MSU kickers may share FG duties
Walk-on sophomore Todd Boleski can hit field goals reliably from a short distance. True freshman Brett Swenson is more accurate at longer distances. Add them both together and MSU’s kicking game should be MUCH improved over last season. Tim Kirby of the Lansing State Journal reports that John L. Smith isn’t concerned about starting two field goal kickers.
Smith didn’t have a set yardage for either kicker but said Boleski would handle longer field goals, and Swenson would handle short-yardage field goals.
“Very, very definitely you could see that,” Smith said of using a two-kicker system. “I don’t want to be premature in saying that, but that’s almost what is sorting out.”
Smith said he doesn’t have a set deadline to make a final decision.
“That could go forever; you might not know who’s kicking off until we line up on Saturday,” Smith said. “Those guys are both going to kick, and kick all year long.”
Shannon Shelton of the Detroit Free Press discusses the kicking battle as well as the great first impression JC defensive end Ervin Baldwin has had on the coaching staff.
Junior college transfer Ervin Baldwin (6-2, 252) a potential starting defensive end, has impressed coaches in his first week of practice.
“We’re getting out of Baldwin what we thought we would,” Smith said. “I’m very impressed with what he’s been doing. He’s a natural football player. He has great instincts, strength, get off.”