Name: Nate Needham
School: Bowling Green State University
Position: K
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 195

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

Going into the season, I really had the goal to just let everything loose and keep things simple in terms of making adjustments as the season progressed. Having that extra year due to Covid was an opportunity of a life time and I really wanted to make the most of it. Position goal wise, was to be a First-Team All Conference player and Lou-Groza Award winner. As a kicker, the Lou-Groza award is something every kicker strives for and is presented to the top college kicker in the country. I wanted to set the bar high, with the goal of making one kick at a time and focusing on just that. With that being said, I was able to achieve first-team all MAC and a Football Writers Association of America’s (FWWA) All America Team; while also being a Lou-Groza award Semifinalist. I ended the year tied for first in field goal percentage at 95%.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

I think the extra year allowed me to display what kind of kicker I am and can be. This past year, we had a new special teams coach come in that was full of NFL experience and brought a lot of knowledge in terms of working with NFL specialists. He (Coach Ligashesky), opened the door to showing what it takes to be a true pro and how to handle situations like one as well. I was fortunate enough to be able to pick his brain over the year and he helped develop my mental toughness each and every day. Playing in the Mid American Conference came with tough weather conditions and being able to adjust on the go, as well as adjusting for MACTION. I believe this past seasons weather conditions and schedule, proved that I could be successful in any environment. With this extra year and preparation, I was able to make the most of my opportunities. Going 19-of-20 on field goal attempts, 12-of-13 from 40+ yards, and 2-for-2 on 50+ yards.

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

I believe Coaches and teammates would say I am a game changer and locked in. My head Coach always would call me “Elite” due to my mental preparation and work on the practice field; always looking to make situations game like. I believe my teammates would also say I bring the quality of a great teammate. Being able to push one another to get better on the field and in life plays a key role in being a great teammate, player, and person; which is the type of player I believe I was viewed as.

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

When I study film, I focus on a few things. Being a kicker, is a game of inches and the little things matter in the end. First thing, is looking to make sure my steps and angles are the same every time. Keeping a rhythm in kicking is key as well. I also look for consistency on the snap to kick operation (time). If the operation in the unit is smooth, then the job is that much easier for me and my line. As far as my film, I am looking at my plant and foot to ball contact; while not crunching. At the end of the day; being smooth and confident in the swing is the most important aspect to me carrying out my job. If not confident in the craft you practice, then there is little chance in consistently being successful.

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

The main thing that separates me from other pro prospects is my mindset. I feel that my ability to lock in and feel I already dominated the field goal rep, prior to even kicking it; is something that is rare. Having the physical ability to be good at kicking is one thing, but to mentally lock in and dominate the situation before it has happened, is something I find that goes beyond the physical aspect. That alone is something I think separates me.

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

Over this past offseason, I started my training in Buffalo for a month with Adam Tanalski. I trained with a few other top kickers coming out and also attended a Zauner Senior Combine; finishing second in field-goal charting and only missing from 60 yards. After that, I traveled to Orlando to train and have mock pro-days with the kickers I trained with previously. I recently had my pro day and now am continuing my training at the university.

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

Strengths and abilities that I bring to a team includes being able to adapt to conditions and understand that respect is earned; while having the work ethic to always want more. As an athlete, I believe situational awareness is key; so bringing that confidence and carrying that positive personality on and off the field spreads. I always look to support my teammates in anyway I can, and look to be someone they can rely and depend on, no matter the situation in life. As far as a kicker, I believe I have the ability to connect with teammates and prove I can help win a team games. I also believe I am a guy that is mature and knows how to handle myself on and off the field; while always putting the team first.

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

My final pitch is that they would be getting a guy that is resilient, mature, and tested. I am someone who is not afraid of the moment and more so someone that hopes for it. Through the course of my college career, I have been able to improve every year and I truly believe I have what it takes to be a pro. Last season, I was lucky enough to be Coached by an former NFL special teams coach that was in the league for many years and believe I can carry what I learned, towards being successful at the next level.

View Film: https://www.icloud.com/photos/#0f8TPQ8kGBpTulfodb8EetHRQ