Kickers? Really? You are going to write about kickers? Yeah I am, it is important this year for Georgia football. I am sorry to those who do not enjoy the art of kicking the football. It is one-third of a football game. That’s 33% to you and me.
Kirby Smart was asked in his press conference the other day about the kicking situation. Something that’s not been brought up all that much. But should not go unnoticed. In the past two years, Georgia had one of the most dependable kickers in all of CFB in Jack Podlesny. Georgia fans knew him as Hot Pod more affectionately.
In the presser, Smart said the competition is between Jared Zirkel and Peyton Woodring. One of the kickers was 3-3, the other 3-4 in field goals attempted. Insiders at the scrimmage said it was Zirkel who was the kicker who was perfect in attempts.
Zirkel, who oddly I watched his recruitment in 2020 is out of Kerrville, TX. He was a two-star recruit, which is basically a 4-star in the kicking world. Zirkel is 1-1 in-game action for the Dawgs. The field goal was against South Carolina last season.
Woodring hails from Lafayette, Louisiana. Woodring was a three-star in the 2023 recruiting class and was the number-one kicker in the country according to 24/7 Sports. Kirby and company flipped him from Alabama. Woodring also broke the state record for the longest field goal made, which was 60 yards. Sounds like the kid has a boot.
Smart feels comfortable with either one starting and has yet to name the starting Kicker. I would guess that Smart goes with the more experienced guy and that guy is Jared Zirkel. He has been around the program for 3 years now. With kickers it is all about familiarity and Smart and the coaches are familiar with Zirkel.
Georgia has the rest of the special teams figured out with Aussie punter Brett Thorson. Thornson is also up for the job of the holder. I will not bore you with writing about who will be the holder. Just know Thorson, Beck, and McConkey are all up for the job.
Whoever takes over kicking duties has big shoes to fill. Podlesny last season, made 26 of his 31 field goal attempts. Podlesny was a pretty clutch kicker. Seems like Georgia has been spoiled with those lately. Hopefully, Jared Zirkel and Peyton Woodring are clutch as well.