Garrett Rigby '16 Recruiting Profile

 Integrity, honesty, dedication, and strong work ethic are all words I would use to describe my approach to both football and life in general. I would hope, however, that all of my teammates possess these same qualities, and I would not believe that these traits alone separate me from all of the other equally qualified kickers and punters. There are three areas where I believe I am able to distance myself from many of the other players - My character, my accuracy in kicking, and my leadership.

            My coaches have described my character and approach to kicking as steadfast.  They say I act the same whether we are leading by twenty or losing by twenty.  That does not mean that I am not emotionally involved in the game and overall outcome, but it does mean that I approach each kick attempt with the same level minded state and mechanics.  I was taught early on to trust my mechanics and not worry so much about the outcome.  During my Freshman year, at a large division 1 high-school, the varsity kicker was injured, and I was asked to step into his position mid-game, mid-season.  I went a perfect 6/6 on PATs and finished the season as the varsity kicker.  The coach said I had "ice in my veins" after the game, referring to my calmness under pressure.  I have continued to take the same approach to kicking over the last three varsity seasons, and it has served me well even into the pressure of the post season state playoff games.

            Although all kickers strive for accuracy, I believe I pursue it as a near obsession.  Unlike many kickers that have converted from being soccer players, I have always been a dedicated football kicker and punter.  Whether kicking in the yard with my dad as a child or kicking on the field in practice, I have worked to developed the best form and accuracy possible. I am continually trying to tweak and perfect my mechanics to get the best possible results. Seven year NFL veteran kicker Filip Filipovic has said "Garrett is already an experienced kicker/punter. He has spent several years perfecting the craft - hitting field goals and kick-offs with perfect form."  During my Junior year, I went 36/36 on PATs, and overall  I am 72/73 on PATs for all three varsity seasons combined.

            Finally, I strive to demonstrate leadership both on and off the football field.  As my school's only four year varsity letterman in many years, I hope to lead my team to a winning season in 2015.  Off the field, I have been taught to show leadership through charity.  Whether volunteering at the local food bank or giving through my church, my parents taught me that the first ten percent of any effort goes to those less fortunate.  This season, I have also signed up to be a Kick-it Champion.  I have created a web site where local businesses and individuals can pledge money for each successful PAT or field goal that I make; all funds raised go to benefit children's cancer research.