Arizona State’s Head Coach Kenny Dillingham to Host Open Kicking Tryouts This Monday

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State University head football coach Kenny Dillingham is taking dramatic steps to address a struggling kicking game after a disappointing 24-14 loss to Cincinnati. Following the game, Dillingham announced open kicking tryouts for ASU students, urging anyone with kicking talent to reach out.

“Our kicking game’s atrocious,” Dillingham stated bluntly, highlighting the team’s recent challenges. In a call to action, he encouraged potential kickers: “If you can kick and you go to Arizona State, email me.” The tryouts are scheduled for Monday.

During the Cincinnati match, ASU kicker Ian Hershey missed field goal attempts from 41 and 48 yards. This continued a troubling trend for the Sun Devils, who have struggled in their kicking efforts since the start of Big 12 play. Out of four conference games, they have converted just one of four field goals and missed two of thirteen extra points.

Dillingham expressed frustration regarding how these failures impact game strategy, particularly late in tight contests. “It makes it even harder late in games when it’s clearly a kick scenario,” he noted, indicating the ongoing mental and strategic challenges his team faces on the field.

While exploring external options, Dillingham emphasized the need for internal improvement as well. He indicated the importance of giving kicker Carston Kieffer more opportunities to prove himself. “We’ve got to get Kieffer some more reps,” he said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

For students interested in trying out, they can contact Dillingham directly at kenneth.dillingham@asu.edu. Looking ahead, ASU has a bye week before traveling to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to face the Oklahoma State Cowboys on November 2, allowing time for any potential new kickers to integrate into the team.