Name: Hunter Kraus
School: University of Nebraska at Kearney 
Position: P/Holder 
Height: 6-2
Weight: 195

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

I learned a lot and overcome many obstacles this year. One goal I set was to have at least 25% of my attempts inside the 20. Even with this being a very situational goal, I was able to land nearly 30% of all punts within that mark.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

I believe they would say that I was one of the hardest workers on the team. I am someone they can rely on, on and off the field.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

When watching film, I am always evaluating my own approach to punting the football. The difference between taking a 5 inch and a 2 inch first step can result in a ball going between 5-10 yards further down field with additional needed hang time. There are many different factors that come into play to have a successful punt. The main ones that I focus on are taking short steps and extending my arm to get the ball out on to the sweet spot of my foot.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

I have been blessed to play this game for 6 years now at the collegiate level. With this my knowledge and trust in my own body allows me to go out and play with confidence, all while having a great understanding of what I need to do to put my team in the best position possible. When it comes to working off the field I was constantly the first person to show up every morning for weights and many times one of the last to leave to work on my flexibility.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

This offseason I will be working with a few different punting coaches. First off, I will be working with (The Punt Factory). We will be staying in Houston with a group of other pro prospect punters. Here we will train by doing group sessions, individual sessions, mock combines, and lifting together. I will also continue to meet with my mentor Kyle Larson (past Bengals punter).

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

Something I believe I will be able to bring to a team is leadership. With being a 2 year Team Captain at my university, I believe that I will be able to show my fellow teammates that I can buy in and put the team over myself. I will show them that I love this game and will do whatever it takes to better myself and the people around me. I believe one of my biggest strengths is my ability to work hard, I understand that this is not uncommon at this level. I believe that when I am put up against tough times, I will prevail and overcome.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

During my time in college I have been a 2 time all conference player, an All-American, an Academic, All-American and I have been the Punter to the #1 punt team in the nation (2022). I believe in my own abilities and trust myself to play with confidence. I have been a team captain for the past two years. I am far from perfect and will always have areas to improve on but I have the ability to keep going when times are tough. I am viewed as hardworking, reliable, and trustworthy by my coaches and fellow teammates. My name is Hunter Kraus, I may have only played D2 during my time in college but I believe in my ability, not only as a Punter but a Holder too.