Specialist's Path Brad Nortman

As I have been writing my On A Specialists Path blog each week I have learned so much about what it takes to be successful as a kicking specialist. Most kickers and punters don't grow up wanting to be kickers and punters. What often happens is a specialist will see some early success kicking or punting and the opportunities will just unfold in front of their eyes.

Brad Nortman is going into his third year as the starting punter for the University of Wisconsin, and is one of the top punters in the Big 10 if not the entire country. I am proud to tell his story and I consider him to be a friend.

Brad and I had the unique and very unlikely honor of playing for the school we grew up following, which has its advantages and potential distractions.

This is Brad Nortman On 'A Specialist's Path'.

Punting is a very specific skill and I have noticed that it is very difficult to be both a talented punter and kicker, which is why there is not one kicking specialist in the NFL that handles both the kicking and the punting.

Brad says that he got his encouragement to punt at a very young age and was able to focus solely on his craft.

"I started punting as early as 5th grade, and improved from simple technique coaching from my dad and a few camps I attended," Brad said.

He always enjoyed punting but it wasn't until later in his high school career that he really saw the potential he had and the opportunities it could bring for his future.

"I felt becoming a specialist was the right choice for me after a successful Junior year in High School Football and performing well in kicking camps," Brad said. "It transformed from a “secondary” position for me to a focal point of mine that year."

This "secondary" position became a "primary" focus for him and he never would have dreamed where it might take him.

"Personally, I never imagined I would be punting anywhere beyond high school," Brad said. "It is a not a usual dream a high school athlete has."

"It wasn’t until I began to compete nationally that I realized the opportunity to punt in college was a possibility. After recruiting took place and attended more camps, it was a dream of mine to become a starting punter, and hard work has helped me achieve that."

Brad certainly worked hard and was ranked the 4th best punter in the nation and it was almost as if the stars were in alignment for Brad to end up at his dream school

The University of Wisconsin was graduating their senior punter and Brad lived a mere hour away from the campus in nearby Brookfield, Wisconsin.

"I have loved Wisconsin football from a young age," Brad said. "I have been a huge fan my whole life. When going through recruiting, and considering my options, I truly believed Wisconsin was the best fit for me and where my heart was. It has everything I want in a school and program. I have had an unforgettable experience with it so far."

Ever since Brad signed with the Badgers he has been a weapon for the team but that doesn't mean he hasn't had his ups and downs during his career. He pinpointed a time his freshman year as his toughest time so far in his two years with the team.

"My true freshman year, I strung together two games where I struggled in mid October," Brad said." However, the very next week, we played Illinois. I had 6 punts for a 51.7 yard average and was Big Ten Special Teams Player of the week. I was proud of how I responded and the support I received from my teammates and family and friends."

One of the main factors in Brad's success has been the support he has had from his parents. So many times people forget how important it is to have a good support system around an athlete and it is even better when it is an athlete's parents.

"My parents are the biggest influence in my life," Brad said. "They have supported me through the highs and lows the career has thrown at me. Further, the countless life lessons of hard work, honesty, kindness and Faith have been invaluable."

Brad has sought kicking coaches and additional kicking camps to improve his skills over the past few years and he is always trying to get better.

I have admired Brad's ability to be coachable and his willingness to try new ideas. He has some very specific goals for this season that are mixed with personal and team goals.

"This year, I would like to have less than 10% of my punts be touchbacks while maintaining an average above 43 yards and have consistently high hangs times for my coverage team," Brad said. "If I can do this, individual accolades will take care of themselves. Most Important, I want to do whatever helps our team to win and be successful this year."

His goals describe a a humble and hardworking guy from Wisconsin who is living every boy in Wisconsin's dream!

Visit: www.jameswilhoitkickingcoach.com

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