Manatee Kicker Breaking Records

Whether it’s booming a kick into the endzone, shutting down the opposing team’s return game with his punting or hitting a field goal from a long distance, Manatee High senior kicker Nick Tankersley does it all.

Already one of the nation’s top high school prospects, the 5-foot-11, 151-pound Tankersley is breaking records this season.  He made a school-record 53-yard field goal on November 4 on the road against Sarasota. He followed that last week by kicking off from Manatee’s 25-yard line into the endzone in the regional quarterfinals of the Class 7A Florida High School State Playoffs against Pinellas Park, Tankersley’s personal best in a game.

It wasn’t the farthest that Tankersley has kicked a football.

"At practice, I kicked an 82-yard kickoff," Tankersley said.

This season, Tankersley is 12-for-16 in field goals, including a current streak of 11 straight. When it comes to kicking touchbacks during kickoffs, Tankersley has done so at around a 70-percent rate.

One of the main reasons for Tankersley’s success has been the tutelage of his special teams coach, Dennis Stallard.

"I’m kind of lucky because I basically have a college kicking coach at high school helping me out all this time," Tankersley said.

Three years ago, Tankersley stepped in during a playoff game against Bayside when the one of their kickers sustained an injury. He made a field goal that game, as well as several touchbacks.

From that moment on, Tankersley’s career took off.

"I think he’s made himself into a kicker that schools in the next level have to take a look at," Stallard said.

Aside from kicking field goals and kickoffs, Tankersley also serves as Manatee’s punter. By having a previous soccer background, it was a slight adjustment for him.

"He is a traditional soccer guy with a side-winder swing," Stallard said. "To be a punter, it’s a different stroke and he’s really worked into making himself into a punter."

Because of his hard work, Tankersley has become one of the nation’s best punters.

"He makes it easier for our punt coverage guys because he hangs the ball way up in the air," Stallard said. "We’ve punted 28 times this year and we’ve given up a total of 17 yards in punt returns and most of that is because he hangs the ball up high and people have to fair catch."

Asked which he liked to do more, Tankersley made it crystal clear.

"Definitely kicking," he said. "I like kicking off because that’s me. I set the ball up, I do everything. I don’t have to worry about other people."

Tankersley said if tonight's game against Venice comes down to a late field goal he will have no fear on the field.

"I like pressure. I always do better in pressure situations so hopefully that happens and I come through because I really don’t like Venice so I want to beat them," Tankersley said.

Coach Stallard also has confidence in his kicker.

"Your big-time players have to step up and make big-time plays in big games," Stallard said "That’s what they’re expected to do and we expect him to do that as our kicker."

Tankersley had one last message to any possible scouts watching.

"Offer me a scholarship," he said laughing.