The Definitive Guide To Iowa State's Field Goal Kickers

Who is the Iowa State field goal kicker?Connor Assalley is an American football placekicker for the Iowa State Cyclones.

Connor Matthew Assalley (born February 15, 1999) is an American football placekicker for the Iowa State Cyclones. He was named to the All-Big 12 First Team as a junior in 2021.

Assalley was born in Ankeny, Iowa, and attended Ankeny High School, where he played football and soccer. He was a two-time all-state selection in football and was named the state's kicker of the year as a senior in 2016.

Assalley committed to play college football at Iowa State over offers from several other schools, including Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. He redshirted his first year in Ames in 2017 and then served as the backup kicker in 2018 and 2019.

Assalley took over as the starting kicker in 2020 and was a key contributor to the Cyclones' success that season. He made 14 of 18 field goal attempts and was 35 of 36 on extra points.

In 2021, Assalley was named to the All-Big 12 First Team after making 20 of 24 field goal attempts and 42 of 43 extra points.

Iowa State Field Goal Kicker

The Iowa State field goal kicker plays a crucial role in the team's success, contributing significantly through various key aspects:

• Accuracy
• Consistency
• Range
• Clutch Performance
• Experience
• Mental Fortitude

Accuracy and consistency are paramount, as field goals are often the difference between winning and losing. The kicker must be able to make kicks from a variety of distances and angles, and they must be able to do so consistently. Range is also important, as the kicker needs to be able to reach the end zone on kickoffs and field goals from long distances. Clutch performance is essential, as the kicker must be able to perform under pressure in key moments of the game. Experience is also important, as the kicker needs to be able to handle the pressure of playing in big games. Finally, mental fortitude is essential, as the kicker needs to be able to stay focused and composed in high-pressure situations.

Overall, the Iowa State field goal kicker is a vital member of the team, and their performance can have a significant impact on the team's success.

1. Accuracy

Accuracy is paramount for an Iowa State field goal kicker. A field goal is worth three points, and it can be the difference between winning and losing a game. A kicker who is accurate from a variety of distances and angles gives his team a huge advantage.

• Distance
  The ability to make field goals from long distances is essential for an Iowa State field goal kicker. The Cyclones play in a tough conference, and they often face opponents with strong defenses. A kicker who can consistently make field goals from 40 or 50 yards out can give his team a big edge.
• Angles
  Field goals are not always kicked straight ahead. Sometimes, a kicker will need to make a field goal from an angle. This can be difficult, but it is a skill that all great kickers must have. Iowa State's kicker must be able to make field goals from both the left and right hash marks.
• Pressure
  Kicking a field goal in a big game can be nerve-wracking. The pressure can be even greater if the game is on the line. However, a great kicker will be able to stay calm and focused under pressure. Iowa State's kicker must be able to make field goals in pressure situations.
• Consistency
  Consistency is key for an Iowa State field goal kicker. A kicker who is consistently accurate will give his team a lot of confidence. The Cyclones need to know that they can count on their kicker to make field goals when they need them.

Accuracy is a vital skill for an Iowa State field goal kicker. A kicker who is accurate from a variety of distances and angles can give his team a huge advantage. The Cyclones need to have a kicker who they can count on to make field goals when they need them.

2. Consistency

Consistency is key for an Iowa State field goal kicker. A kicker who is consistently accurate will give his team a lot of confidence. The Cyclones need to know that they can count on their kicker to make field goals when they need them.

• Accuracy
  The most important aspect of consistency for a field goal kicker is accuracy. A kicker who is accurate from a variety of distances and angles will be more consistent than a kicker who is only accurate from certain distances or angles. Iowa State's kicker needs to be able to make field goals from both the left and right hash marks, and he needs to be able to make them from a variety of distances.
• Routine
  Another important aspect of consistency is routine. A kicker who has a consistent routine will be more likely to make field goals than a kicker who does not have a consistent routine. Iowa State's kicker should have a set routine that he follows before every kick, and he should stick to that routine even when he is under pressure.
• Mental toughness
  Mental toughness is also important for consistency. A kicker who is mentally tough will be able to stay focused and composed under pressure. Iowa State's kicker needs to be able to handle the pressure of kicking in big games, and he needs to be able to bounce back from missed field goals.
• Experience
  Experience is also a factor in consistency. The more experience a kicker has, the more likely he is to be consistent. Iowa State's kicker should have plenty of experience kicking field goals in both practice and games.

Consistency is a vital skill for an Iowa State field goal kicker. A kicker who is consistently accurate will give his team a huge advantage. The Cyclones need to have a kicker who they can count on to make field goals when they need them.

3. Range

Range is an important aspect of an Iowa State field goal kicker's skillset. The ability to make field goals from long distances can give the Cyclones a significant advantage in close games. Iowa State's kicker must be able to consistently make field goals from 40 or 50 yards out, and he must also be able to make kicks from even longer distances in certain situations.

There are several reasons why range is important for an Iowa State field goal kicker. First, the Cyclones play in a tough conference, and they often face opponents with strong defenses. A kicker who can consistently make field goals from long distances can give Iowa State a big edge in these games. Second, field goals can be the difference between winning and losing a game. A kicker who can make field goals from long distances can help Iowa State win games that they would otherwise lose.

Iowa State has had several kickers with impressive range in recent years. Former kicker Cole Netten was one of the most accurate kickers in the country during his time in Ames. Netten made 80.6% of his field goal attempts during his career, and he was also one of the best long-distance kickers in the country. Netten made several field goals from 50 or more yards out during his career, including a 55-yard field goal against Oklahoma in 2018.

Current kicker Connor Assalley has also shown impressive range during his time at Iowa State. Assalley made a 52-yard field goal against Iowa in 2020, and he also made a 51-yard field goal against West Virginia in 2021. Assalley's range gives Iowa State a big advantage, and he is one of the best kickers in the country.

Range is a vital skill for an Iowa State field goal kicker. A kicker who can consistently make field goals from long distances can give the Cyclones a significant advantage in close games. Iowa State has had several kickers with impressive range in recent years, and Connor Assalley is continuing that tradition.

4. Clutch Performance

Clutch performance is the ability to perform at one's best under pressure. For an Iowa State field goal kicker, clutch performance is essential. Field goals are often the difference between winning and losing, and the ability to make a kick in a pressure situation can be the difference between a victory and a defeat.

• Pressure
  Field goal kickers are under a lot of pressure, especially in clutch situations. The pressure can come from the crowd, the opposing team, or even the kicker's own teammates. A kicker who can handle pressure and stay focused is more likely to make a kick in a clutch situation.
• Experience
  Experience is also important for clutch performance. A kicker who has been in a lot of pressure situations is more likely to be successful in the clutch. Iowa State's kicker should have plenty of experience kicking field goals in both practice and games.
• Confidence
  Confidence is another important factor in clutch performance. A kicker who is confident in his abilities is more likely to make a kick in a pressure situation. Iowa State's kicker should have confidence in his ability to make field goals, even in the most difficult situations.
• Mental toughness
  Mental toughness is also important for clutch performance. A kicker who is mentally tough will be able to stay focused and composed under pressure. Iowa State's kicker should be able to handle the pressure of kicking in big games, and he should be able to bounce back from missed field goals.

Clutch performance is a vital skill for an Iowa State field goal kicker. A kicker who can perform well in clutch situations can be the difference between a win and a loss. Iowa State needs to have a kicker who they can count on to make field goals when they need them most.

5. Experience

Experience is a crucial aspect for an Iowa State field goal kicker, influencing their performance and overall success. Kickers with extensive experience tend to exhibit greater accuracy, consistency, and composure under pressure.

• Field Knowledge
  

  Experienced kickers possess an in-depth understanding of field conditions, wind patterns, and opponent tendencies. They can adjust their technique and strategy accordingly, increasing their chances of making successful kicks.

• Pressure Management
  

  With accumulated experience, kickers develop the mental fortitude to handle the intense pressure associated with their role. They learn to control their emotions, focus their attention, and execute under challenging circumstances.

• Game Situations
  

  Experience allows kickers to familiarize themselves with various game situations and scenarios. They gain valuable insights into how to approach crucial kicks, such as game-winning field goals or pressure-packed extra points.

• Consistency and Accuracy
  

  Over time, experienced kickers refine their technique and develop a consistent approach to their craft. This leads to improved accuracy and reliability, enabling them to make kicks from different distances and angles.

