Interview: 2020 Texas Kicker Jared Zirkel Talks Football and 59-Yard In-Game FG Make

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Think college football recruiting nuts are not a bunch of prattling hens, when Class of 2020 Tivy High School kicker Jared Zirkel nailed a 59-yard field goal in a game it was the kick heard across the country. The 6-2, 180-pound, talent instantly made a name for himself and rocked the recruiting trail with his ability. Now everyone wants to know, who is Jared Zirkel?

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Kerrville (TX) area product covering his big kick and growing overall talents as a specialist.

*Click link for Jared Zirkel’s KickingWorld.com profile

Interview

Jared, your junior year is off to a bang nailing the field goal heard around the country, a 59-yarder. That is incredible. When you were called out there to attempt the kick, what was going through your mind?

“At first, I was pretty nervous, but I had attempted kicks like that in practice before, but I never thought I would do one in a game. Once I was in the moment, I had the thought that I could do it.”

From the footage, it looks like you could have backed up another five yards or so, did it feel that clean on contact?

“Yes! It was a really clean hit. One of the best contacts I have made.”

When it went through the uprights, what was that moment like for you?

“I could not see it go through, there were so many of my teammates jumping on me already. I was giving all the guys high-fives and stuff like that. It was great.”

Before that kick, what was the longest in-game field goal you had made?

“In a game before that, it was 35-yards.”

Obviously, the coaching staff knew you had the leg to do it, what is the furthest kick you have connected on in practice or at a camp?

“In practice it was 63-yards, at a camp with video it was 60-yards.”

What about on kickoffs, what are you averaging on your kickoffs?

“I think my kickoffs are averaging about 68 yards with a 4.0 hang-time.”

Are you doing any punting as well, if so, how is that going?

“Honestly, punting is not my main thing. Kicking is No. 1 for me. I can punt, but for punts I can usually hit a bomb every once in a while and on all the others I am around 38 to 40 yards.”

What do you feel are your strengths as a field goal kicker?

“I have good distance on my field goals and my accuracy has improved a lot.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I have been tweeting with coaches from Stanford, Texas A&M, Arizona, Penn State, Oklahoma State, Texas State, Texas Tech, UTSA, Arkansas, Wake Forest, Louisville, Toledo, and Utah State.”

What did college coaches say to you about the 59-yard kick?

“I got a lot of “great kick” comments and “we will keep in touch to see how you are doing” moving forward messages.”

What goals have you set for the 2018 season?

“The main goal is first team All-District again. I want to average 90 percent on touchbacks and 80 percent on field goals.”

Jared, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: kickingworld.com; Jared Zirkel