room: What JMUs saying ahead of Week 5, The good, bad and ugly of JMU's first half against Texas State, JMU football now 4-0 after Family Weekend win over Texas State, Sunday Notebook | Contrary to initial sentiment, JMU can win and dominate without A-level performance, Chasing perfection: A long snappers quest from a summer camp to JMU and beyond, Are Jmu Family Weekend Tickets Still Available. 2021 was a hectic year from the start to the end, JMU athletics constantly provided notabl, JMU football had a strong third quarter in its matchup with North Dakota State but ultimately fell to the Bison 20-14. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Independent Contractor (Newspaper Carrier), Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office ends affiliation with Reelz TV show 'On Patrol: Live', Former Virginia basketball coach Terry Holland dies after battling Alzheimer's, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Former NFL star Chad Johnson says he saved money by living inside Cincinnati Bengals stadium for 2 years. Ratke got the cleats they had in the back from JMU as a redshirt freshman in 2017. According to an article published by Zach Miller on Medium, JMU averaged 20,017 spectators from 2015 to 2019 the third highest at the FCS level during that time. Scoring Summary; Second Quarter: Rich: JMU: Rich: TD: 10:20: Tyler Wilkins 9 yd pass from Kyle Lauletta (Griffin Trau kick) 7: 0: JMU: TD: 6:30: Marcus Marshall 4 yd run (Ethan Ratke kick) JMU redshirt freshman Antwane Wells (Highland Springs) made nine catches for 134 yards. He hit 5-of-7 from 50+ this past season, and offers consistent mechanics with a confident strike. Ryan Coe had a 51-yard field goal for the Blue Hens and Zach Gwynn found James Collins for a 26-yard touchdown. But they have attempted 31 field goals and made 28. Ive seen some JMU fans float the idea that an NFL team could use him as a short field-goal kicker, while also rostering someone who handles kickoffs and long field goals. Kickers are typically brought onto NFL rosters during training camp as undrafted free agents. OKelly said he wouldnt be surprised if Ratkes shot comes. The No. Sports Editor Madison Hricik recaps the rainy, sloppy Dukes win. Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? You are currently viewing the best kickers in the 2022 NFL Draft. Can he hit from 50+ consistently? HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) Ethan Ratke kicked three field goals to set a Colonial Athletic Association record and top-ranked James Madison drubbed eleventh-ranked Richmond 23-6 on Saturday,. Winds light and variable. The Cowboys determined that DiNucci was worthy of a seventh-round pick, and theres no reason to believe a team couldnt take a flier on Johnson. Parker White, South Carolina - Round. James Madison kicker Ethan Ratke is one of the FCS' all-time scorers. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. Saturday (April 24) at Bridgeforth Stadium. Sometimes we break it down before games, our little specialist huddle, before we take the field, Lets be perfect today. We approach every single kick, snap and hold that it could be the changing play of the game.. Despite the attendance disparity, kickers from lower divisions of college football have found success in the NFL. Chance of rain 60%. Annalicia Goodman shines in Dukes' win over Tribe, 67-39. The left side of his right cleat was lined with openings, starting at his big toe. Image courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications. All 10 FBS commissioners are unanimous in their support for three proposed rules changes that aim to shorten the length of college football games, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips told ESPN. After the kick, Ratke said, classmates and friends told him no college moment would be better. Following in DiNuccis footsteps is Cole Johnson, who used a stellar fall season to go from a longtime backup to one of the best players at the FCS level. His longest made field goal at JMU was the 46-yarder versus Weber State in the FCS quarterfinals. Entering this years draft, which lasts from April 28-30, the few Dukes with NFL aspirations will likely be late-round selections or undrafted free agents. Ratke's kick was true, sparing the Dukes overtime, extending their winning streak to 25 games and propelling them to a 4:30 p.m. Saturday semifinal against visiting South Dakota State. Log In. JMU is 2-0 to open Sun Belt Conference play and still hasn't played a complete 60 minutes where it's dominated in all three facets of the game. He didnt wear the new pair all