Interview: 5-Star 20219 Oklahoma Kicker Noah Rauschenberg has a Powder Keg Leg

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Watching Class of 2019 kicker Noah Rauschenberg connect with the pigskin, it does not take long to realize he has unique leg strength that is uncommon. Like the sweet spot on a baseball bat, Rauschenberg seems to find the same zone on the football launching one explosive kick after another for Union High School, and he is still improving his overall game.

Credit to the coaches at Union High School for recognizing Rauschenberg’s talents early. During his freshman season he was called up to the varsity level midway through the schedule. Since his early baptism to 6A Oklahoma varsity football, Rauschenberg has developed from a raw talent with a strong leg to a physical talent honing and fine-tuning his gifts. In 2016, he connected on 12 of 16 field goals with a long of 53 yards. Showing that his range was no fluke, last year he put 14 through the uprights twice going 51 yards while sailing 64 of 66 point after attempts. Two games into his senior season, the 6-2, 195-pound, talent has hit 2 of 3, with one being blocked, with a long of 53 yards. The Redskins are no stranger to the end zone giving their star kicker amble opportunities to showcase his leg on kickoffs having booted 10 of 14 for touchbacks in just two games.

In the offseason, Rauschenberg took his skill-set to the test for competition and help with his technique competing at Chris Sailer camps. The Tulsa area product emerged from the camps as the No. 8 ranked kicker in the nation with a five-star ranking by Sailer. That same dedication to his craft comes through in the classroom where he sports a 3.8 GPA with an 1180 on the SAT and a 26 on the ACT.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top kicking prospects in the nation to learn more about his growing abilities and how the 2018 season has started out for him and the Redskins after a state title run in 2017 (12-1).

Interview

Noah, Union High School seems to be one of the best teams in the state of Oklahoma every year. You guys are off to a 1-1 start this year. What does the team need to do to make another run to the state title game?

“We need to trust each other. We are really big on trust and teamwork. That is our key, that is our focus. If we trust each other and work as a team, we can go steamroll everyone else this season.”

You have been kicking for the Redskins for a while, when did you get called up to the varsity roster?

“I was pulled up as a freshman about midway through the season. I did not start but I got to play in a couple of games.”

Over your career with the Redskins, what have been some of the highlights or bigger plays you have contributed to the team?

“My highlight is winning state sophomore year. I hit a walk-off 29-yard game winner against Owasso in double overtime. Everyone rushed the field after the kick. It was insane.”

What are you overall strengths on the field as a kicker?

“My strengths are being good under pressure. I stay calm and try to not show emotion. Kickoffs, that is a big strength of mine. I have a strong leg. My good hits go out the back of the end zone. I average about 70 yards on my kickoffs. I feel I am best at kickoffs right now.”

What did you work on with your kicking this offseason?

“I did a lot of work on field goals. I worked with some training coaches to get to the top level. I worked on height on my field goals, accuracy, and consistency. I toned everything down and worked back up. I am confident in my steps and my swing. I am confident now in the whole process.”

Do you do any punting?

“I can punt, but I am the backup punter right now. I can hit some good ones, but I am inconsistent. I have worked on it a lot, and still need to do more work. I have gotten a lot better than I was.”

What is your best distance on field goals and what is your average range?

“On a good day, I can go 65 yards with a little wind. With no wind, I can hit 55 to 60 yards. Accuracy wise, from 50 yards in I am very good.”

Did you kick at any camps this summer?

“I went to three college camps and two Chris Sailer camps. The college camps I went to were Rice, Texas Tech, and Arkansas.”

Of the three college camps, which was your best performance?

“I did the best at Arkansas. I’d say my second-best performance was at Texas Tech. I won the kickoff competition at Arkansas. I also won the kickoff competition at Texas Tech and got second in the punt competition.”

How has kicking at Chris Sailer camps helped you develop as a player?

“It has helped me a lot. I did all the little techniques and worked on their training. The camps have helped my technique a lot. It also has helped me focus in games from the competition at the camps. The kicking competition helps me work on handling pressure kicks. Working against the best in the country helped me, it pushed me to be better.”

What is your Chris Sailer ranking in the 2018 class?

“I am ranked No. 8 in the nation.”

You made his Top 12, what did you do to make the elite Top 12 list?

“I did the best I could. I won the kickoff competition. Over the first two days, I was in the Top 5 in field goals. That helped me cement my place.”

Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you?

“Arkansas – they seem pretty interested. I have recently been hit up by Utah and Army, and some D-II schools have contacted me.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I went to Arkansas and Oklahoma State.”

When did you visit Arkansas?

“My last visit was this past weekend for the season opener.”

How did it go?

“I loved it down there. I got to go into the locker room before and after the game – it is amazing.”

When was the last time you visited OSU?

“The last time I visited OSU was last season for a game.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I plan to go back to Arkansas for another game. I think I will be there for their game against Alabama.”

What goals have you set for yourself for the 2018 season?

“My goals are to win state, that is my priority. I want to do anything I can do to help us win. I want to be over 90 percent on touchbacks, above 85 percent on field goals, and 95-plus on my PATs.”

Last question. What type of student-athlete is Noah Rauschenberg?

“I always strive to be the best student I can be. I try to sit in the front of every class. I always try and do my best work. I listen to the teachers and respect them and try to do nothing bad to ruin my families’ name or my schools’ name.”

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

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Rauschenberg family; Noah Rauschenberg