WSU Kicker Dean Janikowski Focused on Remaining Present in 2024

Joe Londergan | Aug 25, 2024

Sep 9, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars place kicker Dean Janikowski (49) kicks a field goal against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports / James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

It's officially game week in Pullman as the Washington State Cougars finish preparations for the 2024 season. Redshirt senior Dean Janikowski will once again assume place kicking duties for the Cougs.

Janikowski met with the media at the conclusion of the week and noted his biggest goal for his own performance this season.

"Just stay in the moment," Janikowski said. "I'm not going to worry about percentages. I'm not going to worry about being 100%. I'm going to be just in the moment, making sure I make that kick every single time."

Janikowski finished the 2023 season perfect on extra point attempts, 44-for-44. On field goals, he was 10-for-15. All off Janikowski's misses came from beyond forty yards, going two-for-five in the 40-49-yard range and two-for-four from beyond 50 yards. In three of their last four games of the 2023 season, the Cougars lost by three points.

The Fallbrook, California native also noted that the team has not decided on a kickoff specialist for the season just yet.

Washington State's first game is set for August 31 with kickoff scheduled for noon pacific time, to be broadcast on The CW, against the Portland State Vikings.

Published Aug 25, 2024

JOE LONDERGAN

Joe Londergan joined the SI brand in 2023 with G5 Football Daily. With over 15 years of experience in covering and working directly in college and pro sports, Joe's expertise has been featured in Front Office Sports, SB Nation, and XRAY.FM. He is a member of both the Football Writers' Association of America and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association. Joe holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville and a master's degree in sports administration from Seattle University. Outside of his writing career, Joe enjoys golfing, although he admits that while he hits driver decently, his short game is a liability.