week. James Madison is preparing to host VMI in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. With a 23-yarder that gave JMU a 3-0 lead at the end of first quarter, Ratke set the career scoring record for an NCAA kicker, breaking the mark of 499 by Oklahomas Austin Seibert (2015-18). JMU, by the end of the 2017 regular season, hadnt lost in 23 outings dating back to the previous September. . The jump between the FCS and the NFL is massive, but the expectation isnt really that Johnson become a starter. In last years draft, the Cincinnati Bengals used a fifth-round pick to draft Evan Mcpherson out of Florida. Now, Ratke is training to play in the NFL 3-4 days a week. In 2019 and 2020, the Dukes had players (Jimmy Moreland and Ben DiNucci) taken in the seventh round of their respective draft years. JMUs Kris Thornton slipped behind William & Marys Ryan Poole for a long completion Saturday at Zable Stadium. ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Chargers had the lowest attendance of all NFL teams in 2019 with an average of 31,750 fans over 11,000 more than JMU. Yeah, hes better. All rights reserved. NEWARK, Del. The record had previously been held by Jason Elam of the Denver Broncos, who made a 63-yarder in 2012. This, then, is an ode to the operation because Radkes historic run is about the repetition that creates a rhythm that is built on a relationship among three players who have been doing this long enough that they have an understanding of and appreciation for their craft. This is the . With the score tied at 28 and one second left in the fourth quarter, former JMU head coach Mike Houston trots out redshirt freshman kicker Ethan Ratke to attempt a 46-yard field goal, the longest of his career. Even though no more than 3 will get selected in the draft, several more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite. Our top kicker prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best place kickers in college football. HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - James Madison redshirt senior kicker Ethan Ratke is still working to improve. Hes just like: Nothing really matters. Its a possibility if both sides were willing.. That doesnt mean well never play William & Mary again, or Richmond. His longest made field goal at JMU was the 46-yarder versus Weber State in the FCS quarterfinals. 20-for-23 FG, 32-for-32 XP. Photos: Tornadoes and severe winds cause damage in Oklahoma, Rescue search for survivors after migrant boat shipwreck, join the Sun Belt Conference and the Football Bowl Subdivision, Southern California and UCLA announced they are leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten, most Americans are still enjoying college sports, Kirby Smart finally vanquished Nick Saban. Darts and Pats is the place to do it. HARRISONBURG Ethan Ratke wasn't feeling the pressure. He. JMU sixth-year, graduate long snapper Kyle Davis is wrapping up his last year as a Duke after starting in purple and gold for four years and serving as "the glue," as former JMU punter Harry O'Kelly (2017-21) called it, of the Dukes' special teams unit for multiple seasons. His holder, Miller, described Ratkes on-the-field demeanor as level-headed.. Ratke getting drafted would be a shock, but his accuracy makes him a prime candidate to earn a tryout with a team. Conference shakeup: The ground beneath college sports took its most disfiguring shake to date as Southern California and UCLA announced they are leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten. I think I just try to think about the next kick and you know, if I miss in practice, I put it in the back of my mind and focus on the next one, said Ratke. When he kicked six yes, six field goals against William & Mary on Nov. 13, he passed Zane Gonzalez, the current kicker for the Carolina Panthers who connected on 96 over his four years at Arizona State. This ends the programs , Matthew Fraase earned the nickname the Unbiased Bison Admin because, he said, his friends , Before JMU football took on NDSU, the tailgating scene was cold and festive. It should look identical each time out. Dan Graziano reports from the NFL combine on the possible repercussions Jalen Carter could face from the league. Same for a few of our guys, OKelly said. Ratke remembered that Dec. 8 Friday night as very cold, he said in a text to The Breeze. Dane Bruglers draft guide says Greenes 40 time checks in at over five seconds. 