BEST IN BOOTS
STEWART MANDEL
August 22, 2012
They are tried and true, all but automatic after a touchdown and dead solid in the clutch. Here, in alphabetical order, are the nation's top kickers
With his booming leg, Hopkins is considered this year's top NFL prospect after pumping home 22 of 27 field goal tries in 2011. The previous year he hit a game-winning 55-yarder against Clemson.
MICHAEL HUNNICUTT
OKLAHOMA SOPHOMORE
As a walk-on redshirt freshman, Hunnicutt beat out more experienced teammates to become the Sooners' primary placekicker. Successful on 21 of 24 field goal attempts, he nailed a 53-yarder at Kansas State.
BRETT MAHER
NEBRASKA SENIOR
Taking over for departed All-America Alex Henery, Maher filled his shoes by earning first-team All--Big Ten honors as both a kicker and punter (44.5-yard average). He made 19 of 23 field goals, including a careerlong 51-yarder against Michigan.