In summary, experience plays a pivotal role in shaping an Iowa State field goal kicker's performance. It enhances their field knowledge, pressure management skills, game situational awareness, and overall consistency, making them valuable assets to the team.

6. Mental Fortitude

Mental fortitude plays a crucial role in the success of an Iowa State field goal kicker. Field goal kicking requires a unique combination of physical skill and mental toughness. Kickers must be able to maintain focus, composure, and confidence even under immense pressure and scrutiny.

One of the most important aspects of mental fortitude for a field goal kicker is the ability to handle pressure. Kickers are often called upon to make game-winning or game-tying field goals in pressure-packed situations. Being able to block out distractions, stay calm, and execute under pressure is essential for success.

Another important aspect of mental fortitude is the ability to bounce back from adversity. Kickers will inevitably miss field goals from time to time. The ability to learn from mistakes, stay positive, and move on is crucial for maintaining confidence and performing at a high level.

Iowa State has had a number of successful field goal kickers in recent years, including Cole Netten and Connor Assalley. Both kickers have demonstrated exceptional mental fortitude throughout their careers. Netten was a clutch performer who made several game-winning field goals during his time in Ames. Assalley is a rising star who has shown the ability to handle pressure and perform at a high level in big games.

Mental fortitude is a vital quality for any Iowa State field goal kicker. Kickers who possess mental fortitude are more likely to succeed under pressure, bounce back from adversity, and perform at a high level consistently.

FAQs

This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the Iowa State field goal kicker, providing informative answers to common concerns and misconceptions.

Question 1: What are the key qualities of a successful Iowa State field goal kicker?

Answer: Successful Iowa State field goal kickers typically possess a combination of physical skills, such as accuracy, consistency, and range, as well as mental attributes, including composure under pressure, mental fortitude, and the ability to handle adversity.

Question 2: How does experience contribute to the performance of an Iowa State field goal kicker?

Answer: Experience plays a crucial role in the development of an Iowa State field goal kicker. With accumulated experience, kickers gain valuable insights into field conditions, wind patterns, opponent tendencies, and game situations. This enhanced knowledge and familiarity contribute to improved decision-making, execution, and overall consistency.

Question 3: What factors influence the accuracy of an Iowa State field goal kicker?

Answer: The accuracy of an Iowa State field goal kicker is influenced by a combination of factors, including technique, consistency in their approach, ability to read wind conditions, and the quality of the snap and hold.

Question 4: How does the Iowa State coaching staff evaluate potential field goal kickers?

Answer: The Iowa State coaching staff evaluates potential field goal kickers based on a comprehensive assessment that considers their physical abilities, such as leg strength and accuracy, as well as their mental attributes, including composure under pressure and the ability to handle adversity.

Question 5: What are the expectations for the Iowa State field goal kicker in terms of performance?

Answer: The Iowa State field goal kicker is expected to perform at a consistently high level, contributing to the team's success. This includes making field goals from a variety of distances and angles, performing well under pressure, and maintaining a strong mental fortitude throughout the season.

In summary, the Iowa State field goal kicker plays a vital role on the team, and their performance is influenced by a combination of physical skills, mental attributes, and external factors. The coaching staff carefully evaluates potential kickers and sets high expectations for their performance throughout the season.

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Conclusion

The Iowa State field goal kicker holds a critical position on the team, significantly influencing the outcome of games. Successful kickers possess a combination of physical skills, such as accuracy and consistency, and mental attributes, including composure under pressure and mental fortitude.

Experience plays a vital role in shaping a kicker's performance, as it enhances field knowledge, pressure management abilities, game situational awareness, and overall consistency. Iowa State has had a history of talented kickers, including Cole Netten and Connor Assalley, who have showcased exceptional skills and mental toughness.

The Iowa State coaching staff meticulously evaluates potential kickers and sets high expectations for their performance. The kicker is expected to perform at a consistently high level, make field goals from various distances and angles, handle pressure effectively, and maintain a strong mental fortitude throughout the season.

In conclusion, the Iowa State field goal kicker plays an integral role in the team's success. Their performance is a product of both physical abilities and mental attributes, honed through experience and rigorous evaluation by the coaching staff. As the team strives for excellence, the field goal kicker remains a crucial component in securing victories and achieving their goals.