North Carolina State University Athletics
Senior Spotlight: Niklas Sade
9/3/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 3, 2014
Following what he called a ‘down’ sophomore campaign, Sade refocused last summer as part of his mission to impress first-year head coach Dave Doeren.
Sade was a major bright spot for last season’s Wolfpack. He posted the second-highest single-season field goal total in school history (19), finishing the season 19-of-23 overall. He also hit all 31 extra point attempts to lead the Pack in scoring with 88 points.
For his efforts, Sade earned the team’s Governor’s Award which is presented annually to the Pack’s MVP. He was also a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, presented to the nation’s top kicker, and finished 11th nationally in field goals made per game (1.9).
“It was a good season for us (specialists),” said Sade. “But probably more important for me, it was a good bounce-back from my sophomore season. It was good to be accountable to my teammates and not leave so many points off the scoreboard.”
Part of the reason for a good season last year was the work Sade put in during the summer months.
“One of the big things I did coming in last season was work on my flexibility,” said Sade. “I started to stretch more with one of our strength coaches every day. I think that helped out a lot, so I continued that this summer realizing how much it did help.
“No matter the summer, my goal is always to be more consistent. Now I’m just trying to finish strong here in my last season.”
Already holding the NC State school record with 121 career extra points, Sade will have the chance for two other NC State career marks this season. His 43 career field goals rank fourth in school history, and he needs seven more to tie the school record. He is also fourth in career points with 250, 62 from the school record set by Ted Brown that has stood since 1975.
“Right now I’m not thinking about those records,” said Sade. “I feel very blessed to be in a situation where I have the chance to break some school records at a school like NC State, but I just need to focus on one kick at a time this season.”
Getting ready for his final season with the Red and White, Sade spent a lot of time in the weight room this summer getting stronger, adding almost 20 pounds of muscle.
“I just really pushed myself in the weight room this past offseason,” said Sade. “I’ve added muscle to both my upper and lower body. I think I can get a little more behind the ball, on kickoffs and field goals. It really doesn’t feel that much different for me, and I’m hoping it will improve my game even more.”
One of the best benefits for Sade during his time with the Wolfpack is the fact the two other players most involved in the kicking game are also entering their fourth year as starters at NC State.
Sade, punter Wil Baumann and long snapper Scott Thompson all arrived at NC State in the summer of 2011, and not only have all three been the Pack’s starting specialists each season, but they have become roommates and best friends off the field.
During an interview with GoPack.com entering his sophomore season, Sade said of Baumann and Thompson, “We have great chemistry, since we are around each other almost all day. I just know that the snap is going to be perfect and the hold is going to be perfect.”
Over the past two plus seasons that sentiment has not changed and Sade is quick to give credit to Baumann and Thompson for the success he has had during his time at NC State.
“I never have to worry about those two, I know the ball will be perfect every time for me to hit it,” said Sade. “Without having to worry about the snap and the hold, I can just focus on myself and the kick I’m about to hit.”
Having that trust in your long snapper and holder is especially key if you’re called into action late in a game. All eyes are on the kicker late in certain game situations, and the spotlight has been on Sade in a couple of games over the last two seasons.
Last season his 48-yard field goal, his third of the game, with 1:26 left provided the final score and helped the Pack defeat Richmond 23-21. As a sophomore at Maryland in 2012, his boot with 1:45 left gave the Pack a 20-18 road win.
“There have been a couple (game winners) during my career, and I can honestly say I’m used to it now and I don’t approach those any differently,” said Sade. “I’ve just been fortunate they went through the uprights, and I was able to help my team out that day.”
Enjoying all of Sade’s success at NC State has been his family. After moving from Germany in 2002 to the U.S., Sade and his family settled in Raleigh and he had a successful high school career at local Wakefield High School.
“My parents always come to my games,” said Sade. “My one brother just graduated from law school in Miami so he is coming back, and my other one always tries to get out to games as much as he can.
“The reason I switched my commitment from Nebraska to NC State was I wanted to play in front of my family and stay close to home for them.”
Sade will graduate from NC State in less than four years, when he earns his degree in finance this December. As for future plans, his spring will consist of working out and prepping for a chance to make an NFL roster, as he will work with the NC State strength and conditioning coaches as well as his kicking coach in Charlotte.
RALEIGH, N.C. - Not many collegiate football players want to admit they had a bounce-back season during their careers. NC State’s senior placekicker Niklas Sade, however, has no problem with that description of his 2012 performance, as he realized he needed to improve in certain areas. The result? An outstanding junior campaign.
