Jim Harbaugh feels great about one aspect of the kicking game – ‘A special talent’
Michigan lost two kickers to the NFL in punter Brad Robbins (Cincinnati) and Jake Moody (San Francisco), two guys who were so consistent that head coach Jim Harbaugh never lost any sleep over the kicking game the last four years. He told reporters Thursday at Big Ten Media Day in Chicago Thursday he’d been spoiled that way, always comfortable with the special teams.
Part of that, of course, is having a special teams coach in Jay Harbaugh who is one of the best in the country. He’s been elite the last several years, and he continues to get better. He and Chris Partridge got it working during Partridge’s first stint with the program, and it’s continued to get better.
The last two years, in particular, have been incredible. Moody, especially, was elite — not many kickers get drafted on day two — and it’s an open competition to replace him. Louisville’s James Turner and freshman Adam Samaha will likely battle it out for the right to kick, but matching Moody will be next to impossible.
“Somebody else asked me earlier what do I tell a kicker when they miss a big kick, and I’m going to have to remember that,” Harbaugh said. “It’s been that long since I had to say something to a kicker after he missed a big kick, or somebody that shanked a punt. “Gosh, we’ve been so blessed.”
The punting job, however, appears to be in good hands. Junior Tommy Doman has been waiting his turn. While it no longer appears he handle all the kicking duties, as some had surmised, he has come a long way as a punter. And he was always very good.
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“But with that, I’m really excited about the opportunity that our new kickers have. Tommy Doman as a punter … he’s a special talent,” Harbaugh said. “We haven’t seen a leg like his since I’ve been here at Michigan. He’s in a great place right now, attacking everything.
“Kickers, as well. Right now, James has the lead. But … throw the balls out there and go from there.”
Turner was outstanding from 50 yards in at Louisville last year. The Saline, Mich. native made 20 of 22 kicks after making 14 of 22 the year prior. He doesn’t have the big leg like Moody, but the hope is he can make the makeables.
Time will tell, and fall camp will help separate the men from the boys. But Harbaugh has had very good special teams since his arrival, and it’s a good bet that will continue in 2023.
