By Jerod Dahlgren
It?s something Kyle Larson has been doing for as long he can remember.

While most kids played video games, shot baskets or rode bikes, Larson was punting footballs.

"It?s kind of been a hobby to me almost," Larson said. "I?ve done it ever since I can remember, all the way back to grade school. It?s something that I have enjoyed. I just liked kicking the ball, that?s all there is to it."

Larson?s hobby has played a significant role in Nebraska?s early success this season, especially in field position. Currently the nation?s leader in average at a clip of 47.3 yards per punt, he has buried opponents inside the 20-yard line four times this season.

According to Larson, winning the field position battle is much more important to him than racking up big numbers.

"I would say it is just as satisfying to pin an opponent deep in their territory on a pooch punt than just hitting a long ball," Larson said. "I?ve learned that average doesn?t mean everything."

Larson's team-first attitude and strong work ethic are qualities that have helped the junior from Funk, Neb., become a key contributor, kicker?s coach Dan Young said.

"I think he is a very talented individual," Young said. "He has a very strong leg and he works hard. He?s the first one out on the practice field and the last one to leave."

Larson?s strong leg showed Sept. 7 against Utah State, as he boomed a punt 71 yards down the field, which ranks as the fifth-longest punt in school history.

Although Larson is quick to point out that he "had a little help from the wind on that one," he can tell early on if it is going to be a successful kick.

"I usually can tell right away if it is a good hit when it leaves my foot," he said. "It was definitely nice to hit one like that. Ever since I saw (Dan) Hadenfeldt hit a 73-yarder against California, it?s something that has always stuck in my mind."

Hadenfeldt, who owns both the season and career punting average school records, was an ideal choice for Larson to model himself after.

"I learned a lot from Dan just by watching him go through the motions out there on the field," Larson said. "That extra year that he got really benefited me by being on the sidelines and watching how he carried himself."

Prior to joining the Huskers as a walk-on in 1999, Larson wanted to pattern his play on the field for Kearney High School after a different type of player -- Chicago Bears Hall-of-Fame linebacker Dick Butkus.

Larson wore Butkus? No. 51 in high school, playing center, linebacker and punter for the Bearcats.

"I really admired Dick Butkus," Larson said. "I really liked his style and what he did when he was in the NFL. I suppose that people thought it was a little weird though when I stepped back there as No. 51 to punt."

Despite the unconventional number for a punter, Larson posted a state-best 46.5 yards per punt as a senior, earning first-team all-state honor in 1998.

After turning down an offer to play for Nebraska-Kearney, Larson accepted an invitation to walk on with the Huskers.

Even though Larson did not see game action in 1999 or 2000, the coaching staff knew they had a talented player waiting in the wings.

"He?s been good ever since he got here," Young said. "He hasn?t all of a sudden come out of the blue. When he was a freshman, his practice numbers were right up there with Hadenfeldt. I knew he could come in and do a heck of a job once he got on the field."

As a sophomore last season, Larson shined in his starting role with a 42.52 yards per punt average, to go along with a 38.34-yard net punting average. He pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 21 times, while hitting 16 punts for 50 yards or more.

Young said Larson has a chance to rank right up there in the long line of successful NU punters such as Hadenfeldt, Bill Lafleur and Jesse Kosch.

"He could even maybe break their records," Young said. "He?s got a chance to become the all-time leading punter this year."