Cal Football: Top 10 most valuable Bears in 2009 - No. 7

June 11, 11:42 PMCal Bears ExaminerRob Calonge

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Whoever the kicker is, their performance will
impact Cal's chances

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As we continue our list, we have already selected one special teams player, one offensive player, and one defensive player.  Since nearly every coach talks about 'all three phases' of the game, I think that this top-10 list is going pretty well...at least, so far.

As I've been doing every step of the way, I'll recap for those who may have missed it.

Bryan Anger and his big leg started the list off at No. 10.  After that, I cheated a little and chose Marvin Jones or the receiver that lines up opposite the possession receiver - Nyan Boateng or Jeremy Ross - as the No. 9 MVB (Most Valuable Bear).  My latest selection was defensive star Tyson Alualu at No. 8.

So who, or more importantly, what position should be the focus of MVB No. 7?  Do I take a step towards the offense and place the focus on scoring touchdowns, or should I think more defensively, and about the players who's job it is to prevent those touchdowns?

I'm sure that either of those solutions would be more popular than the one I came up with, but daggone it, I just can't see how my following pick shouldn't be in the discussion.  That's right, four picks in and I'm selecting my second special teams player.

I selected No. 7 as a toss-up between either Giorgio Tavecchio or David Seawright; yes, kickers.  I'm also cheating again.  Like with Cal's speed receiver, I'm uncertain about who will be starting when the season begins, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't either of these two guys.

It's odd, even for me, that within the first four MVB picks, I've selected both kicking positions.  I also know that many would wonder how I could select a kicker for this spot, when they might only be on the field for five or six plays a game.

Hear me out.  You need a good field goal kicker when you're in a close game.  Everybody knows that, but having a very good one in the college game gives you a distinct advantage that isn't always considered.

The obvious reason for selecting a kicker for an MVB slot would be due to the fact that a good kicker can be the difference between losing by a touchdown, or winning by two points.  Even so, that's not why I selected a kicker.

Here's my point.  If the opposing defense is aware that your kicker can't make a field goal from 40-yards out, they're going to play you different, and usually, it's not to the advantage of your offense.  If they know that you are already in scoring range for your kicker, then they have to wonder if you'll settle for three points and play it safe, or if you'll take a chance and go for the quick-strike touchdown.

It seems elementary, I know, but have you ever heard of the phrase '50-50-90'?  That phrase refers to when you have a 50-50 chance of getting the correct answer to a solution, 90% of the time, you'll pick the wrong one.

Another good reason for a kicker, is the confidence he gives your offensive squad.  The top reason that players fail on the field is due to them pressing for perfection.  When they do this, it usually ends up working to their disadvantage because they are unable to relax, and let the game come to them.  Instead, they are trying to make the big play, or overthinking the execution of it, causing them to perform at a less than adequate level.

As Yogi Berra once said, "Ninety percent of this game is half mental."

Huh?  Well, you know what he meant, don't you?  Anyway, a kicker is the only guy on the team with a better-than-average chance of scoring points everytime he is on the field for a snap.

How could he not be included as an MVB?

~ Check back Monday for No. 6 ~