Countdown to 2020 IUFB Kickoff: 90 Days (Jared Smolar)

Written by Andrew Walker

Name: Jared Smolar

Position: K

Year/Hometown: Redshirt Senior from Valparaiso, IN

Height: 5-11

Weight: 217 pounds

Outside of his collegiate start at Rutgers University, Jared Smolar has been one of the most key players for the Hoosier football team in terms of flipping the playing field. During his tenure at IU, Smolar has improved every year he’s been here. Coming into his third year as a Hoosier, Smolar has attempted 88 kickoffs averaging 58.4 yards per kick. Combine that with 42 touchbacks and you’ve got a kickoff specialist that is multifaceted. He can put it in the end zone if necessary, or keep it in play for the special teams to deal with. 

Before his collegiate career, Smolar was ranked the no. 7 kicker in the nation, reeling in a 5 star recruit rating. Playing for Valparaiso High School, Smolar was a kicker and a punter, but his best work came when kicking. Nailing all eight field goals attempted and a perfect 36/36 on extra points, the young kicker/punter was named Indiana Preps special teams P/K of the year.