Little Swenson Ready for Big 2008

It almost seems dishonest to use the word big in any way associated with the Spartan Nation's kicker. The MSU media guide officially lists him as 5'8” and

It almost seems dishonest to use the word big in any way associated with the Spartan Nation's kicker. The MSU media guide officially lists him as 5'8” and 169# and both listings in my opinion are as about as exaggerated as a fraternity brothers' stories of conquest after a long evening of binge drinking. How small is he? He makes LB Jon Misch look like the Incredible Hulk.

Swenson came into East Lansing carrying his golden shoe from Florida after futility at his spot had plagued the Spartans under former coach JLS. He was quiet and let his foot talk. It was a freshman season that excited the faithful at a school that listed kickers as one of the positions (along with WR) that it had always excelled at.

That golden foot brought Swenson accolades and it even saw him become a prestigious Freshman All American. His golden foot, however, couldn't save JLS's job and into town came a new Sheriff. It was supposed to be even better for Swenson. In comes Mark Dantonio and his affinity to take the points and kick.

Swenson was marvelous last season on PAT's hitting a whopping 53 of 54. Unfortunately for kickers, however realistic that is, people expect that. What hurt Swenson was that he hit 15 of 22 field goals and people remember the end of the Wisconsin game when the Spartans needed a FG for the upset and the confidence wasn't there. Right or wrong, that was the reality of the situation.

That may be a “fact” that people remember, but it wasn't reality. Swenson is a sure footed, and gifted kicker that will make MSU a better team in 2008.

“It was tough last season, I mean you have new holders and new ways of doing things and that isn't always easy. I am not making excuses though. I am expected to make them every time and that is my goal,” was how Swenson talked about his 2007 campaign to me at practice this pre-season.

Swenson's foot is one that could very possibly be the catalyst to great things this season. People are used to those accolades for a QB and references to his arm, but a kicker and his foot? “I am certainly glad with the play of Brett Swenson. He is a very good and solid kicker and I am ready to send him out there and win games,” was Coach Mark Dantonio's assessment of his guy. How has Swenson improved this off season Coach, “There are so many things that go into a kicker's routine and success. Brett is a true Spartan in every way he acts on and off the field and I think he has gotten a routine down.”

On any given practice you can catch Swenson watching his much bigger teammates hit and drive. You can also see anxiously awaiting the coaches yelling, “Field Goal” and his strapping on his helmet and heading out. “I really like Brett and what he does for this football team,” was Captain Justin Kershaw's thought. “I feel like every time we get down there he will hit it through. He is an exceptional kicker and a great guy,” is the opinion that Heisman hopeful Javon Ringer has in him.

When you mention to Swenson the high esteem of his teammates, the pride of Pompano Beach has a much different take. He drops his head in an aw shucks moments straight out of the Andy Griffith show and responds with, “I am just really comfortable now. I can't wait.”

Here is the funny thing about Swenson. Most kickers avoid contact and fear it. Not him. He may be little, but there isn't a guy on that team with a bigger heart. If ever there was a ruckus or a disturbance on the field he may get killed, but Swenson would be in the middle of it.

About half way through practice last week I was walking off of the field and into the indoor football field. He was there with kicker Todd Boleski and I mentioned to Swenson I was going to do a story on him. He looked up and said, “For sure?” 75,000 people hold their breath on the young star from Florida and he is still Brett. Most kickers are prima donas. Not him. That isn't the way he does it. Most kickers let managers carry the bags of footballs, but it isn't the way he does it. He lugs them around like my three year old and a teddy bear.

He may be oblivious to the fact that the Spartan Nation watches that foot, but that is OK. It is part of the reason he is so liked by his teammates. His size might not show it, but the best compliment you can give this young man is that he is a football player. Most of the time you call them kickers. That would not be fair to Swenson. He is a football player.

Most of the time they are the hated part of the team. Most of the time they are simply disdained. Not Swenson. He is the All American kid that can play football. The kid that excels as a tremendous student in the class room, a terrific kicker on the field, and an even better person wherever he is.

I was giving him a lot of smack for wearing blue kicking shoes this pre-season. It wasn't his fault, it was what Nike sent him. Unfortunately for him, I wasn't the only one. Head Coach Mark Dantonio almost had a coronary for him wearing blue on the football field. Coach Mannie even went as far as saying, “I told Swenson with those blue shoes he looked more like a ballerina trying to play twinkle toes. Paint them.” Coach Dantonio and Mannie both love the kid. More importantly they know that he has stepped into his role of what this team needs. Here is the biggest compliment you can give a kicker. This team trusts him. This season that once blue shoe that is now beautifully painted green will step out and win a game for the Spartans. The fans will rise and cheer. The team will be glad for a win, but they won't be shocked. He is their guy.

Swenson may be little, but he is a football player with a heart of a champion. For the Spartan Nation to reach the levels of success that they have established in 2008 they need that kicker and they need better than 15 for 22 on field goals. They will get it. How do I know? Don't ask Swenson, ask his teammates and coaches. He has had a great pre-season and they have no trouble telling you like Captain Brian Hoyer told me, “He's our guy.”

Swenson is devoted to his family. Nary a conversation with him goes by that a reference isn't made to his sister. His heart may be with them in Florida, but he is back to being confident. He is content now. He has his routine back and his swagger. Swagger you ask for a kicker? I sure do. It isn't arrogance. It is a maturity level that comes with time. Remember this Spartan Nation: He is our guy. That is one guy that we can all take pride in. He is exactly what you want in a Spartan. Big heart, tremendous player and a terrific person. Swenson could miss every FG in 2008 and that wouldn't change my high esteem for him one bit. Spartans should be proud, He's our guy!