Notre Dame K Jon Doerer Ready For Final Ride

Notre Dame kicker Jon Doerer is back for year No. 5 with the Fighting Irish as he decided to take advantage of the extra year of eligibility due to COVID. 

In fact, it was almost a no-brainer for Doerer. 

"It's something I didn't expect and something I would take advantage of as I realized there would be things for me to do," Doerer said. "I could get a master's degree and spend another year with the guys and improve as a player." 

2020 was anything but normal and the seasoned kicker feels 2021 is already off to a good start as he finished up his final camp in South Bend. 

"It's been good to have a normal camp this year and a normal camp schedule," stated Doerer. "Meeting times are all at the same time. We got to move back into the dorms to spend time with the team in the early part of camp. It's been a good experience for us." 

Doerer went 15-for-23 on field goals last year, but struggled a little bit following the Clemson game, where he hit four field goals in the upset. 

Special teams coordinator Brian Polian has worked with Doerer on his upper body movement during the offseason as they look to find a little more consistency this fall. 

"The biggest thing is trying to keep my upper body quiet and stay as calm as I can with that because that allows me to see the ball better," Doerer explained. "I think this fifth year is an opportunity to hone in on my game. It's my third year of kicking. It's been good working with Coach Polian and the younger guys on those things."

There is also a great trust in Polian as they've been through all the ups and downs of the last few years. 

"It's been great having the same coach for five years," said Doerer. "It's rare in college football and rare for a kicker. It's been really good working through our relationship and we've gotten to know each other really well now. The stability of that means a lot to me. He's someone who has always been in my corner and really plugged in at the next level and has insight. It's been really good to have the consistent voice and it's been a steady presence for me. 

"I know when I get too high, he brings me down and when I get too low, he brings me up. It's like a caddy of sorts. He keeps me at an even keel so I can perform at my best." 

Doerer also knows the mental side of kicking is important and he's also focused on sharpening his mental preparation before each kick. 

"It's interesting," Doerer stated. "People think kicking is more mental than anything else. Obviously, there is a huge physical part of it too. It's mental in a sense you have to set yourself up for success before the kick and before the ball is even snapped. There is a lot of work that goes into making sure you're doing the right things on the sideline. 

"You have to have all the information you need. Is it windy? What hash is it on and what's the distance? How am I hitting the ball on this particular day? It goes beyond the typical focus and concentration that everyone attributes to kicking success, which obviously plays a big role. 

"If you can win that battle, you can do anything physically." 

The Charlotte native has also used Dr. Amber Selking to lean on as she has been a critical piece to the program since 2017.

"I talk to Dr. Selking here," said Doerer. "I don't have a personal coach. I use her as a resource whenever I feel like it. I try to do the best I can to make sure to keep my life in order to make sure I can focus on game day just like everyone else."