LA Area Kicker / Punter, Jake Van Ginkel, Strongly Considering Washington

Times reporters blog about high school

sports across the Southland

June 17, 2010 |  8:09 am

When it comes to discussion of most valuable players, Upland kicker-punter Jake Van Ginkel deserves a place at the table.

He can influence a game like few others, and he's returning for his senior season.

Last year, he made 16 of 20 field goals while averaging 40.7 yards per punt. He was so effective sending punts inside the 20-yard line that it forced opponents to put together drives from deep in their own territory.
Upland won the Central Division title, and Van Ginkel should be better than ever. As for college possibilities, Washington could be a factor if USC doesn't offer, and the Trojans would be foolish not to sign him. But they are facing some scholarship limitations.

Upland competes on Saturday at the Beverly Hills tournament. Too bad there's not a kicking competition, because Van Ginkel would put on a show.

-- Eric Sondheimer