Any frustrations rookie kicker Ben Sauls may’ve had about transferring twice shortly dissipated due to the information of formally touchdown within the NFL. From Tipp Metropolis, Ohio, Sauls had simply arrived again dwelling when the Pittsburgh Steelers gave him the decision to rush again.
Talking with reporters following the group’s second day of rookie minicamp Saturday, Sauls defined how he landed again in Pittsburgh.
“I used to be stoked,” Sauls advised reporters by way of the Pittsburgh DSEN YouTube account. “I just about moved dwelling two Thursdays in the past, at any time when the draft was. I actually didn’t anticipate to return again. However I used to be more than pleased on that Sunday to pack the automotive up once more and are available again proper to the place I used to be at.”
Sauls spent the earlier 5 seasons with the Pitt Panthers, serving as this system’s beginning kicker the previous three. He took lumps early in his profession, shedding a camp battle in 2021, and slumped in 2023. However he rebounded to develop into considered one of faculty soccer’s finest kickers in 2024, making 21-of-24 discipline targets and all 44 of his additional factors. An enormous leg with NFL vary, he routinely hit from 57 yards with a career-long of 58. Acrisure Stadium isn’t the daunting place it was however it’s nonetheless not a simple place to kick. For Sauls, there received’t be a studying curve.
“I’m excited,” he stated. “I’m anticipating a whole lot of good issues taking place. The familiarity is simply one other benefit in my pocket right here. However it’s time to get to work and be higher.”
His largest changes would be the extra stress the NFL creates and having a brand new holder. Cam Guess served as his holder all through his Pitt tenure. With the Steelers, it’ll be one of many punters, Cameron Johnston or Corliss Waitman.
Earlier than arriving to Pittsburgh for the primary time, Sauls was a standout soccer participant. His senior yr squad went undefeated and received a state title, Sauls main the group with 19 targets. His 48 targets nonetheless rank sixth in class historical past.
Sauls will backup Chris Boswell this spring and summer season, telling reporters he’s wanting ahead to constructing a friendship. Boswell’s job safety is as sturdy as any kicker within the league and he’ll possible obtain a increase this summer season, a reward for an elite 2024 marketing campaign. However Boswell can be 34 years outdated and Pittsburgh could start preserving his leg in the summertime, which means additional possibilities for Sauls.
Sticking within the NFL as a kicker is difficult. There’s no depth chart. It’s starter or off the roster. However Sauls has what he’s all the time chased. An opportunity to dwell out a dream and a chance to kick at soccer’s highest degree. His mindset, and his leg, appear prepared for the league.
