Hocker Could Set Unbreakable Record
By: Adam Alter
Updated: November 16, 2012
"I didn't even know I broke it until after the game," junior kicker Zach Hocker said.
Last Saturday, Hocker cemented his name in the Arkansas record book becoming the all-time leading points scorer by a kicker. Now at 285, he surpassed the great Steve Little's 35-year-old record of 280.
"He's a great kicker," Hocker said of Little. "He's one of the best that's ever come through here and I'm honored to have my name up there by him."
Hocker needs just ten more points to become the overall leader (Bill Burnett - 294 points). With two more games this season and another year of eligibility, that's a matter of when, not if. But his senior send-off may entail more than just kicking.
"I first got here as a punter," Hocker explained. "That was my primary position being here and I'd love to do all three next year."
Fellow special teamer Dylan Breeding's set to graduate and take his exceptional punting skills with him.
"They'll probably bring in a couple of guys to compete at the spot but me being an upper classman and having some experience behind me, hopefully I'll be able to win that spot out and to do all three next year," Hocker said.
Hocker's proven to have a strong leg. He made a 51 yard field goal as a freshman. But field goals, extra points, kick offs and punts would make for quite a work load.
"I did it in high school and I know that in college you have a lot more reps," Hocker described. "Adding a couple of punts here and there to a game, I don't think it'll affect me that much."
The extra responsibility may be more a mental challenge than physical, and Hocker's already struggling. His field goal percentage has declined each season of his Hog career.
"It's not my best season by any means," Hocker admitted. "I'm not living up to the standards that I set for myself. But we have two more games left and I don't want to miss again by any means."
Last Saturday, Hocker cemented his name in the Arkansas record book becoming the all-time leading points scorer by a kicker. Now at 285, he surpassed the great Steve Little's 35-year-old record of 280.
"He's a great kicker," Hocker said of Little. "He's one of the best that's ever come through here and I'm honored to have my name up there by him."
Hocker needs just ten more points to become the overall leader (Bill Burnett - 294 points). With two more games this season and another year of eligibility, that's a matter of when, not if. But his senior send-off may entail more than just kicking.
"I first got here as a punter," Hocker explained. "That was my primary position being here and I'd love to do all three next year."
Fellow special teamer Dylan Breeding's set to graduate and take his exceptional punting skills with him.
"They'll probably bring in a couple of guys to compete at the spot but me being an upper classman and having some experience behind me, hopefully I'll be able to win that spot out and to do all three next year," Hocker said.
Hocker's proven to have a strong leg. He made a 51 yard field goal as a freshman. But field goals, extra points, kick offs and punts would make for quite a work load.
"I did it in high school and I know that in college you have a lot more reps," Hocker described. "Adding a couple of punts here and there to a game, I don't think it'll affect me that much."
The extra responsibility may be more a mental challenge than physical, and Hocker's already struggling. His field goal percentage has declined each season of his Hog career.
"It's not my best season by any means," Hocker admitted. "I'm not living up to the standards that I set for myself. But we have two more games left and I don't want to miss again by any means."
