Kicking with an NFL Pro Bowl Kicker

On Saturday February 18th I was asked to come to Orlando, FL as a kicking demonstrator/coach for the National Camp Series Super Camp. During my time as a demonstrator at the camp I was able to kick with former NFL Pro Bowl kicker Shayne Graham. I was able to learn a lot about myself during the workout and also what it takes to be a professional by working out with Shayne.

As I continue on my path to play for an NFL team I am always trying to kick against top competition. The more times you are tested as a kicker the better you get under pressure. After kicking with Chargers kicker Nick Novak last September, I already have had some experience kicking with someone of Shayne's caliber so there wasn't much of an "awe" factor.

What I was most impressed with from Shayne was his consistency. He has played in the NFL for over 10 years and knows how to make kicks. I can see why he is on every NFL "short list". He was signed last year by the Redskins and Cowboys during the preseason and played during the regular season for the Dolphins and Ravens.

During the time we kicked together we both made almost all of our kicks and we backed all the way up to 58 yards. It was a great day of kicking and I appreciate Shayne being so gracious. He gave me a few words of advice on being a free agent kicker. He said to not worry about the politics of getting signed to a team and just worry about getting better as a kicker.

We ended the day by kicking some kickoffs. I had a really good day on my kickoffs and was pleased at the hang time and distance I had on a warm and sunny day in Florida. Most of my kicks were going deep in the back of the end zone without using very much effort.

Overall it was a great day of kicking.  I want to thank Michael Husted for the opportunity to demonstrate and I also want to thank Shayne for being so gracious. I hope one day I can accomplish some of the things Shayne has accomplished in the NFL!

Visit: www.jameswilhoitkickingcoach.com