As recruiting has changed, so have kickers — or at least their image. They used to be like the kid nobody talks to at school, unless he has Oreos in his lunchbox.

Even coaches didn't know quite what to do with them. Former Utah coach Ron McBride would fidget and mumble when asked if kickers made him nervous.

If covering his eyes during field-goal attempts is any indication, the answer is yes.

But Sakoda has succeeded so well that he is the MWC's two-time Special Teams Player of the Year. In July, he became the first kicker ever invited to the conference's preseason media day.

It was a full-on, stars-only event.

Still, it would be hard to grab more media attention than former Cougar Owen Pochman. During his pro career, he became involved with centerfold Brande Roderick and ended up in the tabloids.

The hottest date in the room isn't always with the quarterback anymore.

Meanwhile, former BYU kicker Jason Chaffetz is running for office in Utah's 3rd Congressional District.

Kickers rule!

At 5-foot-9, 178 pounds, Sakoda isn't a pencil-neck non-athlete. He's muscular and fit, looking more like a cornerback or return man. Sorensen, at 6-2, 220 pounds, is even more impressive.

Could it be the quintessential geeky kickers are disappearing?

"Some of the kickers still fit that description," Sakoda said, "but I've broken that mold."

For those who make a living with their feet, the party is just getting started.

---

E-mail: rock@desnews.com