The Making of a Special Teams Standout
Brody Boehm, a kicker for Ball State University, recently appeared on The Athletic’s annual ‘Freaks List’, a roster that spotlights the most physically gifted players in college football. His 41‑inch vertical jump and a 10‑foot broad jump place him among the most athletic specialists the publication has ever recorded.
What sets Boehm apart is not just raw power but a rare blend of speed, flexibility and a near‑perfect Functional Movement Screen score that allows him to launch field goals from as far as 60 yards with precision. The list, which featured 101 players across the nation, highlighted Boehm as the sole kicker, underscoring how uncommon his skill set is in the special‑teams realm.
Boehm’s path to this moment has been marked by resilience. After a year at Missouri cut short by injury, he transferred to Ball State and has since rebuilt his career on campus. He previously excelled in high school as a position player, even scoring a rushing touchdown before focusing on kicking and punting.
With the graduation of key seniors such as Carson Holmer and DC Pippen, the starting kicking role is now open, and Boehm is the frontrunner to fill it. Coach Nick Fiacable has noted that Boehm’s athleticism not only improves his field‑goal accuracy but also enhances kickoff distance and hang time, giving the team a strategic edge.
The special teams unit remains tightly knit, featuring returning punter Cole Stumbaugh and newcomer Hudson Fiene from Monmouth, who joined as a backup option. Their camaraderie reflects a culture that values competition and mutual growth.
Beyond the field, Boehm draws motivation from his older brother, Ben "Ironman" Boehm, a powerlifter who captured gold at the 2025 Special Olympics World Championships. Training together since 2020, the brothers share a competitive spirit that fuels Brody’s drive to excel.