How was your offseason and how are you feeling mentally and physically early on in Fall Camp? 

Definitely in the offseason, I did everything I could. I didn’t take shortcuts. Everything I did in the offseason was exactly what I wanted to do. Mentally I’m ready. I want to do all three (place kicking, punting, etc.). It’s competition and that’s the best thing about it. We have guys out there that are competing and we’re closer than we’ve ever been. Second Fall Camp, it’s not as much of a culture shock because coming from high school to a fast paced place like this was crazy, but now, I’ve been here and I’ve done it. The expectation is high let alone for that, but I’m holding a high expectation for myself as well.

What is your approach for Fall Camp?

Everyday just going in, trying to get better at one thing. Yesterday we had a meeting and coach was saying to get better at one thing. One thing everyday, however many days there are at Fall Camp, by the season, it just comes. It’s going to be here before we know it and if I get better at one thing everyday, then I’ll be in good shape.

From a physical standpoint, are you concerned at all about potentially having to carry the load of kicking and punting? 

I’m really excited about it actually. It’s (starting spot) not mine yet. People are saying, “you have the job, you have the job,” but I don’t have it until they tell me I have the job. That’s jut my mindset. Even during the season, I can lose it just as fast as I can get it, so I’m trying to keep the competition mindset. My dad always told me, “challenge is what builds people” and that’s why I came out here in the first place because I knew it was going to be a challenge being away from family and by being away, I was going to get stronger from it. As far that (physical aspect) goes, I’m just more concerned about doing my job to my full potential everyday and just helping this entire team succeed.

What specific areas have you focused on improving in the offseason?

Usually when I train for field goals in the offseason lets say for standpoint, I would use a holder rather than using sticks to kick with. That’s not live reps. I mean, you want to get the snap, hold and timing down — just more chemistry with the entire group. Doing that, I’ve just gotten more confident in myself. I’m training with the best guys here. I’m training everyday in the weight room. Trying to make my work ethic in everything I’ve done here maximized each year and maximize my potential.

Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim