Van Der Kamp

**ISUFan22** · 10-29-2010, 01:38 PM

Van Der Kamp on Ray Guy Award List - Iowa State University Athletics Official Web Site - www.CYCLONES.com - The home of Iowa State Cyclone Sports

Van Der Kamp, a Des Moines native who went to West Des Moines-Valley High School, currently ranks 13th nationally, averaging 45.6 yards on 43 punts. That figure ranks him third in the Big 12 Conference. He leads the Big 12 with 12 punts of more than 50 yards, including a 74-yard effort in Iowa State’s 28-21 win at No. 22 Texas Saturday. Van Der Kamp dropped four punts inside the Longhorn 11-yard line. The previous week at Oklahoma, Van Der Kamp had three punts of more than 60 yards. His 11 punts inside the 20 this season ties him for the Big 12 lead in that category.

Fantastic! Kirby has been absolutely huge for us. And his ability to pick up yards on the fake just makes him that much better. Kudos to him.

Also big kudos to the special teams staff - big improvements made almost across the board since Rhoads rolled into town.

**CtownCyclone** · 10-29-2010, 01:42 PM

And to think that punter was the position we were the most scared about prior to the start of the season. Looks like we have a good one to hold on to!

**JP4CY** · 10-29-2010, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

Also big kudos to the special teams staff - big improvements made almost across the board since Rhoads rolled into town.

K VDK and Mahoney have looked pretty good all year!

**cyhiphopp** · 10-29-2010, 01:47 PM

I would think he would almost be a shoe in for Freshman All American Punter.

**RING4CY** · 10-29-2010, 01:50 PM

If Van Der Kamp wins the Ray Guy Award, I will be eating some major crow.

**Wesley** · 10-29-2010, 01:53 PM

For comparison to Brandtner:

09 40.3 yard average
08 41.6
07 39.4
06 41.2

Very consistent all 4 years.

**gocubs2118** · 10-29-2010, 02:03 PM

And to think some of us, including myself, wanted this guy benched after a couple of games. That's why we pay Rhoads the big bucks.

**CtownCyclone** · 10-29-2010, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by gocubs2118

And to think some of us, including myself, wanted this guy benched after a couple of games. That's why we pay Rhoads the big bucks.

Wait...it's the head coach's job to pick who plays? I thought that was strictly reserved to message boards and editorial columns!

**IcSyU** · 10-29-2010, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by Wesley

For comparison to Brandtner:

09 40.3 yard average
08 41.6
07 39.4
06 41.2

Very consistent all 4 years.

Distance doesn't tell the whole story. If you're booting it 48 yards per kick, but they're getting a chance the set up a return and getting 15/return, are you really doing your job? Gotta give your killers a chance to be down the field. The punts inside the 20 number is very nice to look at though.

**Cybyassociation** · 10-29-2010, 02:12 PM

I didnt say it at the beginning of the season...ok maybe I did. I expected Dan to get a chance first. I know he has worked his butt off during his time here and I think he most definitely earned a chance to start. Unfortunately, the one kick he got, he shanked. I think Kirby has found some major confidence and I think its incredibly important for him to gain some leadership experience this early in his career.

**chuckd4735** · 10-29-2010, 02:22 PM

among 51 nominees

Do the nominees include players from FCS teams too?

**CyCloned** · 10-29-2010, 02:27 PM

he has been a very plesant surprise. He still clunks one every once in a while, but way better than I was expecting, and way better than the senior that punted in the NIU game.

**CYinPA** · 10-29-2010, 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by Cybyassociation

I didnt say it at the beginning of the season...ok maybe I did. I expected Dan to get a chance first. I know he has worked his butt off during his time here and I think he most definitely earned a chance to start. Unfortunately, the one kick he got, he shanked. I think Kirby has found some major confidence and I think its incredibly important for him to gain some leadership experience this early in his career.

May be what you are getting at, but I like the way the punting situation was handled at the beginning of the year.

**Clone9** · 10-29-2010, 02:41 PM

He really has adjusted very quickly and is booting the ball very well.

Does the Big 12/NCAA keep track of punting hang time? This, combined with distance, is really what makes a good punter. Seems like Kirby gets some good air under the ball in addition to the distance. And, as some have mentioned, he seems to be very good at the direction/inside the 20 punts too.