2024 Interview with Wyatt Martin from West Carter (KY.)

 

Name: Wyatt Martin 

School: West Carter High School

Positions played: kicker 

Graduating year 2026

Height and weight 5’8 179lbs 

The last time we did an interview, you said these were your goals for the 2023 season. Go perfect on extra points. Break the school record for most extra points in a game. Break the school record for the furthest field goal. Kick touchbacks. How many of those goals did you achieve?

I only achieved one of those goals, which was kick touchbacks. I kicked three last season. But the goals I didn’t achieve did not happen, and that motivates me to work harder to achieve them this year. I did tie the record for PATs in a game against Rowan County.

As you know, I will be covering you guys in the Grid game again this season. For you, as a kicker, how important is it for you to have a chance to kick in a game-like atmosphere before going into the 2024 season?

Very important. As a kicker, you want as much practice with a live field goal operation as possible. Snap, hold, and kick. But especially kicking against a field goal block. One of the biggest things is the timing of a Field  goalwith people trying to block it. And I feel like if I had chances to go up against that preseason, it would help a lot in the regular season. 

Can you share with the readers some of the camps you have been to this off-season and what you have been able to achieve in those camps? 
 
I went to Ray Guy Pro Kicker in March, and I learned a lot of stuff. I made Rick Sang, who is over the camps, and he came to some spring practices and helped with my kickoffs. I went to Georgetown, went 8/12 on field goals, and got a game invite from their special teams coach. I went to Moorhead State Camp, and I learned how to kick off the ground with no tee on field goals. I have Ray Guy's top prospect camp coming up in July, and I’m working hard to shine at it. 

Other than camps, what are you doing to improve your craft?

Practice, work on consistency, stretching, ice baths, and hot tubs. And rest 

College coaches seem to use Hudl a lot to look at potential recruits. How often do you update your Hudl page? 

Normally, after every game,

As a kicker, does it matter to you if you are playing on turf or grass? Explain

Turf is by far better, but grass isn’t bad at all. You just have to adjust pregame if it’s a muddy field. But if I had to choose one to kick on, it would be turf. 

As an athlete, what has been your biggest moment, any sport, and age?

Last season against Powel County. Opening kickoff, I kicked an onside kick to myself. 

As an athlete, what has been your most embarrassing moment as an athlete, in any sport, at any age?

I definitely got a delay of game on my first time to punt “ever” first game of the season last year. 

How do you stay focused on the sidelines while you are waiting for your chance to come in and kick?

I stretch, stay loose, and just enjoy watching my teammates do their thing. Seeing them do good helps me stay focused. Watching the game and understanding what’s going on keeps me alert and ready.

Do you have any superstitions when it comes to kicking?

No, not once I get on the field.

What is your game-day routine?

Wake up 
Get ready for school.
Go to school.
Stretch . 
Drink water. 
I go up to the field 40 minutes before the team does, and I do my warmup, kick some steps, and stay loose. Then do special teams with the team, stay loose until kickoff, and do my thing.

What advice would you give that young seventh grader who tells you he wants to be a kicker when he starts playing football?

Consistency is key. Everything you do needs to be consistent. Your steps, your swing, and your follow-through. Everything is the same. Over and over again. Don't be quick-working. Always do something that will benefit you on the field. 

What is your go-to snack?

Pop corn 

Which NFL team is your favorite?

Bengals, for sure.

Outside of sports, what do you do for fun?

I fish and hunt. I love to hang out with my friends and do stuff on the farm.