Virginia’s veteran-era kicker profile is a steady, short-game weapon
In the 2016 season, Sam Hayward hit 4 of 8 field goals and was perfect on 19 extra points for Virginia, with a long of 36 yards[1][2]. His value is less about booming leg highlights and more about reliability on routine kicks and extra points, which matters in tight games where every drive has to finish cleanly[1][2]. He also showed he could handle pressure moments, including a 27-yard field goal in a one-score game against Louisville in 2016[13]. If you need a calm, dependable specialist rather than a long-range bomber, he fits that mold.
