Nick Weiler brings confident approach to UNC football's kicking game

Much like in golf, a place kicker’s swing depends on his form. And in order to maintain a consistent swing, confidence is key.

Just ask North Carolina’s Nick Weiler.

“(Confidence) is pretty big,” said the junior place kicker after Wednesday’s practice. “It’s just like golf — if you feel good about your swing, you’re going to have a good swing.”

Coming off of a rough 2014 season when he made only five of his eight field goal attempts, Weiler says his swing and self-assurance weren’t where they needed to be.

But after working all offseason to improve both, Weiler’s efforts paid off in a big way during UNC’s season-opening loss to South Carolina, when he drilled two field goals of over 30 yards.

The Tar Heels failed to convert a field goal attempt from more than 30 yards out in 2014. But with UNC facing a fourth down from the Gamecocks’ 30-yard line early in the second quarter, Weiler waltzed onto the field.

He drilled the 47-yard attempt, giving North Carolina a 10-7 lead and setting a new career long. The field goal marked the longest made by the Tar Heels since a 48-yarder against Miami in 2012.

After South Carolina tied the game with a field goal of its own, UNC marched down the field on its next possession before the drive halted at the Gamecocks’ 21-yard line.

The Tar Heels turned to Weiler again, this time for a 38-yard attempt. And once again, he delivered, putting UNC ahead 13-10 just before halftime.

“We really wanted to get out there, show what we had,” said Weiler of making his first two attempts of the season. “Right now, I think we’re just focused on getting that going again.”

Weiler’s longest field goal in 2014 came from 23 yards out. And while his performance on Thursday came as a surprise to fans and the media, the coaching staff said it was carryover from the offseason.

“What you’re seeing is a byproduct of what’s been going on in fall camp,” said special teams coordinator Larry Porter. “As you continue to hit those field goals, it continues to build your confidence. We just want to make sure it continues.”

Weiler says he spent almost every day this past offseason working with deep snapper Kyle Murphy and holder Joey Mangili to establish confidence as a unit.

With ideal weather conditions, Weiler believes he can now convert from 55 yards out. In addition to his work on the field, Weiler also read a couple of golf books to improve his mental approach. For when it comes to kicking, not much is different.

“I think everybody relates to that position like a golfer,” Coach Larry Fedora said. “Once they lose that confidence, it makes it tough. But when they’ve got it, they can be on fire.”

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