Penn State plans to use kicker Sander Sahaydak for long field goal situations, coach James Franklin announced in his weekly press conference Tuesday afternoon.
“The long field goals– we’re talking about game-winning field goals– is Sander Sahaydak, which I think is 52 yards or more,” Franklin said.
What exactly Franklin meant with the “52 yards or more” line is unclear. He didn’t say whether that applies explicitly to game-winning field goals or just game-winning situations.
Nonetheless, it’s apparent that Franklin is comfortable with Sahaydak attempting long kicks.
Sahaydak, a redshirt freshman from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, that attended Liberty High School, has alternated kickoff duties with Gabe Nwosu through Penn State’s first two games.
Jake Pinegar is still Penn State’s No. 1 kicker, but Pinegar struggled last week against Ohio, missing a 42-yard field goal and an extra point.
Franklin expressed faith in Pinegar in his post-game press conference despite the rough day.
“I’ve got a ton of confidence in Jake and what he’s going to do,” Franklin said.
Jordan Stout was Penn State’s “long-range” specialist before departing after last season. Stout was better known for his punting talents at Penn State and is currently the Baltimore Ravens’ starter as a rookie. But Stout also handled Penn State’s place-kicking duties in 2021.
Stout has a strong leg and holds the record for longest made field goal in Penn State history, nailing a 57-yarder against Pitt that’s the longest in school history.
Stout ended his career second all-time in Penn State history with five field goals of 50 yards or longer.
