After the first 30 minutes of JMU vs. Texas State, Sports Editor Grant Johnson shares the good, bad and the ugly of Family Weekend's first half as the Dukes lead, 19-0. Ratke reached 100 career field goals, extending his own FCS record and breaking the NCAA record of 96 held by Arizona State's Zane Gonzalez (2013-16). To view the players scouting report, click on the name of the player you want to learn more about. Given his height and recent performance, hes drawn interest from NFL scouts. If a pair of teams like him, theres a good chance a few others may as well. Ratke knows his other knock: He hasnt attempted many long in-game field goals, and he wasnt the primary kickoff specialist at JMU except for in 2017, when Gray went down. The Dukes failed to follow through on some drives, but that gave sixth-year senior Ethan Ratke (Atlee High) the opportunity to kick a JMU-record six field goals each from 23 to 30 yards and established two NCAA records. It was the NFL's longest field goal in history. New Orleans, Washington and Detroit have each used four different kickers. JMU plays Texas State during the Family Weekend game tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Sports Editor Grant Johnson delves into the mindset of head coach Curt Cignetti and the players going it as 22-point favorites. Contributing writer Kaiden Bridges dives into what's at the forefront of the back line's success and the buy-in to JMU's philosophy that's aided its 6-2-3 start. In general, specialists are rarely selected in the NFL draft. 25 Tribe went with a rusty quarterback, Hollis Mathis. Its not a requirement of all kickers, as Atlanta Falcons punter Thomas Morestead handled kickoff duties for most of his tenure with the Saints, as did former Colts punter Pat McAfee. We were in position to really dominate, and they made a few plays in the second half. James Madison kicker Ethan Ratke is one of the FCS' all-time scorers. Why are we including a section on a kicker who never made a field goal of 50 yards or longer in an NFL Draft story? He know has 67 for his career. Ratke said it was because he always dragged his right foot. Ratkes experience on kickoffs was limited over his career, but he was successful as JMUs kickoff specialist. I cant do my job if he doesnt do his, and I have the utmost trust in Kyle., With good reason: For each of Daviss years at James Madison, his bio reads, Did not have one bad snap all season.. Liam Fornadel wouldve tied for 4th most bench press reps of offensive lineman that participated in that drill at the NFL Combine. On senior day in 2021, when JMU wore all black, Ratke still sported his white cleats. Said Cignetti of Ratke: Money in the bank.. Since NFL games average more spectators than FCS games, scouts may have concerns about Ratkes lack of experience in high-pressure environments. Hes in the mix to be a late-round pick, but seeing Johnsons name flash across the screen during the draft would be a pleasant surprise for fans rather than an expected outcome. This was the last dance until who knows when for these programs that have met 44 times in a series that kicked off in 1978. 2022: |QB|WR|RB|FB|TE|OT|G|C|DT|EDGE| LB|S|CB|K|P|LS|OVERALL|. Late in his career, injuries often sidelined Fornadel and likely crushed his chances of being drafted. Reliable Ratke remains a consistent performer for Dukes, Dog found dead under suspicious circumstances, SCSO says, ACSO looking for suspicious man in the Weyers Cave area, Pilot identified in fatal plane crash near Hillsville, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. They have attempted 50 extra points and made 49. Chance of rain 60%. That doesnt mean an opportunity cant present itself, especially if missed kicks in the clutch continue this NFL season. Check out the massive spreadsheet now, 10 Players Who Will Dominate the 2023 NFL Combine. NFL kickers are struggling early in 2022. , JMU averaged 20,017 spectators from 2015 to 2019 the third highest at the FCS level during that time. You are currently viewing the best kickers in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 2022 NFL Draft will be here before we know it which means that it is time to get ready for what lies ahead. Now, Ratke is training to play in the NFL 3-4 days a week. Courtney Cronin reports from the NFL combine on the breaking news involving NFL draft prospect Jalen Carter. He has made 95.7 percent of his kicks this year. JMU swim and dive head coach Dane Pedersen revealed the Dukes 2022-23 schedule Thursday afternoon. Low 39F. The jump between the FCS and the NFL is massive, but the expectation isnt really that Johnson become a starter. Ethan Ratke kicked a career-long 46-yard field goal on the final play of the game as defending FCS champion James . We want to be perfect. The Dukes (10-1) are seeded third in the FCS tournament, and the headliners Saturday afternoon will include quarterback Cole Johnson, the CAAs offensive player of the year. Ratke, not on an NFL roster, is readying for an opportunity. The Basketball Postseason Is Here | JMU Sports News Podcast, The