FROM BUCKEYE TO BROADWAY

Mike Nugent at a glance:
Position: Kicker
College: Ohio State (2004 graduate)
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 182
Kicks: R
NFL Draft: 2nd round (47th overall)
Hometown: Centerville, Ohio

Mike Nugent was the top kicker in college football in 2004, and the New York Jets are confident that he will be one of the best in the NFL as well, signing the second-round draft pick to a four-year contract on the eve of training camp.

Scouts point to Nugent's potent combination of athleticism, power and accuracy. He can kick to the corners, split the uprights from 50+ yards, leave the ball hanging long enough for his defense to move downfield and, if needed, take on a receiver headed for the goal line. The one-time high school quarterback can even heave an option pass when necessary.

First NFL Field goal. Photo by Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images

Mike grew up in Centerville, Ohio, and fulfilled one of his lifelong athletic goals when Ohio State coach Jim Tressel called with a scholarship offer. He came into his own with the Buckeyes as a sophomore, drilling 24 straight field goals and missing only three attempts - a feat he matched as a junior and senior. In his senior year, he won the Lou Groza Award, given annually to college football's leading kicker, was named a consensus All-American first-team pick and was the first kicker in Buckeye history to be named the team's Most Valuable Player. He converted 24 of 27 field goals in 2004, five of them from 50 or more yards. He was a perfect 30-for-30 on extra point tries.

Overall, Nugent connected on 74 of his 88 field goal attempts through four college seasons. By graduation, he held or shared 22 Ohio State records, including most points scored and most points by a kicker (356), most field goals (72), most consecutive field goals (24, 2001-02), most games with multiple field goals (20), most field goals of 50 yards or more (8) and best field goal percentage (.818). He also was a four-time Ohio State Scholar Athlete.

Nugent caught the Buckeyes' attention at Centerville High School. In his senior year (2000), he put five of seven field goal attempts through the uprights, including a school-record 52-yarder, and scored on every one of his 29 point-after attempts. Through four years, he converted 13 of 17 field goals and broke a school record with 165 PATs.

Athletic talent runs in Mike's family. Father Dan played football at the University of Wisconsin and University of Dayton - alma mater of Mike's mother, Carolyn. His brother Kevin is a senior forward on the Ohio State soccer team, which last year had its best season in 52 years, sharing the Big Ten championship and advancing to the NCAA "Sweet 16." Mike enjoys coaching, especially working with young kickers.