Interview: 2017 Texas 5-Star Kicker Blake Mazza Adding Punting to Impressive Resume

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

At the high school level, most kickers are punters and most punters are kickers as everything boils down to roster numbers along with ability and leg strength. The combination of the three variables do not always lead to a positive outcome for said team but in some cases, like for Plano High School, their third phase specialist has everything well under control.

Having a good kickoff specialist, punter, and/or field goal kicker can make all the difference in the world on the gridiron at any level. If a team can force a touchback, the opposition never gets the opportunity to put a quick six on the board and has to march 80 yards for a score. If the offense stalls, especially deep in their own territory, a punter can flip the field giving the defense some breathing room while allowing the opportunity for their offense to get the ball back in better position than they had it. In the end points on the board wins games and field goal kickers win games.

Blake Mazza has proven his worth as a kickoff specialist and field goal marvel but now gets to add punting duties to his list of abilities to cap off his senior season.

Mazza was called up to the varsity level late during his sophomore season and the Wildcats coaching staff could not be happier with the decision. In just two games during the 2014 season, Mazza hit 10 of 10 on PATs and nailed his lone field goal attempt. When the 2015 season came around, the 5-10, 171 pound, talent did not back away from the pressure hitting 27 of 28 PATs along with connecting on 6 of 9 field goals with a long off 44 yards. The three missed opportunities included a block, a missed 44 yard attempt, and a missed 50-plus yard try.

The on the field success for the Dallas area native along with off-season camps for Mazza has catapulted him into one of the best in the nation within the 2017 class. Kicking guru Chris Sailer rates Mazza as the No. 21 kicker in the nation slapping a five-star label on his talents.

Interest from college teams is starting to come around as recruiters figure out what they have on the roster and what they may lose at the end of the season. Army has already offered Mazza but teams like Houston, Oklahoma State, Navy, Air Force, and Vanderbilt are keeping a close eye on Mazza seeing how he starts off the 2016 schedule.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Mazza during the Wildcats fall camp to get an overview on his talents and abilities while receiving a recruiting news update.

Interview

Blake, what have you been working on throughout the off-season to prepare for your senior year?

“These past couple of months I’ve been working hard on my kickoffs. Schools recruiting me want to see my deep kickoffs. A trait of mine is putting it through the end zone on kickoffs.”

You are adding punting to your list of duties this year, right?

“Yes sir.”

Are you excited about taking over the punting job?

“Yes sir. That’s a third quality I bring to the game. Field goals and kickoffs are my main thing with a side of punting.”

What are you aiming to average with your punts this season?

“I think an average of 45 yards with a hang time of 4.4 to 4.5 (seconds) is doable.”

That would be really impressive. What strengths do you bring to the field as a field goal kicker?

“No matter if I am on the left or right hash, I feel confident. I feel confident anywhere on the field. I believe that is a standout strength of mine that makes me different from other kickers.”

How far back does your range on field goals go?

“Probably all the way back to 57 yards with no wind.”

I saw that you nailed a 65-yard field goal to win a competition. What is the furthest field goal you have connected on either in a game, practice, or in a competition?

“That 65-yard field to win a Chris Sailer competition is my best.”

Which Chris Sailer camps did you attend this off-season?

“I went to his Top 12 IMG Academy Elite camp in Florida.”

How did that camp go for you?

“It was a really fun camp. I did well. I made the finals on Day Two with field goals. I kicked off really well. I also made it to the quarterfinals in punt.”

How did you finish in the field goal competition?

“I was in the final field goal slot or grouping. The way we did it, I was one of four. We went back to the 52 yard line. It wasn’t crazy far. The competition was all on accuracy and consistency.”

There is an obvious answer to part of this question, but what are your goals for the 2016 season?

“I want 100 percent on my field goal tries. I really feel that right now I am doing the best I ever have on field goals. I want my touchbacks to be between 80 to 90 percent.”

What do you average on your kickoffs?

“I’m at 75 yards plus.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“Yes. I went to a lot of camps and did very well. I went to Texas Tech, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Vanderbilt, Miami, Texas Longhorns, and to a Houston Cougars camp.”

Which camp did you turn in your best performance?

“At Oklahoma State. I won the field goal competition there. I also got second in kickoffs. I formed a good connection with special teams coach there. They need to sign a kicker this year.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“OK-State, Houston, Navy, Air Force, and Vanderbilt.”

I know you have an offer, who do you have an offer from?

“Army.”

As an overall, how have schools left the recruiting part of everything with you?

“There are a couple of schools watching my first three games. They have narrowed it down to a couple of kickers. Whoever has the best first couple of games will get an offer. I want to standout with my kickoffs.”

Do you have any unofficial or official visits planned yet?

“I’m taking an unofficial to OK-State and I’m trying to go to Houston. I’m still trying to figure out my situation with other colleges as well.”

How did your junior year end up in the classroom?

“I had a 3.56 GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the ACT and scored a 22. I’m taking prep classes for the ACT and taking it again.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“English.”

How does the team look going into the 2016 season?

“This year I feel like we have a really strong team. We are underrated because of last year (4-6). We had a couple big time recruits that left. The writers looking at us are not looking at the talent on the roster. I think we will have a really good season. We have a good quarterback and running back and a new coaching staff. We are changing the program around.”

Are there any games on the schedule you and/or the team are excited to play this year?

“Yes! I’m pretty excited for the Allen (Oct. 7), Denton-Guyer (Sept. 23), and Plano West (Oct. 28) games.”

Blake thanks for your time today and good luck with your senior season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: varsityviews.com; Blake Mazza in action.

Photo credit: chrissailer.com; Blake Mazza with Chris Sailer.

Photo credit: Blake Mazza unofficial visit at Houston (2015).

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