On how he felt before he lined up the game-winning field goal attempt in overtime last week…
“I was nervous, but I just pretended like no one was there and it was just another, normal kick. I kinda cancelled everything out, just focused on what we had to do right there and it went through.”
On what he was thinking during the long pause as both teams called timeout prior to his game-winning attempt…
“I’m just thinking, I don’t know why they did it. It makes me a little more nervous, but it also gives me more time to prepare and be ready for the kick.”
On how it felt after essentially not being on the field for a meaningful kick since high school…
“It felt great. I was just glad to be out there and get my chance again and show everybody what I could do.”
On overcoming adversity earlier in his Minnesota career…
“They didn’t invite me to two-a-days one year because I wasn’t comfortable kicking yet. But that just gave me an opportunity to practice more and get stronger and be better, that kind of stuff. I’ve just been practicing super hard for the past two years, I got my chance, and it all went my way. I’m really excited.”
On who the first person he spoke with after celebrating with the win with his teammates…
“I went outside and gave my mom, dad, brother, grandma and grandpa a big hug and then the phone calls started coming in – aunts, uncles, family members, friends. It was still going on Sunday morning and into Sunday night.”
On being named co-special team player of the week in the Big 10 after his first game…
“That’s a huge honor. Hopefully I can stay up there and keep on doing well.”
“I was nervous, but I just pretended like no one was there and it was just another, normal kick. I kinda cancelled everything out, just focused on what we had to do right there and it went through.”
On what he was thinking during the long pause as both teams called timeout prior to his game-winning attempt…
“I’m just thinking, I don’t know why they did it. It makes me a little more nervous, but it also gives me more time to prepare and be ready for the kick.”
On how it felt after essentially not being on the field for a meaningful kick since high school…
“It felt great. I was just glad to be out there and get my chance again and show everybody what I could do.”
On overcoming adversity earlier in his Minnesota career…
“They didn’t invite me to two-a-days one year because I wasn’t comfortable kicking yet. But that just gave me an opportunity to practice more and get stronger and be better, that kind of stuff. I’ve just been practicing super hard for the past two years, I got my chance, and it all went my way. I’m really excited.”
On who the first person he spoke with after celebrating with the win with his teammates…
“I went outside and gave my mom, dad, brother, grandma and grandpa a big hug and then the phone calls started coming in – aunts, uncles, family members, friends. It was still going on Sunday morning and into Sunday night.”
On being named co-special team player of the week in the Big 10 after his first game…
“That’s a huge honor. Hopefully I can stay up there and keep on doing well.”