Junior To Watch: Rick Krautman

Junior to Watch: Rick Krautman

School: Franklin Lakes (N.J.) Ramapo

Position: Kicker

Size and speed: Rick is 5-foot-9, 170 pounds and runs a 4.7-second 40-yard dash.

Statistics: One of the most prolific high school kickers of all time in the state of New Jersey. As a junior, Rick was 66 of 67 on extra points attempts. He was good on 58 consecutive tries and set the New Jersey state record. He also kicked five field goals last season at distances of 30, 34, 37 and two at 44 yards. A very strong leg, Rick set a county record with 30 touchbacks and had six in one game. For his career he has 186 points, which broke the county record, and he is only six points away from breaking the New Jersey state record. He has 14 field goals and is 144 for 150 on extra point attempts.

Honors: Freshman year -- all-county, all-league, all-area and third team all-state. Sophomore year -- all-county, all-league. Junior year -- all-county, all-league, all-North Jersey, all-area and all-state group III.

Favorite Schools: Although Rick has no favorites at this time, he has heard from more than 30 schools. Here are a few that he mentioned; Virginia, Boston College, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan State, Georgia, Michigan and Penn State. He also has an offer from Rutgers.

Skinny: Rated as one of the top kickers in the Northeast, Rick is on the verge of becoming the New Jersey all-time leading points scorer for kickers. Not only is Rick accurate, but he has a tremendously strong leg and touchbacks are commonplace.

Usually, kickers are not a hot commodity on a college recruiter’s wish list, but Rick is an exception to the rule. Most schools scholarship one or two kickers every three years, but Rick is making recruiters take notice.

"I know a few schools already have kickers, but they said that they are still interested in me. I'm working hard in the off season and I even started kicking extra points and field goals without using a tee like they do in college."

Rick is still deciding on what summer camps he will be attending, but you can be sure that recruiters will be keeping a close eye on him. He already has an offer from Rutgers and should have a few more before the new season begins.

Rick will be attending the Rivals New Jersey Junior day on April 6.