Spring has Sprung | JMU Sports News Podcast, Men's Basketball is Back! The starting kicker, then-junior Tyler Gray (2015-18), injured his hip flexor against William & Mary during the seventh regular season game in that same year. With just over three minutes left in the 2017 FCS Quarterfinals, JMU was trailing 28-20 with its . And yet heres Ratke, a fifth-year senior, on his status. By the end of Week 3, the 33 kickers whove attempted a field goal are 79.7% on 174 attempts. Winds light and variable. Required fields are marked *. T. James Madison place kicker Ethan Ratke (91) is congratulated by offensive lineman Liam Fornadel (77) after kicking an extra point during the Dukes' loss to North Dakota State in the 2019 FCS championship game in Frisco, Texas. Could he handle kickoffs reliably? In his one season at Iowa State, Mevis made a statement. That was the moment Ratke solidified his place in JMU football history. Ratke getting drafted would be a shock, but his accuracy makes him a prime candidate to earn a tryout with a team. He holds the JMU and Colonial Athletic Association records for career field goals (72) and points scored (392). Four of the 33 NFL kickers whove attempted a field goal in 2022 are products of the FCS or lower division schools, or schools that were FCS for the beginning of their college careers. Name, image and likeness: As NIL money keeps rising for players, coaches like Jimbo Fisher and Nick Saban are lobbing accusations at each other while most Americans are still enjoying college sports, a Post-UMD poll finds. W&M was zip for 10 on third downs. I always relate the field goal operation to shooting a free throw, said Davis, the long snapper. But if Johnson cant steer the offense into the end zone, watch the operation come onto the field from the home sideline Davis up to the line, Miller doing the same handshake with his kicker, Ratke with the boot. Even still, they were his shoes, his cleats, after all, which he said he wanted to roll with the whole season. New Orleans, Washington and Detroit have each used four different kickers. There was an error processing your request. I try to keep it out of my mind., Six PATs would have been preferable to six FGs, in Ratkes estimation. Distance is the question Ratke needs to answer. Its almost like a security blanket.. Contact Grant Johnson at [email protected]. More than that, here is the list of kickers in both FCS and FBS history with more field goals than the 100 Ratke has booted over the course of his career: Thats right, no one. After a record 525 points, James Madisons Ethan Ratke is still kicking. , 49 different kickers have played for NFL teams this season. In 2019 and 2020, the Dukes had players (Jimmy Moreland and Ben DiNucci) taken in the seventh round of their respective draft years. Barry Svrluga: Kirby Smart finally vanquished Nick Saban, and now college football feels different. James Madison kicker Ethan Ratke added a 21-yard field goal as time wound down before halftime to extend the Dukes lead to double digits going into the locker rooms. For JMU, the field goal 6:50 into the game by redshirt junior kicker Camden Wise signified something more than a fleeting lull at The Rock. It was the first made field goal by a JMU kicker other than Ethan Ratke (2016-21) since Nov. 17, 2018, versus No. I think they got overlooked purely because we're in a conference where there was no really other good teams. Even after completing its final FCS season, JMU boasts a few players who stand a chance of being drafted at this months NFL Draft. We are powered by Three Notch'd! Kickers are typically brought onto NFL rosters during training camp as undrafted free agents. Throughout his career, Ratke has an accuracy rate of nearly 85% on field goals and his head coach recently praised the veteran kicker for his performance in JMUs intrasquad scrimmage last Friday night. If you want a guy whos going to kick a field goal and not miss inside 50 yards, its Ethan Ratke, OKelly said. Cade York is the rare 3rd year kicker who decided to enter the draft early, and it doesn't surprise me at all. During fall practice in 2020, Ratke said he will use his extra year of eligibility and return to JMU for the 2021 fall season. You have permission to edit this article. Sports editor Savannah Reger shares her experiences and what it was like to cover everything this season. OKelly said he wouldnt be surprised if Ratkes shot comes. See the impact by Zip code. Ryan Coe had a 51-yard field goal for the Blue Hens and Zach Gwynn found James Collins for a 26-yard touchdown. By the end of fall camp, Ratke had climbed to second string. WILLIAMSBURG For so long, it seemed William & Marys assignment of scoring against No. Jonathan Doerer, Notre Dame - Round Grade: FA, 14. JMU defeated App State 32-28 after overcoming an 18-point first-half deficit in its first Sun Belt Conference game in program history. This, then, is an ode to the operation because Radkes historic run is about the repetition that creates a rhythm that is built on a relationship among three players who have been doing