Interview: 5-Star 2018 Virginia K/P Nate Craft Reclassifying for 2019 Class Via JUCO

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Few high school athletes can lay claim to the list of accomplishments posted like Nate Craft during his career. After coming up as a freshman to the varsity squad for Salem High School, he went on to be a three-time 4A All-State kicker earning All-Conference and first team All-State punter honors during his senior year. If that wasn’t enough, he was part of three consecutive state championships. Adding a little more to the pile, he is also a five-star kicker listed by Chris Sailer.

Craft (5-9, 200) brought his high school playing career to an end as all hope, on top. The path forward for the five-star kicker/punter is still wide-open working on his grades and test scores this offseason. The plan for the cannon-legged Class of 2018 recruit is to spend a semester at a JUCO as a part-time student and then reclassify as a 2019 prospect in time for National Signing Day with four years to play four. With him on the market as a do-all combo kicker, that gives college coaches in need a talented addition to their next crop of players brought onto campus.

In a quick offseason one-on-one interview, I sat down with one of the more talented kickers in the country for a rundown on his senior season, offseason workouts, and plans going forward.

Interview

Nate, you went out on top your senior year with a state title. What was the championship run like for you and the Spartans?

“As a team, we had a great bond and chemistry. We won three state championships. My sophomore class, we were called “sizzling sophomores”. We won the state title my sophomore year, I kicked the game winner in the championship game in double-overtime. It was great to win our third. Winning again, that helped me as a person to accomplish all that. It was a great feeling.”

Aside from the state title, what were some of the highlights for you from your senior year?

“My senior year, I had a great season. I did very well on kickoffs. I was 76 percent on my touchbacks, 69 out of 90. I missed two PATs, they were blocked, I did well on my field goal kicking my senior year. My junior year was a better year for me kicking field goals, I was 9 for 11. My senior year, I was 4 of 10 – we had some snap and hold issues.”

What about with your punting, how did that go?

“I averaged 42 yards on my punts. I feel like I helped the team by flipping the field, with my directional putting, and pinning the other team near the end zone.”

You handled kicking and punting duties, which do you like best?

“Field goal kicking and kickoffs.”

What was your longest field goal last season?

“My longest last season was 35 yards but for my career, my longest was 49 yards.”

What is your longest field goal at camp or in practice?

“My longest field goal is 63 yards. I did that at a camp, at a Chris Sailer Top Gun camp.”

Nice. Which schools were showing interest in you leading up to National Signing Day?

“James Madison, Richmond, Liberty, and Old Dominion were the main Division-I schools. I had an offer from a D-II school, Virginia-Wise.”

You are going the JUCO route right?

“Yes, sir. I am going to Erie Community College in Buffalo. I will be there as a part-time student this fall.”

With that in mind, obviously you will not play for Erie this fall?

“Correct.”

What are you going to do this fall to stay sharp at Erie C.C.?

“My kicking coach (Hammer Kicking Academy) is in Buffalo, I will train with him. He helps me with my form and technique.”

The plan after that is to transfer to a four-year?

“Yes, sir. I will transfer in January 2019.”

Are you going to any camps this summer to show off your leg?

“I am going to a few. I plan to do well and speak to the coaches while I am there to get my name on the board.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“This offseason I am working out in the weight room, stretching, staying in shape, and eating right. I am kicking on the weekends and going to camps. I’m doing a lot of training. I am videotaping myself to fix anything if I need to. I am working a lot on length strength this offseason.”

What are you goals for this spring?

“I want to improve my accuracy; college goal posts are smaller. I am working on staying consistent. On punts, I am improving my punts and my hang time. Overall, I am working on my technique, being flexible, keep my consistency, and working on kicking the ball out of the back of the end zone every time.”

Last question. If a college coach wants to start recruiting you, what type of student-athlete are they recruiting?

“I am an athlete that works hard. I am a positive person on and off the field and in the locker room. I hold my teammates accountable for their actions and myself. I am a good teammate and a hard worker in the classroom after struggling my freshman and sophomore year.

“My other goal is to finish strong in the classroom after falling in a hole my freshman and sophomore year. My goal is to qualify for a four-year school before I graduate.”

Nate, thanks for your time today and good luck in the classroom and on the field.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: FieldGoalKicker.com; No. 40 Nate Craft

Photo credit: Craft family; Nate Craft punting and kicking