The University of Florida lost their kicker to injury. They hope to find one among the 50,000 or so students enrolled at the Gainesville school.
Coach Jim McElwain sent an “all call” on social media inviting students to tryout for the position earlier this week.
Must be enrolled at UF with a minimum of 12 credit hours.
— Gator Recruiting (@_Gators_) October 19, 2015
All Call for Kickers! #Gators are looking for walk-on kickers. Visit the football office today by 4:30 PM to sign up for a tryout. — Gator Recruiting (@_Gators_) October 19, 2015
The tweets did not detail the occupational hazards of the position. Gators kickers Jorge Powell and Austin Harden fell to injury, necessitating the public casting call. But most of the dangers pertain to mental rather than physical health. For all the wide rights and shanked kicks, Florida boasts perhaps the only player in NCAA history to boot his way to a Heisman Trophy. In 1966 quarterback Steve Spurrier insisted on kicking the game-winning field goal against Auburn. The future Gators coach doubled Bob Griese’s vote and captured the Heisman later that year. Many believe his heroics against Auburn sealed it.
“It wasn’t that long,” Spurrier told the AP in 2001. “Most guys can kick 40.”
McElwain relays that 216 students answered his call and tried out for kicker. The winner of the competition likely dresses up as a football player on Halloween when the Gators, enjoying this Saturday off, take on the Georgia Bulldogs.
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