Minnesota names starting kicker ahead of clash with Ohio State

Minnesota coach PJ Fleck has picked transfer Matthew Trickett as his starting kicker for the 2021 campaign.

Trickett transferred in earlier this offseason from Kent State.

Note: #Gophers head coach PJ Fleck has named Matthew Trickett is the starting kicker going into the #Buckeyes opener on Sept. 2. The transfer from Kent State was put on scholarship at the U and was the favorite to win the job.

— Andy Greder (@andygreder) August 27, 2021

Trickett was prolific in three years as Kent State’s starting kicker. He made 94-of-95 extra point attempts and 47-of-57 field goals. Last season, he went 4-of-6 on field goals in three games.

Last season, Minnesota used three kickers: Brock Walker, Michael Lantz and Anders Gelecinskyj. Only Walker is still on the roster entering the 2021 season.

Walker was Minnesota’s primary kicker last year, making 2-of-3 field goal attempts and 12-of-14 extra point tries in four games.

Minnesota is hoping for a bounce-back campaign in 2021. The Golden Gophers went 3-4 last season as they battled issues with COVID-19 and struggled mightily on defense.

Minnesota hosts Ohio State on Sept. 2.