Moments after the Chargers selected him with the 179th overall pick, punter Drew Kaser called Chargers.com to give his first interview as a member of the San Diego Chargers.
Chargers.com: So what was that moment like when you got the phone call from the Chargers?
Kaser: Oh man, words can't describe that phone call. I mean, it was like a dream come true.
*Chargers.com: *What was your contact like with the Chargers throughout the Draft?
Kaser: Special Teams Coordinator Craig Aukerman and his assistant came out to College Station and worked me out. Coach Aukerman and I stayed in contact after, too.
Chargers.com:What's it going to be like reuniting with former Texas A&M teammate Josh Lambo?
Kaser: Lambo and I are such good friends. I really think it's a blessing to be in the NFL to begin with, but also to be with one of your former teammates and best friends. I'm very fortunate and it's going to be awesome.
Chargers.com:How would you describe your game?
Kaser:I've changed it. I'm more of a directional punter now going for hang time and direction; sticking back in the pocket and just letting it hang up there. It lets my team run down the field and gives my gunners and coverage players the best chance to limit any return yards. I also try to make the returner feel pressured and fair catch the ball as many times as possible.
*Chargers.com: *How have you focused on that and what have you done to improve your directional kicking?
Kaser:I worked with a guy named Reggie Hodges who played in the league for about eight years. We worked a lot on drops, steps, vision and kind of worked on focusing trajectory and angles of field. We eliminated probably two-thirds of the field so you're only aiming for a third of the field and having a target line so you know if you hit a perfect ball, it'll hit in that spot every single time. If not, it's going to be a little bit off but it's still where you want it to be. You're trying to limit the return as much as possible and eliminate as much field the returner has to return the ball back as well.
Chargers.com: What's the longest hang time you've ever recorded?
Kaser:It was 5.5 seconds. That was a good punt!
Chargers.com: What about the longest length in-game?
Kaser:76 yards.
Chargers.com: Do you feel the punter position is undervalued?
Kaser:It's a huge part of the game. If you look at it across the board, I think punters nowadays are becoming more and more valued for what they can do. It started with Ray Guy, you saw him go into the Hall of Fame this year. Punters are evolving. Guys are becoming better punters, athletes and weapons for teams. It's still a work in progress, but punters are people too! We're becoming more of a respected breed.
Chargers.com: What do you expect coming into Chargers Park?
Kaser:From day one, my goal is to work hard and to earn my job every single day. That's been my philosophy since I was a little kid and going through sports; to work hard and never give up. That's always been what I attribute my success to. I'll never be outworked and that's why I'm in the position I am in today.
