Being ranked number 23 in the nation for the 2014 graduating class is no easy accomplishment for a kicker. It requires hard work, practice, and determination. These are only a few of the many requirements it takes to be a four-point kicker.

Junior Ben O’Brien holds all of these and more. This past summer, O’Brien attended the Kohl’s football kicking camp and placed 23 for his class.

“It’s an honor to be ranked,” said O’Brien, “especially for a guy from Arkansas.”

The Kohl’s football kicking camp was invite only, allowing O’Brien to attend and become nationally ranked.

“The camp opened my eyes to how many other good kickers there are,” said O’Brien. “It was a good experience.”

O’Brien began his kicking career in ninth grade when the football coach approached him asking if would kick for the team. Since he also plays soccer, O’Brien presented the coach with raw talent when he kicked for the first time.

“I just went out there and it turned out I was pretty good,” said O’Brien.

O’Brien’s record for longest field goal is 47 yards. The longest kick he has ever made is 64 yards, made while he was at practice.

The kicker set his longest field goal kick during a game at Rock Bridge, Missouri. Being a high-pressure situation at such a far distance, O’Brien managed to remain calm and make the kick.

“He has ice water in his veins,” said special teams coach Brannan Haney. “He doesn’t get rattled which is why he is such a good kicker.”

A kicker can’t complete the job by himself though. Senior Collin Richardson not only holds the ball for O’Brien on the field but he also supports him as his teammate.

“Before each kick I tell him to relax,” said Richardson. “After a kick I pat him on the head and tell him good job.”

Though O’Brien presents a talent for kicking, he also shares a love for soccer. As for his plan for college, he is not yet sure of which sports he plan to pursue at the next level.