After kicking in the NFL for 14 seasons, Jeff Wilkins says football is a lot like another sport.
"It's a lot like golf but instead of using a golf club," he says, "your leg is the golf club."
But now instead of using his own golf club, Wilkins is showing aspiring kickers how to use their own to achieve their goals.
"Everybody kicks a different way. We're not big on saying you have to do it one way. But you have to be consistent."
Consistency was the name of the game for Wilkins throughout his career as he connected on 307 field goals.
"It's one thing when you're out here by yourself kicking a ball. It's a different thing when you have a snap and a hold and people rushing you. Kicking is very mental. You have to be able to control your emotions. You're going to be nervous. But, bottom line is, when you step out on that field, and you're not out there a lot, but when you do you are expected to perform and everybody is watching you at that time."
Wilkins joined another YSU and NFL alum Paul McFadden for their annual Kicking Camp on Monday at Stambaugh Stadium. High school athletes were on hand to learn from the pros in the hopes of improving for the fall. But maybe the most telling piece of advice Wilkins gives has less to do with his leg, and more to do with his eyes and ears.
"Once you say you can't learn anymore, you're in trouble. Everybody can learn. Going into my 14th year in the NFL I was still trying to learn. Anything that can make you a little bit better, I'm willing to hear. That's what we're trying to get across to these kids. We'll throw a lot of stuff at them. If you try it and like then use it. If not, no hard feelings."
