Arizona State Holds Open Tryouts for New Kicker

Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham has announced open kicking tryouts following the team's 24-14 loss to Cincinnati, citing dissatisfaction with their current kicking performance. Ian Hershey, the team's primary kicker, missed two critical field goals from 48 and 41 yards, contributing to the loss. Dillingham's frustration was evident as he declared the kicking game 'atrocious' and invited any Arizona State student capable of kicking to participate in the tryouts. Despite his stern comments, Dillingham later apologized for singling out a specific player, acknowledging the unique pressures kickers face. The team's kicking woes have prompted Dillingham to explore all available options, including evaluating other kickers on the roster like Carston Kieffer, and potentially adding new talent from the student body. The open tryouts reflect a broader trend in college football where teams occasionally recruit from the student body in search of new talent.