Penn State Football: Who Will the Kicker be in 2023?
![Nov 19, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions place kicker Sander Sahaydak (93) kicks a field goal during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports Nov 19, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions place kicker Sander Sahaydak (93) kicks a field goal during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/37431710bd989e5ac96d8e41b6c5f2bd6073a8d733089681daaa6f47a53c5d0b.jpg)
On January 14th, 2023, Penn State Football kicker, Jake Pinegar announced that he will chase his childhood dream of playing in the NFL.
Pinegar ended his Penn State career going 49 for 67 (73%) on his field goal attempts (per Penn State athletics). He also connected on 195 points after attempts. He had a very solid 5-year career at Penn State. The only thing for Pinegar was his inconsistency at times. When a kick appeared to be within his range he would randomly miss. Then again, when it’s a downpour of rain and the winds are high Pinegar would find a way to make those more difficult kicks.
If he can become more consistent, he can be a very serviceable NFL kicker. I hope an NFL team gives him an opportunity, because it would be great to see him play on Sunday’s.
Now that Pinegar has moved on the question becomes, who will the kicker be for Penn State Football in the upcoming 2023 season?
The Blue / White scrimmage will be entertaining this year. Even more entertaining with a kicking position battle. Although I believe this competition won’t be settled until this fall, I think it will come down to these two candidates.