Bentonville 5-Star Kicker Hayden Moehring Ready for Arkansas State Title Run

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Since the 2007 season, one of the best and most consistent high school football programs in the state of Arkansas has been Bentonville. The Tigers have won seven consecutive 7A West Conference titles, arguably the toughest conference in the Natural State, and have notched four state titles over that stretch winning consecutive trophies in 2013 and 2014.

The Tigers continued their incredible run through the state of Arkansas, and against tough out of state non-conference foes in 2015. Bentonville topped Rockhurst (Kansas City, MO) 24-13, Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, CO) 41-22, and Rickards (Tallahassee, FL) 37-8 before digging in on Arkansas schools. The Tigers went 10-2 making a run into the semifinals with great play on both sides of the ball. One consistent throughout the season oft overlooked was Class of 2017 kicker Hayden Moehring.

Hayden got his opportunity to handle the field goal and kickoff duties after older brother Bennett signed with Navy as part of the 2015 recruiting class. Hayden parlayed a junior varsity season hitting 2 of 3 field goals without missing an extra point into five field goals connected on and hit 52 of 54 extra points with one of those attempts being blocked. Hayden also knocked 62 of 67 kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks sporting a 67 yard per kick average. He even got a few snaps in as punter pinning the opposition inside the 20-yard line twice in three attempts.

Outside of high school play, Moehring has displayed his abilities for kicking expert Chris Sailer earning a ranking as a 5-star recruit. Sailer attests to Moehring’s strong leg adding that his range is 55 yards-plus with the ability to hit from 70 to 75. The 5’9”, 175 pound, talent has started the exposure camp season off right earning a spot in Sailer’s Top 12 after becoming the 2016 Illinois Spring Camp Kickoff Champion. Sailer has Moehring as the No. 7 overall kicker in the 2017 class.

Another testament for Moehring’s abilities, for kickers to earn scholarship offers early they have to be doing something right and very good at what they do. Moehring already has two offers on the table from Navy and Army with more sure to follow after a heavy college camp schedule planned.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Moehring before his camp season picks up to cover his junior season on the field, his offseason workouts, and his tentative camp schedule.

Interview

Hayden, you were a big part of Bentonville’s success on the field in 2015. With another year left to play at the high school level, what are some of the things you feel are your strengths as a field goal kicker?

“I think No. 1 is my leg strength. I have one of the strongest legs in my class. I’ve improved on my mental toughness. Whatever happened on the previous play does not phase me anymore. Another thing, I work on technique every day.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of your junior season?

“I was first team All-Conference.”

You mentioned your technique. What are you working on to improve or strengthen your technique?

“I’m working on improving my flexibility and core strength. I try to make every kick the same. I measure my distance from the holder the same every time and make sure there are no changes.”

A key to every kicker or punter’s success is their snapper. Are you getting your snapper back this year?

“This past year we had a snapper that did punts and one for field goals. We’ll just have one this year. Jack Short, he’s good.”

Bentonville is losing a lot of talent but that has never stopped the Tigers from being good year after year. How does the team look going into next season?

“The team looks good. We graduated some seniors but we have a good quarterback coming back. We have a linebacker transfer from Heritage and a transfer from Florida who may play some running back. We have some good additions. I think we have enough for a championship run.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“This past season I was 62 of 67 on touchbacks, I want to be 100 percent this season. I do not plan to miss, I want to be 100 percent on field goals. I will punt this year too. I want to be a solid punter for the team.”

You have two offers extended from Army and Navy. Are there any other schools showing interest in you right now?

“The two main ones are Memphis and Iowa State. Iowa State is coming up here next week. Memphis’ coach, Coach (Joe) Lorig, I talk to him once a week. I chat with Vanderbilt coach Kevin Abrams often.”

When you have talked to the various coaches about your kicking abilities, what are they telling you they like?

“Really just my leg strength is what I have heard most. That sets me apart from the competition.”

Are you going to any college camps this summer?

“I’m going to Wisconsin, North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Virginia and I’m trying to make it an Arkansas camp. I may go to Pitt, Georgia, Alabama, and Northwestern as well.”

You did well at one of Chris Sailer’s camps this spring. Do you have plans to go to any other Sailer camps or other exposure camps?

“I will be at Sailer’s Top 12 Camp. I was selected for that in January. I’m also going to the Top Gun Camp to compete for selection into the Army All-American Game.”

Have any of the colleges told you what you may need to do to earn an offer. For example, have a good camp with them or even just show up to show that you have interest in their school?

“I don’t think it is that specific yet. It all depends on which school will need a kicker or which schools try to offer a preferred walk-on spot.”

When your time comes to choose a school, what are the main factors you will consider in choosing a college?

“I want to go to a school to get a good education. I want a Top 100 school. This is a four year decision. It is not easy to make it to the NFL. I want a place where I feel at home with the staff and the players. I don’t care how close it is to home.”

Have you been on any unofficial visits?

“I’ve been to Arkansas on an unofficial visit and to Northwestern.”

How did the Arkansas visit go for you?

“It was really great. They have great facilities that were impressive. When I visited, I watched a practice. The most impressive thing about the visit was their virtual reality system they have for the quarterbacks. They have some of the best technology there for sure.”

Have you heard from Arkansas State?

“Their coach has reached out to me. I know they are looking to offer to a kicker my age but I don’t know where I am at on their board.”

How did your visit to Northwestern go?

“That was a really cool visit. They have fantastic education programs there. It was a quick visit. I went up there to Chicago for a Chris Sailer camp.”

Do you play any other sports for Bentonville?

“I played soccer until this year. Now I’m focused strictly on football.”

Do you have a GPA you don’t mind sharing?

“My GPA is 3.64.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the ACT and got a 27. I’m taking the SAT coming up.”

Very nice. What is your favorite subject in school?

“English. I’m good at writing essays. I want to major in journalism in college.”

Careful, I may put you to work.

(Laughs)

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career so far?

“Definitely my brother Bennett, he is a kicker at Navy right now. He has taught me everything I know about kicking.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“My favorite part about playing football is probably being on the team with my friends and having a good time with them. The atmosphere on Friday nights is unlike anything. I love being out there with my friends.”

Hayden, thanks for your time today and good luck at all the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: chrissailerkicking.com; Hayden Moehring at a Chris Sailer camp.

Photo credit: 247sports.com; Hayden Moehring kicks one through for Bentonville.

Photo credit: Moehring family; Hayden Moehring visiting Arkansas.