Given all the close games Pitt has lost in the last three years, a reliable kicker seems like a necessity. Yet, Kevin Harper is going to be a senior and there is no apparent next guy up.
I’m not sure what kind of value Coach Paul Chryst places on kickers. Whether he actively seeks out the good ones or if he just trusts in finding one via walk-ons (preferred or otherwise).
Well, I’m sure a few Pitt coaches will be at the PSFCA East-West Game being played at Gateway High’s stadium this Sunday. Hopefully they will check out East’s kicker, Brad Lukasak. He’s hoping to hear from Pitt about getting a shot this fall.
“In practice, I’ve hit from beyond 60. My record is a 66-yarder,” Lukasak said. “With a snapper and holder, my record is about 55 yards. I have the range for over 50. I can hit 55 usually.”
That range is something Lukasak hopes to show off Sunday in the East-West game. With a couple practices under their belts, Lukasak already appreciates the camaraderie the all-star squad has built.
Playing with the East’s 32 other stars is something to which the Blue Mountain senior is looking forward.
“Just meeting a great group of guys. A lot of people say kickers are exiled, but this group of guys I’m with has really taken me in and made me feel welcome,” Lukasak said.
Heading to the University of Pittsburgh, Lukasak plans to major in chemistry with a second major in either biology or neuroscience. He’s also waiting to hear whether or not he’ll be invited to training camp for the Pitt football team.
Well, given the majors he’s pursuing, he would be a good addition to the football team just to help the grade point average.
My question to you … did you happen to try and contact Fraud Graham last year to promte this guy?
I hope this part of the game is given its due by the HC.
Who can forget the lost national championship in 1980 at FSU when Pitt was beat because of field position by booming punts from the FSU left footed punter who went onto the NFL and had an all-pro career. His name escapes me now but it did not then as I sat in the bleachers of Doke statdium and realized the best team was not going to win because of a punter.
This kid now has full offers from VA and VA Tech and has accpeted at Virginia Tech. I am sure that he (name is Daryl Simms) will someday beat Pitt with a 55 yd FG and you all can remember this story.