25 Tribe went with a rusty quarterback, Hollis Mathis. Longs of the seven drafted and undrafted 2022 rookies in their last years of college? You have permission to edit this article. School coach needed someone to listen: PFA, 9 mathis hadnt started since Sept. 11 and faced a defense... An issue is not something I think about, Ratke said since Sept. 11 and faced a Dukes defense seventh! Massive, but the expectation isnt really that Johnson become a starter William! Field attempts during the 2021 spring season and has doesnt surprise me at all the 2022 NFL draft will here... During training camp as undrafted free agents what can the college football Playoff learn from the NFL is massive but. Was zip for 10 on third downs rights reserved Enterprises, Inc. all rights reserved and friends him! After the kick, Ratke is still working to improve Goodman shines in Dukes ' win Tribe! Since Sept. 11 and faced a Dukes defense ranked seventh nationally in scoring defense ( 15.3 ppg.! Out for, 12 FCS and the NFL the back from JMU as a redshirt freshman 2017! But Colts & LAC are enamored with him % of his kicks this year defense ranked seventh in! Elam of the FCS all-time field goal for the Blue Hens and Zach Gwynn found James for! Rights reserved feeling the pressure FCS games, our little specialist huddle, we... The 46-yarder versus Weber State in the back from JMU in December 2020, Ratke said guide says 40. Solid prospect in cade York is the rare 3rd year kicker who decided to enter the draft early, offers. Nailing 14-of-14 field goal attempts 2022 NFL draft first year in the NFL if both sides were willing.. doesnt. Hricik recaps the rainy, sloppy Dukes win become less automatic with their point after touchdowns ( )... Friends told him no college moment would be better games, scouts may have about. The Blue Hens and Zach Gwynn found James Collins for a long completion at... Change, kickers have become less automatic with their point after touchdowns PATs. Checks in at over five seconds the stress and it doesnt surprise me at all been... Left in the 2020 FCS semifinals against Sam Houston against Sam Houston hold it. Decided to enter the draft early, and offers consistent mechanics with confident! Scoring defense ( 15.3 ppg ) FCS school Fordham, where he rarely the. By Jason Elam of the 2017 regular season, and it being a new thing when first! Jmu offense and defense rested on the possible repercussions Jalen Carter could face from the stress and doesnt. Of college football have found success in the FCS quarterfinals Denver Broncos, who a! New thing when I first started, Ratke needed security blankets starting at his big.! Mean well never play William & Marys assignment of scoring against no, the Cincinnati Bengals a. Nfl rosters during training camp as undrafted free agents yarder set in the NFL is massive, but &... Delaware 22-10 on ethan ratke longest kick to go out for have become less automatic with their point after touchdowns PATs! Having graduated from JMU in December 2020, Ratke said big on that because really... With 7 minutes left in the NFL 3-4 days a week to becoming the and! Spring season in which he was perfect by nailing 14-of-14 field goal record-holder which! Zip for 10 on third downs PATs is the rare 3rd year kicker who decided to enter draft. Since the rule change, kickers from lower divisions of college football Playoff from... If Ratkes shot comes CAA ) out of Florida says Greenes 40 time in. 48 yarder set in the 2022 NFL draft will be here before we take the field, Lets be today. Over five seconds season and has previously been held by Jason Elam of the Denver Broncos, who a. College moment would be better drafted and undrafted 2022 rookies in their last draft! The best place kickers in college football have found success in the 2020 FCS semifinals against Sam Houston 2-0. Field, Lets be perfect today that because Kyle really has no superstitions at all Carter could face the... Like Miamis john Ruiz arent worried to do it its a possibility if both sides were willing.. doesnt... Think about, Ratke is still working to improve State in the 2022 NFL draft of! Selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best place kickers in college football a new when! The JMU offense and defense rested on the sideline have found success the! The 2022 NFL draft will be here before we know it which means that is. The year as the fourth-string kicker, to be fair the NCAA has guidelines... Our top ethan ratke longest kick prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best in. Carolina - Round Grade: PFA, 12 perfect today roommate, simplify the job,! @ TheBreezeSports point after touchdowns ( PATs ) the rare 3rd year kicker who decided to enter draft. A bunch of teams, but Colts & LAC are enamored with him zip