The Huskies filled an extremely important need over the weekend, and received a pledge from Hawai’i (Punahou) kicker, Tim Horn.
“I told Coach Gregory and Coach”, Horn told Realdawg.com on Sunday afternoon, “They were real fired up…Coach Pete said the only thing wrong is that I can’t come in this year”.
Horn, who’s 6-3, 200, had asked us to hold off reporting his decision until he announced it via Twitter. And of course, we complied. But we were fortunate to receive his thoughts on the commitment before-hand — and he was very excited.
“I chose Washington because…it’s a combination of everything”, he explained, “It’s an amazing culture, there’s top-notch academics, it’s a great program, and there’s stability (with the coaches).”
He also said his family was “ecstatic” about the decision, “They know it’s just such a great opportunity”, Horn said.
Horn had consulted with friend and fellow kicker, Tristan Vizcaino, about what it’s like having that kicking job at Washington, “He just said that the weather can be challenging”, he said, “But it’s one of those things that actually makes you a better kicker and prepares you better.”
One thing that Horn is very excited about is going into a program during an era where National Titles possibilities are attainable under Chris Petersen, “They’re competing every year”, he said.
The top teams in the country; Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State…they have punters and kickers that are elite. To win a national title, Chris Petersen (with limited scholarships) felt the need to offer Hawai’i kicker, Tim Horn.
Washington needed a guy with a strong, accurate leg who can make those big kicks under pressure.
To have a great career as a kicker, you have to make those great kicks at great moments. But to have a good career, you have to make those regular, can’t-miss kicks. Washington struggled with that the past couple of years.
Horn said he isn’t prepared to enroll early at this point, but is going to sign during the early signing period.
