Could Jonathan Kim make Michigan State football “Kicker U” again?

New Michigan State football kicker Jonathan Kim gave fans hope for special teams against CMU. Is MSU ‘Kicker U’ again?

Morten Anderson. Paul Edinger. Brett Swenson. Matt Coghlin. Dave Rayner. Michael Geiger. The list of Michigan State football kicker greats goes on and on. For a time, Michigan State was known as a program that always had solid kicking production. Back throughout my days, I would always prefer the term “Kicker-U”.

Simply put, MSU has had some greats come through the program.

Unfortunately for Spartan fans, since Coghlin (MSU’s all-time leader in field goals) got hurt halfway through the 2021 season, our kicking game has been lackluster. That might be putting it mildly even.

The 2022 kicker performance basically made us all need a couple of extra alcoholic beverages of choice on game day.

Let’s not even discuss the Indiana game last year. Just having a kicker in that game would have made us bowl-eligible last season. Let alone what could have been if we were able to hit some other kicks in closer games throughout the season.

Coming into this season, transfer kicker Jonathan Kim came in from North Carolina and all reports were that he could be the one to stabilize the kicking game. Any fan doubts about him may have been quickly dispelled on Friday night against Central Michigan when Kim went 3-for-3 in extra points and banged in a 47-yard field goal with ease in the second quarter.

MSU fans were sent into a frenzy thinking the kicking game was officially back. That was something to rightfully get excited about, especially with a new quarterback starting this year. Having a kicker who can make longer field goals shortens the field for the offense and gives a nice security blanket if needed.

JONATHAN KIM HAS A LEG pic.twitter.com/BguLzVqGan

— Barstool Spartans (@BarstoolMSU) September 2, 2023

If the reaction on Twitter was any indication of the level of how desperate Michigan State football fans are for a solid kicking game, the comments Kim had for reporters today should only fuel the fire.

When speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Kim mentioned that with no wind, he’s pretty comfortable with kicks up to 62 yards out. He continued to say that he’s made up to a 65-yarder in practice so far.

MSU kicker Jonathan Kim says with no wind, he’s pretty comfortable up to 62 yards out. Longest field goal he’s made in practice was from 65 yards away.

— Graham Couch (@Graham_Couch) September 5, 2023

You heard that — 65-yarders. Let the hype train commence.

Now let’s be real here for a second. It is early in the season. I also don’t expect Kim to be perfect for the year either. He is bound to miss a couple of kicks. But to have someone with a big leg and the confidence to come out and knock some kicks through the uprights is paramount. Especially if the coaching staff also has confidence in him, too. Kudos to Mel Tucker and the staff for taking the steps necessary to try to rectify one of the biggest problems on last year’s team.

Hopefully for Kim, he continues to perform well and becomes the great next kicker in the lineage of MSU kicking. Until further notice, he should also be referred to as Jonathan Him. Thanks in advance.

Go Green, everyone. Richmond is on the clock.