Where Michigan’s kicking competition stands

Michigan has two veteran kickers, two that Michigan special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh has faith in. There aren’t many programs in college football that have two experienced options. Quinn Nordin has went 40-of-53 during his career while Jake Moody has gone 16-of-20.

Both kicking options received opportunities last season (Moody 6-of-9, Nordin 10-of-13), but it was Nordin with the most impressive stretch which in turn got him the starting job midway through the year.

Michigan just started padded practices this past week, and the kicking game heats up with the pads on as well. It’s one things for a kicker to consistently make field goals on their own without 11-on-11 going on, but simulating live game situations with their unit and converting their attempts is equally and perhaps even more important. Harbaugh isn’t ready to name a starter just yet, he’s letting more of those game situations unfold before deciding who gets the starting job. “We’ve still got a lot of time in terms of kicking in competitive situations and moving the ball in practice, letting those guys both kick,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll play the guy we feel like is going to give us the better shot.”

Whoever wins the job, Harbaugh will be confident in their ability to net Michigan points. “We love everything about both of them. It’s a blessing to have two guys we feel confident with in terms of ability,” Harbaugh said. “We all love the fact that Quinn has done it on some big stages, has experience and poise of a veteran. Moody does, too. We’ll let the competition play out.”