San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

John Baron II named Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week

Senior+kicker+John+Baron+II+readies+to+boot+a+field+goal+during+the+Aztecs+28-21+victory+over+Arizona+State+on+Sept.+15+at+SDCCU+Stadium.+Baron+made+two+field+goals+in+the+game%2C+including+a+career-high+54+yarder.
Courtesy Ernie Anderson / SDSU Athletics
Senior kicker John Baron II readies to boot a field goal during the Aztecs 28-21 victory over Arizona State on Sept. 15 at SDCCU Stadium. Baron made two field goals in the game, including a career-high 54 yarder.

San Diego State football senior kicker John Baron II has been named the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference announced on Sept. 17.

Baron made two field goals during the Aztecs 28-21 upset win over Arizona State on Sept. 15, including one from a career-long 54 yards out.

The field goal tied for the second-longest in SDSU history, and is currently tied for the second longest in the FBS this season.

Baron also tacked on a 36-yard field goal in the third quarter, the 13th time in his career that he made multiple field goals in a single game.

So far, Baron has kicked a perfect 5-of-5 on field goal attempts this season, and is only one of three place kickers in the country with at least two field goals from 50-plus yards.

Baron said he tries not to think about much as he prepares to make his kicks.

“Think as (little) as possible and think positive thoughts,” Baron said. “For me it’s always keep it simple, keep it short, and hit the ball.”

Baron was one of 30 kickers named to the watch list for the 2018 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award entering the season, also being named an All-America candidate.

It is the second consecutive season Baron has made the preseason Lou Groza watch list, after being named a semifinalist for the award in 2016.

Baron entered the year ranked first all-time in field goal percentage at SDSU with .868, but had only kicked from 50-plus yards three times before this season, making one.

About the Contributor
Kareem Jones, Staff Photographer
Kareem is in his fourth year at San Diego State University where he studies Journalism with an emphasis in Media Studies. He is a sports staff writer and photographer for The Daily Aztec and has experience covering a variety of sports such as football, men and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and women’s lacrosse. He is also a contributor for fi360news.com. As a photographer, Kareem enjoys telling stories through his images, painting the perfect picture for his audience. He loves sports and has aspirations on working for ESPN in the future. Follow Kareem on Twitter @noblee_k, Instagram @noblee.k and/or his photography Instagram page @flicksbyreem to stay tuned on his future endeavors.
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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
John Baron II named Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week