Following what he called a ‘down’ sophomore campaign, Sade refocused last summer as part of his mission to impress first-year head coach Dave Doeren.
Sade was a major bright spot for last season’s Wolfpack. He posted the second-highest single-season field goal total in school history (19), finishing the season 19-of-23 overall. He also hit all 31 extra point attempts to lead the Pack in scoring with 88 points.
For his efforts, Sade earned the team’s Governor’s Award which is presented annually to the Pack’s MVP. He was also a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, presented to the nation’s top kicker, and finished 11th nationally in field goals made per game (1.9).
“It was a good season for us (specialists),” said Sade. “But probably more important for me, it was a good bounce-back from my sophomore season. It was good to be accountable to my teammates and not leave so many points off the scoreboard.”
Part of the reason for a good season last year was the work Sade put in during the summer months.
“One of the big things I did coming in last season was work on my flexibility,” said Sade. “I started to stretch more with one of our strength coaches every day. I think that helped out a lot, so I continued that this summer realizing how much it did help.
“No matter the summer, my goal is always to be more consistent. Now I’m just trying to finish strong here in my last season.”
Already holding the NC State school record with 121 career extra points, Sade will have the chance for two other NC State career marks this season. His 43 career field goals rank fourth in school history, and he needs seven more to tie the school record. He is also fourth in career points with 250, 62 from the school record set by Ted Brown that has stood since 1975.
“Right now I’m not thinking about those records,” said Sade. “I feel very blessed to be in a situation where I have the chance to break some school records at a school like NC State, but I just need to focus on one kick at a time this season.”
Getting ready for his final season with the Red and White, Sade spent a lot of time in the weight room this summer getting stronger, adding almost 20 pounds of muscle.
“I just really pushed myself in the weight room this past offseason,” said Sade. “I’ve added muscle to both my upper and lower body. I think I can get a little more behind the ball, on kickoffs and field goals. It really doesn’t feel that much different for me, and I’m hoping it will improve my game even more.”
One of the best benefits for Sade during his time with the Wolfpack is the fact the two other players most involved in the kicking game are also entering their fourth year as starters at NC State.
Sade, punter Wil Baumann and long snapper Scott Thompson all arrived at NC State in the summer of 2011, and not only have all three been the Pack’s starting specialists each season, but they have become roommates and best friends off the field.
During an interview with GoPack.com entering his sophomore season, Sade said of Baumann and Thompson, “We have great chemistry, since we are around each other almost all day. I just know that the snap is going to be perfect and the hold is going to be perfect.”
Over the past two plus seasons that sentiment has not changed and Sade is quick to give credit to Baumann and Thompson for the success he has had during his time at NC State.
“I never have to worry about those two, I know the ball will be perfect every time for me to hit it,” said Sade. “Without having to worry about the snap and the hold, I can just focus on myself and the kick I’m about to hit.”
Having that trust in your long snapper and holder is especially key if you’re called into action late in a game. All eyes are on the kicker late in certain game situations, and the spotlight has been on Sade in a couple of games over the last two seasons.
Last season his 48-yard field goal, his third of the game, with 1:26 left provided the final score and helped the Pack defeat Richmond 23-21. As a sophomore at Maryland in 2012, his boot with 1:45 left gave the Pack a 20-18 road win.
“There have been a couple (game winners) during my career, and I can honestly say I’m used to it now and I don’t approach those any differently,” said Sade. “I’ve just been fortunate they went through the uprights, and I was able to help my team out that day.”
Enjoying all of Sade’s success at NC State has been his family. After moving from Germany in 2002 to the U.S., Sade and his family settled in Raleigh and he had a successful high school career at local Wakefield High School.
“My parents always come to my games,” said Sade. “My one brother just graduated from law school in Miami so he is coming back, and my other one always tries to get out to games as much as he can.
“The reason I switched my commitment from Nebraska to NC State was I wanted to play in front of my family and stay close to home for them.”
Sade will graduate from NC State in less than four years, when he earns his degree in finance this December. As for future plans, his spring will consist of working out and prepping for a chance to make an NFL roster, as he will work with the NC State strength and conditioning coaches as well as his kicking coach in Charlotte.
Coach Doeren Signing Day Presser (Dec. 3rd)
Wednesday, December 03
FB Players Postgame Presser vs UNC
Sunday, November 30
Coach Doeren Postgame Presser vs UNC
Sunday, November 30
Coach Doeren Weekly Press Conference (Nov. 24)
Monday, November 24