Interview: Georgia 2018 P/K Jake Camarda is Rare Top Talent Capable of both at Collegiate Level

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

With limited number of scholarships allowed to be handed out per NCAA rules, year after year college coaches have to form a strategy on who to extend an offer to filling in needed spots on the roster. True two-way talents that can lineup on either side of the ball are always a blessing receiving a two-for-one deal. A two for one deal with projected All-Conference and All-American kind of talent on special teams drawing top national interest and offers is Jake Camarda.

Camarda has been handling all three phases of the kicking duties for Norcross High School at an elite level over the past two seasons. The time spent on the practice field, at Chris Sailer camps, and in-game experience has translated in the stat line. At the conclusion of his sophomore year Camarda ripped 50 kickoffs with 10 touchbacks. He nailed a 47 yard field goal and shinned handling punting duties averaging 39.5 yards per punt off 60 attempts pinning 16 offensive drives inside the 20.

The rise in Camarda’s abilities coincided with the Blue Devils win-loss record. The Georgia squad upped their record from 7-4 to 11-1 in 2016 with Camarda hitting three field goals with a long of 48 yards while pushing 54-of-64 kickoffs for a touchback. The 6-2, 175 pound, talent averaged 41.5 yards per punt booming 40 across the field.

All of Camarda’s hard work has not gone unnoticed in the rankings or by college coaches. Camarda is the No. 3 ranked field goal kicker in the nation and the No. 1 ranked punter by kicking guru Chris Sailer earning elite five-star status. It seems college coaches agree with teams like Alabama, South Carolina, Stanford, and Tennessee showing interest and offers extended already by Rutgers and in-state power Georgia.

In a Recruiting News Guru in-depth Q&A, I sat down with one of the top stars in the 2018 recruiting class covering his high school career thus far, off-season goals, and recruiting process.

Interview

When did you start developing your skills as a punter and kicker?

“I really figure out I was good at it the end of my freshman year.”

What specific workouts do you do to help increase the power in your kicks?

“Whatever my weight coach has on the board.”

How has your punting improved over the past two seasons?

“It has improved a lot. I have more hang time and distance, and a smoother swing.”

Which drills do you do to help develop your consistency?

“A lot of repetition with my swing, catching, and drop drills.”

What is your range on punts?

“To be honest I don’t know.”

What is your longest punt in a game without benefit of a roll?

“My longest punt is 65 yards.”

What is your range on the field with your field goals?

“My longest in a game is 48.”

What is the longest you have connected on during practice or at a camp?

“The longest in practice is 66.”

What is your comfort zone on field goals?

“Anywhere. Hashes don’t matter to me. Distance in-game, if you put me out there I will do my best from any distance.”

What makes you a dangerous punter capable of flipping the field and/or pinning an offense down deep in their own territory?

“I can put the ball inside the 10 or the 20 and my directional punt. If my team is on the other side of the field, the ball will end up where the coaches want it.”

What post-season honors have you earned so far?

“My junior year I received Scout All-American punter, All-State, All-County, All-Region, and an All-American kick off specialist award. In 2015, I was an All-American punter, All-County, All-State, and All-Region punter.”

Which do you enjoy doing best, kicking field goals or punting?

“I enjoy doing it all.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered you yet?

“Stanford, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina.”

Which schools have extended offers to you?

“Georgia and Rutgers.”

Which schools have you visited unofficially so far?

“Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia Tech, and Clemson.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“I know for a fact I am visiting Georgia once or twice for spring practices. I’m not sure where else I may visit yet.”

What is the highest achievement you have earned at a Chris Sailer camp?

“I won the Vegas camp punt competition.”

Are you going to any Chris Sailer or college camps this summer?

“I’m not sure yet. I have not talked to my family about it yet.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.4.”

Do you play any other sports?

“Baseball.”

Which positions?

“Centerfield and I pitch.”

Last question. For your senior year to start off the way you want, what will you have accomplished this off-season?

“I’m working hard and trying to be more consistent with everything I do. I’m working on building a family on the football team and being a leader there.”

Jake, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: varsitynews.com; No. 98 Jake Camarda punting.

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 98 Jake Camarda kicking a field goal.

Photo credit:  Camarda family; Jake Camarda at Georgia.

Photo credit: ChrisSailerkicking.com; Jake Camarda with Chris Sailer.