Consistent approach yields results for Penn State kicker Alex Felkins
Penn State’s kicking game has been an adventure in the first few weeks of the 2023 season, but the Nittany Lions may have found their guy in Columbia transfer Alex Felkins. Since taking over for Sander Sahaydak in a turbulent week one, Felkins has been steady. He started out Saturday with a chip shot from 20 yards out and a strong effort from 45.
It gave the Nittany Lions’ staff the confidence to give him an opportunity from 52 yards out midway through the second quarter. It was a spot that Felkins was hoping for, even if the kick was not his best effort.
“I don’t know if you guys saw me on the sideline, but I was kind of begging for it there,” Felkins told reporters after the game. “I felt good the way that I started the game there with the 45-yarder going into the wind, and going that other way I felt good [in] pregame, too. Obviously I didn’t take advantage of that, but hopefully, I’ll get another one this year.”
Felkins set his range at 55-56 yards on any given day and admitted that he “chunked it pretty bad” on his long attempt, so a miss was likely even if it got past the line of scrimmage. Still, a 3-of-4 day on field goals and a perfect day on extra points is a positive outcome for a team that started 0-for-2 this season.
“It feels great. I’m just doing my job, just like any other game,” he said. “You don’t necessarily expect four field goal attempts in the first half, but when you get out there you’ve got to do your job. That’s what it’s about.”
Penn State added Felkins from Columbia in the offseason
The 22-year-old was a three-time All-Ivy League selection at Columbia before transferring to Penn State in the offseason. He did not win the job to start the season, but a consistent approach led to him making the most of his opportunity for the Nittany Lions.
“I think my mental game has gotten so much better since I got here,” Felkins said. “Especially because coach [James] Franklin does such a good job of putting pressure on us in practice. I’m just so confident in my mental game now and I know exactly what I need to do every time I go out there. I’ve really just simplified stuff over the years.”
Felkins is now 4-for-5 on field goals through three games with the 45-yarder against Illinois coming as his long. He’s 14-for-14 on PATs and has put all four kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks.
