Thursday, January 24, 2013
25 days, 25 names: Cameron Van Winkle
By Mason Kelley
Find the right kicker and a program only has to fill the position every three or four years.
Get the right guy and it inspires confidence in clutch moments. The right kicker can put points on the board. He can be the difference in big games.
Cameron Van Winkle (Snoqualmie, Wash./Mount Si) is a special prospect. He takes his job seriously. He has invested the time to hone his talent.
While there are bigger names at more prominent positions in the Huskies’ 2013 class, Van Winkle is an important addition. He has already proven he can make clutch kicks.
He has a big leg and he is accurate.
With 39 field goals in 46 career games, Van Winkle set a state record. He kicked 18 in a single season back in 2011 and has made as many as four in a game.
Rated the No. 6 kicker in the nation, Van Winkle said he thrives on pressure kicks.
“I love the adrenaline,” he said before the 2012 season. “I thrive on it. I love pressure. It gets to some people but, when there are eyes on me, it seems like my kicks are much better.”
Get the right guy and it inspires confidence in clutch moments. The right kicker can put points on the board. He can be the difference in big games.