PROVO — Because BYU signed a kicker who was a prep All-America at Bingham High, a guy who booted a state-record 62-yard field goal, a guy whom coach Bronco Mendenhall has said "can kick it a mile," it would be easy to presume that Justin Sorensen would have the Cougar kicking chores all sewn up.

But that would simply be a presumption. That's because incumbent Mitch Payne hasn't given up his job without a fight. In fact, the sophomore kicker has been one of the biggest surprises of fall camp.

"There's no lock for Justin," said kickers coach Paul Tidwell. "He's got to earn the spot. He has to be more consistent with his kicks."

For the Cougars, it means they have two talented kickers.

Payne was hampered by a painful torn groin muscle throughout the season a year ago. The injury was bad enough that the Cougars rarely attempted field goals in 2007. Still, Payne connected on 10 of 14 field goals, including three crucial ones against Utah last November.

"I was fortunate to be able to kick last year," Payne said. "It hurt. It would bring tears to my eyes when I'd kick."

But with the 2008 campaign quickly approaching, Payne, who booted a 55-yard field goal during a recent scrimmage, is healthy. What's more, knowing that BYU had signed Sorensen, he's had even more motivation during the off-season.

"Mitch has really worked hard," Tidwell said. "You know what competition does — it makes us all better. He knew this young All-American was coming in, so Mitch worked really hard in the offseason. He's getting the ball up quicker and getting it elevated better. He's competing."

"Mitch is more confident and more consistent day-in and day-out," said Mendenhall. "I think the competition has helped that."

"I've known that he's coming for a long time," said Payne of Sorensen. "It pushed me in the off-season to be better and prepared me for this year."

During fall camp, Payne and Sorensen have been competing, but it's a friendly competition.

"It's really exciting that he and Justin are friends already and encouraging each other and are team players," Tidwell said. "They're competing with each other. That's the way it should be."

"We help each other get a lot better. It's been fun to have someone to kick with," Sorensen said. "At Bingham, that wasn't really the case. Mitch is a really cool guy. It's nice to have someone there. If you have a bad day, they can encourage you and help you figure out what you're doing wrong."

Said Payne, "We're pushing each other to be better. Our kicking game will be much improved."