Will The Kicking Game Progress This Year?

I think, as Husky fans, we can all remember the heartbreak that was last years Apple Cup. The real culprit was the shoddy kicking game. (Not to mention Tripper Johnson's absolutely blown coverage)

Last years kicker, Ryan Perkins, is gone, retiring because of constant injuries. Sophomore Erik Folk is now taking over.

For those of you who went to the Spring Game this year, I'm sure you remember the horror of Folk missing two extra point attempts.

Let's face it, the Huskies special teams over the last year or two have been absolutely horrendous.

It would be a huge bonus for the team if they are able to get the kicking and punting down pat. All reports are that the new punter, Will Mahan, is looking impressive and should help out immediately.

Folk needs to learn to slow down his kicking and not worry about what is going on around him.

It's been stated in some articles around the net and from my own observation that he rushes through the kick to get it out there as fast as possible.

Special teams coach Johnny Nansen also claims he has a tendency to look up early to watch the ball go through the uprights. The same problem I have when I whiff the ball playing golf.

Folk has a good pedigree, his older brother Nick is the kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, and he showed amazing leg strength in high school.

However, since coming to school, he's been hung up by injuries and the mental transition to college. He just isn't nearly back yet.

That being said, I think he has looked a hell of a lot better than he did in spring. There is still half a month to go to the first game, and he'll be sure to get plenty of reps in before September 5th.