Interview: 2021 All-State Hawaii Kicker Kyler Halvorsen Talks Washington State Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The onslaught of Hawaii’s record books by kicker Kyler Halvorsen was cut short during the 2020 season with the season bypassed because of the coronavirus. What would have been three-time All-State kicker will remain two-time and the ridiculous stats put up by the Kaiser High School 4.5-star recruit will be kept in time. When the 2019 season wrapped, Halvorsen had caught the eye of college programs eventually landing 11 scholarship offers. On Tuesday, Halvorsen told Wazzu’s coaching staff he was heading to Pullman. As the doors of fate open up, the Cougars’ starting kicker has transferred leaving one of the best true freshmen in the nation an opportunity to start his path towards collegiate glory when the 2021 season kicks off on Sept. 4 against a visiting Utah State squad.
In a return to the RNG Clubhouse, Halvorsen goes into detail on how he became a Washington State Cougar.
*Click the link for the Oct. 2020 RNG interview with Kyler Halvorsen
Interview
Kyler, congratulations on your commitment to Washington State.
Thank you.
When did the Cougars’ coaching staff start recruiting you?
About two to three weeks ago.
Through that process, how did your relationship with the coaching staff grow?
There were really confident in recruiting me and made me feel like Washington State would be my new home. During the process, they were getting to know me and what I like. Everything – it worked along really quickly.
UH (Hawaii) coaches were recruiting me when they were here. When Coach (Nick) Rolo (Rolovich) moved to Washington State, the coaches that went with him kept pushing for me. Their new special teams coordinator, Coach (Kyle) Krantz, came over from South Carolina. They showed him my reel; he loved me. Coach (Josh) Omura (recruiting) and Coach Rolo knew about me, and it was Coach Omura who really pushed for me with Coach Krantz.
When did you start to lean heavily to Wazzu over the other teams?
Probably about a week ago. It was between Washington State, UH, and Cal. I felt like I should get off the rock of Hawaii and explore the world. Washington state is the perfect place for me to do that.
When did you commit to the Cougars?
Yesterday.
Which coach did you contact to let them know you were heading to Pullman?
Coach Omura. He called me to see how things are going. I broke the news to him, and he told the coaches I had committed. They were all excited.
Now that you’ve announced to the coaches on staff and to the public, how does it feel to know you will be playing D-I football at a Power Five Conference program?
It feels great. It has not fully kicked in yet, but when it does it will be unforgettable moment. This is a blessing. It is a great privilege and a great blessing.
Before we wrap, update us on your offseason workouts. How are they going?
They are going pretty good. It is tough around here getting a field. I am trying to get onto a field as much as I can working on my game and getting ready for next year playing D-I Football.
Kyler, thanks for your time today and good luck this spring and summer preparing for your freshman season at Wazzu.
Thank you, sir.
Halvorsen’s 2019 Stat Sheet
10 of 13 on field goals; long of 53
41 of 41 on extra points
47 of 64 kickoffs for touchbacks; 72.3 average on kickoff
82-yard-long kickoff through the uprights, 10 kicks on the season through the uprights
29 kicks of 70 yards or longer
42.3-yard punt average; long of 65
Scholarship Offers
Benedictine College, Northwestern (IA), Culver Stockton, Olivet Nazarene, Valley City State, University Presentation College, Pacific Lutheran, Pacific University Willamette, University of Puget Sound, Redlands, and Lewis & Clark
Continued Recruiting Interests
Hawaii, Cal, Wake Forest, Wyoming, UNLV, and Sacramento State
Photo credit: Halvorsen family; Kyler Halvorsen