Kicking Guru: Rittman Could Help At Multiple Spots

I was able to catch up with Chris Sailer from Chris Sailer Kicking, one of the nation’s premier kicking and punting coaches, for his thoughts on Jake Rittman, the specialist out of Kansas.

Last week, Rittman announced his commitment to Notre Dame as a preferred walk-on in the Class of 2018.

The Irish are bringing the 6-foot-3, 195-pounder primarily as a punter, but Sailer, who has worked with top kickers and punters at every level, including the NFL, believes Rittman could help in both aspects.

“Jake is equally talented as both a punter and a kicker,” said Sailer. “I feel that he will be able to contribute and add depth at all positions.” 

Rittman also had preferred walk-on opportunities at places like Vanderbilt, Air Force and multiple Ivy League schools, but elected to go with the Irish after a recent visit to South Bend, which included meetings with special teams coach Brian Polian along with current punter Tyler Newsome and current kicker Justin Yoon.

Sailer pointed to the Lawrence, Kan., native’s athleticism and frame.

“Jake is a great athlete with elite leg stretch,” Sailer explained. “He has the size and athleticism to be a great collegiate punter and kicker.

“He has great potential. Like any high school kicker/punter, he has to work on his consistency.”

But Sailer is convinced Rittman has the work ethic and desire to work to reach his maximum ability, which would allow him to have a positive impact on the Notre Dame program.

“Jake has great potential,” he reiterated. “I expect him to compete and find the field as a starter at some point of his career.”