Name: Lane Spiker
School: Washburn University
Position: P
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 205
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My goals for this season was to finish first in Net average in the conference and finish with all conference honors. I was able to receive all league honors.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
Over the extra year, I improved my consistency and confidence. I became much better at my placement and accuracy of my kicks.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I think my teammate and coaches would say that I was determined and had a never quit attitude.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When I’m look at film, I’m watching my form. I’m looking for the little things. Punting is improved through the little adjustments. I look at my kick point, the drop, my kicking angle.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
My strength and my determination are what separate me. I did not take the kicker mentality of staying on the lighter side of the weight room. I was there trying to lift just as much as the next guy.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
In the off season to start, I am going to heal from a late season injury. Then I will use the facility at Washburn to stay in shape and get to the field four times a week to keep myself ready.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
On the field I’ll stand out because of my accuracy, I finished with just shy of 40% of my kicks inside the 20 and only kicked 1 touchback, being able to pin teams consistently deep in their territory. Off the field I’m personable, I mix well with groups.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch would be to ask for a chance. I come from a small town and have exceeded expectations for someone coming out of a town of 800. I will continue to give the effort to exceed expectations. Also, I am coachable and looking to learn. I have developed the skill I have through trial and error and have had little critique and training from people with more knowledge over my career and will only improve with the input from coaches with kicking knowledge.
