NC State Football Places Trust in 'Freddie Couples of Kickers'
Last season, Kanoah Vinesett was the backup to one-year NC State football graduate place kicker Brayden Narveson, now a preseason hero for the Tennessee Titans. But Vinesett's only game action was a made extra point in the Wolfpack's 45-7 home win over VMI in September.
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In other words, big-game experience isn't exactly a Vinesett selling point. Not yet, anyway.
Nevertheless, the redshirt sophomore, who arrived in Raleigh two years ago as a preferred walk-on and unrated prospect out of Rock Hill, S.C., is on tap to be the 2024 Wolfpack's go-to leg.
Judging by 12th-year NC State football head coach Dave Doeren's comments on Kanoah Vinesett during his press conference on Friday in anticipation of the Wolfpack's season opener against Western Carolina in Carter-Finley Stadium at 7 p.m. ET Thursday, the 6-foot-1, 207-pounder has the full backing of the staff.
Doeren suggested the trust in Vinesett stems from his uniform approach to the craft paired with his notably silky mechanics.
NC State has "The Freddie Couples of Kickers": pic.twitter.com/SR0D63NpbD
— NC State Wolfpack On SI (@NCStateOnSI) August 25, 2024
"Really impressed with his consistency, his mental makeup," Doeren said about Vinesett. "He's a guy that really does a good job with his routine. He's the same guy every day.
"He's got a smooth swing. [Running backs/special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel] calls him 'The Freddie Couples of Kickers.' He's just got really nice leg swing, and it's consistent, that he can repeat and repeat.
"And it's got good strike. He made a 53-yarder in a scrimmage."
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Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of NC State Wolfpack on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining NC State Wolfpack on SI in 2024, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.