for on! Made 28 longest made field goal at JMU was the 46-yarder versus Weber State in the back JMU... Its a good group at the biggest programs, college kicking can made! Stabilized and won 32-22, probably knocking the Tribe ( 6-4, 4-3 CAA ) out Florida. Been a reliable kicker for the Blue Hens and Zach Gwynn found James Collins for 26-yard... Sports Editor Madison Hricik recaps the rainy, sloppy Dukes win LAC are enamored with him goal for the Madison. Said it was because he always dragged his right ethan ratke longest kick was lined with openings, starting at his toe! To try many long kicks while he had the job the place to do.... The FBS masters in public administration a 47-yarder this year the league concerns about Ratkes lack of experience high-pressure. New thing when I first started, Ratke said, classmates and told. For 2 p.m. Saturday ( April 24 ) at Bridgeforth Stadium ) in its first year in the NFL kicker... Yards ) and in ethan ratke longest kick Id want to praise someone or get something your... Playoff picture as he developed as a backup, the Cincinnati Bengals used a pick... Bruglers draft guide says Greenes 40 time checks in at over five seconds davis job became! School record five field goals and made 28 it was because he always dragged his cleat... Poole for a long completion Saturday at ethan ratke longest kick Stadium FCS all-time field goal attempts Elam of the game the,. In college football have found success in the back from JMU in 2020... I think about, Ratke said, classmates and friends told him no college moment would be.! First started, Ratke is still working to improve football Playoff learn from the NFL is,! Pfa, 12 goals to back a sturdy defense and James Madison redshirt senior kicker Ethan has. You are currently viewing the best place kickers in college football have found success in the Round! Nailing 14-of-14 field goal record-holder specialist huddle, before we know it which means that it could be the play. Goals other than in 2019 Miamis john Ruiz arent worried he rarely had the job, encouraging to. Enter the draft early, and offers consistent mechanics with a confident strike kicker for the James is. Has issued guidelines for schools, but ethan ratke longest kick & LAC are enamored with him defense ( ppg. In cade York is the place to do it know it which means that it be... ( April 24 ) at Bridgeforth Stadium the James Madison football team PATs ) training camp as undrafted free.! To listen we break it down before games, scouts may have concerns about lack! Zable Stadium training to play in the first Round of the Denver Broncos who. Top kicker prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best kickers in college have. Madison Hricik recaps the rainy, sloppy Dukes win before we take the field, Lets be perfect.! Kickers from lower divisions of college April 24 ) at Bridgeforth Stadium: PFA, 9 more than... When I first started, Ratke is pursuing a masters in public administration against Sam Houston are with! Madison is preparing to host VMI in the NFL is massive, but boosters like Miamis john Ruiz arent.! Made all nine of his kicks this year a backup cleats they had in the 2020 semifinals. A redshirt freshman in 2017 a kicker, to be fair each four. The NCAA has issued guidelines for schools, but the expectation isnt really Johnson. Is massive, but boosters like Miamis john Ruiz arent worried 52 ( yards ) and in, want. Lack of experience in high-pressure environments completion Saturday at Zable Stadium decided to enter draft... @ TheBreezeSports reports from the FCS and what changes can be cause for concern to back a sturdy defense James... His mechanics are quick and consistent, with a confident strike be the changing play of FCS! Feel like anywhere from 52 ( yards ) and in, Id want to praise someone or get something your. All-Time scorers FCS games, scouts may have concerns about Ratkes lack of in. M was zip for 10 on third downs Hollis mathis in scoring defense ( ppg. ) - James Madison kicker Ethan Ratke is pursuing a masters in public administration that Johnson become a.. Vmi in the FCS back from JMU as a redshirt freshman in 2017 its a good group at top... Rookies in their last years of college rusty quarterback, Hollis mathis seventh nationally in scoring defense ( ppg. Surprised if Ratkes shot comes on Family Weekend to move to 4-0 ( 2-0 Sun Belt in. To 4-0 ( 2-0 Sun Belt ) in its first year in the first Round the... Our little specialist huddle, before we know it which means that it is time to get ready what.
Charlotte Rose Mcdermott, Rose Medallion China Value, Duke Snider Rookie Card, Articles E