Who is the top ranked Southlake Carroll kicker who commit to the TCU Horned Frogs?
TCU class of 2024 commit and Southlake Carroll kicker Kyle Lemmermann, Chris Sailer’s No. 1 kicker and No. 24 punter in the nation, didn’t always have his focus on football.
Lemmerman lived in Arizona and moved to Texas in 2017. While in Arizona, Lemmermann was primarily focused on soccer. At that point, he never thought he would play football.
Kyle Lemmermann’s father, Brian Lemmermann, worked with his son on developing kicking power and accuracy. As soon as Kyle Lemmermann could kick a soccer ball, he was doing so at a young age.
“Just hit the soccer ball as hard as you can and learn to be controlled under that strong swing,” Lemmermann said. “If you keep doing it, it’s gonna get more accurate as you go.”
Lemmermann said he had no plans to play football when he moved to Texas.
“I didn’t know how it’s that big of a thing,” Lemmermann said. “And then, you just get pulled into it here.”
Brian Lemmermann was a former kicker at Mesa Community College, and he told his son he should try it out. Kyle Lemmermann gave kicking a shot.
By his sophomore year of high school, he understood that he had a gift. Lemmermann knew he could play at the collegiate level.
“It just took off from there,” Lemmermann said.
Why commit to the Horned Frogs?
On June 28, Lemmermann announced his commitment to the TCU Horned Frogs on Twitter.
Lemmermann’s high school, Southlake Carroll, is 25 miles away from TCU’s campus. Staying close to home was a factor in his decision.
I can still watch my brothers and sisters grow up,” Lemmermann said. “I can still help them with kicking too.”
The relationships developed with the TCU football coaching staff were another reason he chose the Horned Frogs. Lemmermann said he is a fan of special teams coordinator Mark Tommderdahl’s coaching style, adding that he believes he can grow as a player under him.
“He’s a bit more laid back but really technical,” Lemmermann said. “He knows what he’s doing, but he’s not going to get in your face.”
Lemmermann said he’s focusing on improving kickoffs, which is an aspect of the game Tommerdahl prioritizes.
“Just getting those further and having a better hangtime,” Lemmermann said. “It’s gone a long way.”
Of course, Lemmermann thought TCU was a good football fit and said “TCU is going to win a lot of rings and championships.” He also was drawn to TCU’s Neely School of Business.
“My dad is a big business person, and I feel like I have a lot of the same abilities,” Lemmermann said. “And I can do great in business, and they just have a great school overall.”
Generations of Horned Frog kicking
During the last four years, Lemmermann has been working out weekly with former kicker Jaden Oberkrom, TCU’s all time scoring leader with 451 total points. Oberkrom also has the most points in a single season; he broke former running back LaDainian Tomlinson’s record in 2014 with 142 points scored.
Lemmermann said he has a strong relationship with Oberkrom.
“He’s helped me a ton and I’m only here because of him,” Lemmermann said.
On July 17, Lemmermann worked out with Oberkrom and current TCU kicker Griffin Kell, who kept TCU’s undefeated regular season alive with a game winning walk off field goal against Baylor on Nov 19; Kell has one season of eligibility remaining.
Lemmermann said it means a lot to be part of a kicking legacy spanning generations with players such as Oberkrom and Kell.
“I’m going to be up there with some of the best of all time,” Lemmermann said.
Kicking with Dragons
In 2022, Lemmermann played behind Tyler White, 247Sports’ top ranked kicking and punting specialist in the nation. With White set to debut at Texas A&M, 2023 is Lemermann’s year to step into a more prominent role.
Lemmermann said playing behind White was “a little tough” at times but mentioned it was good to get used to high levels of competition.
“It’s been a great experience because that’s how it’s gonna be in college,” Lemmermann said. “You’re gonna have a lot of competition.”
Southlake Carroll head coach Riley Dodge said the talent level of the kickers in the Dragon program is “mind boggling.” He said Lemmermann waited for his turn.
“He’s had an All-American, all state kicker in front of him the last two years,” Dodge said. “Now is his opportunity. He’s got bigger legs than I’ve ever seen in person. The ball really pops and it looks different.”
Of course, there’s pressure when playing for Southlake Carroll, a program with eight state championships. In 2022, the Dragons finished with an 13-1 record and made it to the Class 6A D2 quarterfinal.
Lemmermann said his expectation is to compete for a state championship. He said preparing the right way diminishes the pressure in games.
“It used to be a big deal for me a long time ago because I wouldn’t train as much,” Lemmermann said. “But now, I’m pretty calm.”
Lemmermann said the key to kicking is hitting the same ball regardless of the situation.
“It’s all you think about,” Lemmermann said. “You just got to swing.”
This story was originally published July 27, 2023 at 10:39 AM.
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