There’s a movement breaking the NFL, and it’s stirring up right here at The Woods: kickers and punters are getting too good too fast. Thirty years ago, a 61-yard punt would’ve made you the 13th best punter in the world. Ben Shipley just did that as a junior.
Senior Ben Shipley has broken out as one of the best punters in the nation, earning himself a spot on the Kansas Jayhawks’ roster next season.
“It’s really cool to be recognized nationally. It helps me believe in myself,” Shipley said.
Shipley wasn’t always this good. In fact, he had never even kicked a football until five years ago.
“I started playing football in the seventh grade and found I was instantly best at kicking and punting because of my soccer background,” Shipley said.
Since then, he hasn’t looked back. As varsity kicker for the past two seasons, he hasn’t missed a single extra point.
“I just focus on consistency and being ready for game day,” Shipley said.
Kickers have a reputation for being perfectionists, needing everything on point in their routine. Over the years, Shipley’s picked up the same habits as the greats.
“When everything is precise, it helps you feel good and clear out your mind before you kick,” Shipley said. “I always take a deep breath before and after I take my steps and envision a good kick or punt before I actually do it.”
His routine may be the most important on the team; every week, games are decided by a kicker’s or punter’s performance. Through screaming fans and sweaty hands, Shipley remains calm.
“I try to keep everything off my mind before kicking and punting,” Shipley said. “The only thing I think about is just keeping my form clean and finishing through contact.”
Perhaps the greatest pressure was having college scouts staring him down through it all. As soon as the recruiting window opened last season, schools were knocking on Shipley’s door.
“The recruiting process was crazy and it went by really fast,” Shipley said. “I just remember getting messaged by all these big schools that I would dream about when I was younger.”
Eventually, he landed on Kansas, a staple in one of college football’s most prestigious conferences, who had three players drafted to the NFL this summer.
“I chose Kansas because as soon as I stepped foot on campus, it felt like home,” Shipley said. “I was heavily welcomed by all the staff there and I really liked everything about the school.”
Despite being committed to a top program, Shipley is still hungry for more. For him, being ranked as the 43rd best punter in the nation isn’t good enough yet.
“I got to improve my ranking by staying consistent this season and doing what I do, showing people I’m a contender for that number one spot.” Shipley said.
Though he’s focused on his personal journey, Shipley’s best times playing football wasn’t when big schools were calling his phone or when he got his career-best punts and kicks; he cares about his team.
“A bunch of my favorite memories are from the locker room after a win,” Shipley said. “Everyone is laughing and dancing and it’s a lot of fun.”
Though nobody knows how good kickers and punters will be in the near future, one thing is sure: Shipley will be one of many leading the charge. Looking ahead and reflecting on the past, he described his journey simply.
“None of this would be possible without God,” he said, “and I am grateful for Him guiding me every step of the way and continuing to shape my journey.”
