Nick Hernandez is a class of 2021 kicker for Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio, Texas. At such a young age, Nick has leg strength that most kickers dream of, displaying this with a career long 65-yard field goal. However, he isn’t just a big leg, Nick can kick anywhere on the field with laser precision making 113 PAT’s and 16 field goals. Kicking field goals and kickoffs isn’t the only thing he can do; Hernandez can also punt the ball. In his 36 punts, he averaged 41.5 yards and pinned more than half of them inside the 20. Nick isn’t just locked in when he’s kicking, he also can do it in the classroom, posting a 3.6 GPA.
Why did you choose to play football and when did you start? Always been a dream of mine, I started playing in 7th grade.
What life skills has football taught you over time? Football has taught mental toughness and discipline. It also made me the person I am today.
Would you consider yourself a powerful kicker or more of an accuracy guy? I have been ranked the most accurate kicker in Texas, but I would consider myself a strong kicker, I think I’m both though.
As a kicker, what is your favorite spot to kick on the field? Why? Depends on the wind, but I prefer the middle of the field.
What’s the longest field goal you have ever kicked? I recently kicked a 65-yard kicker.
I saw you played some punter as well, how do you think that’s helped you become better at kicking field goals? Being a punter has made me so much more valued as a player, it made me a triple threat who can do anything I’m asked of.
What are some of the thoughts you have before attempting to put the ball through the uprights? When I go out there I don’t think or question anything, I have confidence and trust in myself from all the practice I have put in, so I walk up there knowing I’m going to make the kick.
What was your favorite moment playing kicker at the high school level? Playing in the All-star game.
What current or past player, do you think your game mirrors the most? Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and Colts kicker Rodrigo Blankenship.
Does your jersey number hold any significance to you? My number always has to have 7 in it, it was kind of a religious thing, also I’m trying to make my kickoffs go 70 yards.
Do you play any other sports outside football? If so, how do you think they have helped you be a better football player? I only played soccer for 11 years, really laid down the groundwork to be a kicker, gives me lots of power.
Outside of sports, do you have any hobbies you like to do? I love to hike! I love nature, mediation and yoga.
What your favorite pre-game song to listen to? Push it by OT Genesis, it’s a song I listened to when I got pulled up to varsity.
In your opinion, what is the best aspect of your game? My ability to adapt to wind, distance, and my consistency.
How do you think Covid-19 impacted your senior season? Completely screwed up everything, I couldn’t go to national showcases and everything. Also, colleges can’t give out roster spots because some seniors came back.
At the end of the day, who is someone you look up to? My whole family, they have been really supportive on my journey.
Describe a time where you were going through adversity, how did you get through it? I lost a lot of stats because I broke my hip, had to rebuild what I lost. It was tough on my mindset.
Finally, what are colleges going to get out of Nick Hernandez? They are going to get the best version of me. I’m exciting to form friendships and make a path for my future.
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