Mahoney’s consistency, confidence grow as he listens to others

Grant Mahoney has dreamed of another chance at making a game-winning field goal.

His one and only opportunity in high school was a disaster.

“Sloppy play,” said Mahoney, who prepped at Linn-Mar. “It was ugly from the start.”

His dream admittedly may have turned into a nightmare had the Iowa State junior tried a kick earlier in his college career. Confidence was, shall we say, an issue.

“I think I might have (pooped) down my leg,” Mahoney said.

Thanks to some professional help, a willingness to be coached and a busy off-season, the kicker may finally be capable of booting the ball through the uprights in a pressure situation.

His accuracy in practice when put in those situations has improved greatly.

And after missing his first kick this season - it was a timing issue more than anything - Mahoney has made seven straight field goal attempts entering today's 6 p.m. non-conference game against No. 10 Utah.

He is as confident in himself as he's ever been.

“I think I've put myself in a position where if it does happen in a game I'll be ready to go and will knock it through,” he said.

Success with kickers as is much mental as it is physical.

Mahoney went through a difficult stretch last year after having an extra-point attempt blocked against Kansas State. The following week against Kansas he missed a pair of PATs. Field goals were an adventure, too.

“I think for most kickers it's always upstairs,” ISU Coach Paul Rhoads said. “Since then, his numbers have been pretty good.”

Mahoney's met “a few times” with ISU sports psychologist Marty Martinez.

The sessions have been helpful on a lot of levels, he said.

“When I'm out there kicking I imagine the ball going right through,” Mahoney said. “(Martinez) told me don't only visualize it going through, visualize it hitting your foot and that sweet feel ... It's useful.”

Mahoney has always had plenty of leg strength.

His stubbornness in being coached was an issue when Rhoads came to ISU after the 2008 season. Rhoads and his coaches tried to help Mahoney with his technique.

Mahoney wasn't having it.

“I know more than them. Why are they trying to change me?” Mahoney would think.

He's since softened his stance and taken to the direction of Rhoads and special teams coach Courtney Messingham as they've learned the intricacies of kicking.

“It's worked,” Mahoney said. “The little things they've told me have helped.”

Rhoads likes that Mahoney is more open-minded now.

“He wanted to keep doing it how he saw fit,” Rhoads said. “He's not that player anymore. He's got open ears. That maturity has added to his development and his level of play.”

Mahoney came into the year 30 of 45 (67 percent) on field goals. He's been automatic so far this season and is showing no signs of slowing down.

“I hope he keeps it up,” receiver Josh Lenz said. “He's done a great job putting everything behind him and having the confidence to come out and do a great job.”

Rhoads likened the kicking process to hitting a golf ball. The things leading up to it are just as important as the kick.

“If that first step is two inches shorter than it usually is the whole process gets fouled up,” Rhoads said. “To be able to do that consistently right every single time takes a master of his craft. Grant is becoming a master of his craft.”

Two weeks ago against Northern Iowa he ran five yards for a first down on a fake field goal try, and also made a pair of tackles on kickoff coverage. Mahoney stands 6-foot-1 and is listed at 162 pounds. That doesn't mean he's not aggressive.

“He'll go up and hit somebody,” Lenz said.

Don't expect to see Mahoney on defense any time soon. He's been a bright spot this season with the consistency he's brought to the Cyclones' special teams.

“I try and take every kick as a new kick,” he said. “I feel right now I'm more mentally tough than I ever have been.”