Name: Ryan Hibbets
School: Trine University
Position: K
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 190
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The goals that I had set and accomplished in my final season were receiving the honors of 1st Team All Conference for the second year in a row, and the honor of All Region. I also accomplished the most starts by any football player at Trine (48 straight)
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
The extra year of eligibility was a huge blessing for me because I was able to show more game film to NFL/CFL/USFL scouts. I had more trust from my coaches to make big kicks, pin the opposing team deep on kickoffs, and make tackles when needed.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates would tell you that I am a true competitor, reliable, coachable, always doing what is best for the team, and a teammate that fears no one.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When I study film as a kicker, I am looking at each step I take to approach the ball. I also look at the way that my foot is locked out, where my hips are facing when I swing through the ball, the height of the kick, the hang time of the kick, my hurdle step on kickoffs, my skip on field goals, and much much more.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
In the kicker position, your division of competition doesn’t necessarily matter as long as you improve every aspect of the kicking game. I had zero offers out of high school. I went D3 because it best fit me and I wanted to play college football. I ended up developing into a kicker that has the professional leg power, professional accuracy, and an overall professional mindset. Even though I am D3, I can say with confidence that I can compete with the very best of D1.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My plan for the off-season and training is to go and work on explosive workouts in the gym, and to work on my craft on the football field with repetitions of kicking from different spots on the field. Since it is the middle of winter, and I live in the Midwest, the only troubling part about it is the amount of snow that we get. Does it bother me? Absolutely not. I’ve been shoveling snow for years just to get my kicks in.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
The strengths and abilities that I will bring to a team are the competitiveness to win games, make big kicks, and to he a team player. Off the field, I am always a friendly, outgoing person and love to make new friends everyday. Building a bond with my teammates will help me earn trust in them, and for them to earn trust in me.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
To all of the NFL and other professional leagues out there, all I have to say is, just give me a chance. You will NOT regret it for a second of your time.