Interview: 5-Star North Carolina 2019 P/K Ben Kiernan Flipping Fields Like a Pro

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Whether all 11 defenders realize it or not, there is no greater friend to a defense than that team’s punter. When the offense has stalled, a punter can back up the opposition giving margin for error for his defense, and even change the momentum of the game by pinning a squad down inside the 20-yard line. One punter/kicker frustrating the opposition every time he strolled out onto the field in 2017 was Class of 2019 talent Ben Kiernan.

Kiernan handled all the special teams kicking duties for Wakefield High School in 2017 excelling as a punter and kickoff specialist. The Raleigh area product averaged 44.3 yards per punt with a 4.2 hangtime pushing the opposition back while giving his teammates time to cover the ball. On kickoffs, opposing kick returners got a crick in their neck watching the ball sail overhead with a 67 yard per kickoff average by Kiernan.

The on and off field work has put Kiernan in the deserved position of being rated as a Chris Sailer five-star punter. Even though his specialty may be punting, Kiernan’s kickoff and field goal talents have also earned him elite status as a 4.5-star kicker, ranked No. 61 overall in the nation.

After winning Chris Sailer’s 2018 Vegas Punt Champion competition and earning a Top 12 Camp invite to Sailer’s prestigious elite camp, coupled with his in-season showcase of abilities, the No. 2 ranking in the country status as a punter has drawn recruiting attention. As one might imagine, seemingly every college football program in Kiernan’s home state of North Carolina that is need of a punter next year has reached out. Word of the power in the leg of the 6-0, 210-pound, talent has spread beyond regional boundaries with LSU, Nebraska, and Oregon, among others, reaching out.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Kiernan covering his feats on the field while receiving an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Ben, what are your kicking duties with Wakefield?

“I handled all of them – punting, kickoffs, and field goals.”

You excel at both punting and kicking, but perhaps are getting a little more attention as a punter. Between the two special teams roles, which do you think is your best?

“Punting, by far. Definitely punting.”

What are you doing on the field so well that has you rated as the No. 2 kicker in the nation by Chris Sailer?

“I think it starts with my practice habits. I work on my mechanics all the time. I slow it down, focus on my drop, work on my line, and stay as straight as possible. I’m not kicking as many punts as possible, I’m working on all the small stuff.”

Beyond averaging 44.3 yards per punt last year, what were some of your punting stats from the 2017 season?

“I averaged 4.2 hang time for punts. I can’t remember how many of my punts were downed inside the 20.”

You are also rated as a 4.5-star kicker by Chris Sailer. What are the strengths of your game as a kicker?

“As a kicker, I am working on how I strike the ball. For kickoffs, I am good at kickoffs. That relates better to punting than field goals. I can drive it into the end zone. On field goals, I am working on calming down and using less force to be more accurate. I go about 65-70 percent force on my field goals. I focus on hitting it in the right spot between the posts.”

Do you remember what your kickoff hangtime was last season?

“I think it was a 3.5 seconds hang time.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I have focused a lot more on field goals going into my senior season. The goal I have set for myself is to have a 45-yard average per punt and be 100 percent on kickoffs and PATs. I am really just working on my mechanics and everything that happens before I hit the ball on field goals, kickoffs, and punts.”

Have you attended any camps in 2018 yet?

“I’ve been to a camp with NFL kickers and punters and I’ve been to a Chris Sailer camp. It was great working with NFL guys at that camp. I learned what their mindset is before each kick and punt. I have worked that into my game.”

What did you do well at those camps?

“When I go to the competitions, I look at the list of competitors. Before my first Chris Sailer camp, I was No. 8 in the nation. Before Vegas, I researched my competition. During the competition, that wasn’t my first time seeing those guys. I knew what to expect. Having lived in Dublin until my eighth grade year, one person from Ireland I like to quote is Connor McGregor (MMA/boxer). His quote that I like, “I didn’t come here to take part, I came here to take over.” I want to be the best at what I do, and I will keep working until I get that spot.”

Do you have any camps or combines upcoming?

“I am planning on going to the FBU Showcase (June 10-12), that is part of Army All-American Game qualifications.”

Are you planning on attending any college camps this summer?

“I have been to a N.C. State and Duke camp before, I will more than likely go again this summer. I am planning on attending an Ohio State and Clemson camp. I am planning on going to more college camps, I’m just not sure where yet. I will go to camps at all the big colleges in North Carolina.”

Which colleges are showing recruiting interest in you?

“ECU (East Carolina) is showing a lot of interest. N.C. State, Nebraska, LSU, Wisconsin, Furman, UNC (North Carolina), Duke, and Oregon – I talked to them on Monday.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I have been to N.C. State’s Junior Day and some of their games. I am going to ECU’s Junior Day on March 17, Nebraska’s on April 7, and UNC’s on March 24th.”

What has you excited about visiting ECU this weekend?

“They were the first school that started talking to me. I was impressed that they sent me a hand-written letter to attend one of their camps. I went to one of their games last year. I like their coaches and how they run their program and their actions within the community.”

How is everything going in the classroom for you?

“I have a 3.5 GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT and/or the SAT yet?

“I have, but just recently. I am waiting on my scores for both tests.”

Last few questions. Is there a favorite play of yours from last season?

“I had a really good punt against Lee, I backed up on the five-yard line. We had a safety so we could kickoff or punt. They let me punt. You only get one step for the punt. I hit it as hard as I could. I think it was a 75- or 80-yard punt down to their 5-yard line. I had another one against Millbrook, I think I pinned them on their 2- or 3-yard line.”

What separates you from other punters and/or kickers?

“One thing that separates me, after I punt or kick, I look to see where the returner is going. I am confident I can get them. I am not afraid to make the hit to stop them. Also, when I go onto the field I am not distracted. I am focused on getting the ball off with a good punt.”

What do you love about playing football?

“I love the team concept. Our team is like a second family. All my close friends play football. We all have dreams of playing at the next level, maybe even the NFL one day. Football can change a person’s life with a free-ride scholarship. Playing football is impactful.”

Well said. Ben, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming visits and camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Victory Views: Ben Kiernan in action

Photo credit: Chris Sailer camps; Ben Kiernan at a Chris Sailer camp