this long enough that they have an understanding of and appreciation for their craft. "J-M-U!" Ratke got the cleats they had in the back from JMU as a redshirt freshman in 2017. Andrew Mevis, Iowa State - Round Grade: PFA, 7. That changed versus No. You can cancel at any time. No. George Bray. Having graduated from JMU in December 2020, Ratke is pursuing a masters in public administration. Ive played in rainy games and games where were down and games where were scoring a lot and kicking a whole lot.. As a freshman, Ratke attempted 56 kickoffs with 15 touchbacks and an average of 60.5 yards. Hes a versatile lineman who dominated FCS foes for much of his career. All rights reserved. Chance of rain 60%. I don't want this to be the peak of my career, Ratke recalled telling himself. The dependable kicking and punting pair of Ethan Ratke and Harry O'Kelly will have held their respective roles for a Draft projection: Undrafted free agent. Strength and production are two positives in Greenes favor as he looks to land on an NFL roster. Darts and Pats is the place to do it. A few congratulatory handshakes at the pro day from scouts didnt amount to anything more. BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2022 kicker prospects at all levels of college football. Im not sure the fit makes a ton of sense on either team, but it appears theres at least NFL interest surrounding Johnson. 4-for-6 from 40-49 yards, 5-for-7 from 50+, long of 56. He cant fit into those Weber State size 8 1/2s anymore, but he thinks he still has them somewhere. NEWARK, Del. Success! Entering this years draft, which lasts from April 28-30, the few Dukes with NFL aspirations will likely be late-round selections or undrafted free agents. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Independent Contractor (Newspaper Carrier), Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office ends affiliation with Reelz TV show 'On Patrol: Live', Former Virginia basketball coach Terry Holland dies after battling Alzheimer's, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Former NFL star Chad Johnson says he saved money by living inside Cincinnati Bengals stadium for 2 years. JMU sixth-year, graduate long snapper Kyle Davis is wrapping up his last year as a Duke after starting in purple and gold for four years and serving as "the glue," as former JMU punter Harry O'Kelly (2017-21) called it, of the Dukes' special teams unit for multiple seasons. With the win, the Dukes move to 3-0 and host Texas State for Family Weekend next Saturday. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Hall of Fame coach Chris Ault has been named to the College Football Playoff selection committee, along with Miami (Ohio) athletic director David Sayler and Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen. I thought special teams overall was good and Ratke made some long field goals tonight, said Cignetti, following Fridays practice. He ate the same snacks, wore his socks a specific way. Ratke had kicks of 30, 37 and 47 yards but. Jake Larson 43 Yd Field Goal: 2:38: James Madison field goal . USCs fever dream: At the Trojans spring game, minds long addled with college football might struggle to remember where all of the players and coaches used to be. He hit 5-of-7 from 50+ this past season, and offers consistent mechanics with a confident strike. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We break down the Sun Belt Men's and Women's Tournament and take a look across the world of spring sports. But they have attempted 31 field goals and made 28. When he kicked six yes, six field goals against William & Mary on Nov. 13, he passed Zane Gonzalez, the current kicker for the Carolina Panthers who connected on 96 over his four years at Arizona State. Davis job frequently became helping Ratke, his roommate, simplify the job, encouraging him to just kick the ball. 1 JMU is hosting unseeded Weber State in the FCS quarterfinals. Davis said Ratke wanted the specialists to sit in the same seats on the sideline or in meeting rooms. This year has been a whirlwind of events for JMU sports. His routine in game weeks is the same: After class Thursday evenings, he abandons schoolwork and begins to focus on the game. With the score tied at 28 and one second left in the fourth quarter, former JMU head coach Mike Houston trots out redshirt freshman kicker Ethan Ratke to attempt a 46-yard field goal, the longest of his career. Mechanicsville man charged with 10 child porn counts, Virginia State Superintendent Jillian Balow resigns, Dan Snyder is under investigation over line of credit taken out by Commanders, Mike Rhoades after VCU clinched A-10 regular-season title, Lionel Messi named men's Player of the Year at the 2022 Best FIFA Awards. Wheres Ratke now? Now that his collegiate career has ended, hes proven that hes ready to take the next step. He finished his public administration graduate program at JMU in the summer after interning at enCircle, a nonprofit that provides services for people with disabilities. 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