2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tim Branneky, K/P, Westminster College (MO)

- Name: Tim Branneky
- Position: K/P
- College: Westminster College (MO)
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 185 lbs
- Twitter: @TimmyBranneky
- Instagram: @tbranneky_84
1.What sets you apart from other kickers?
Something that sets me apart from other kickers is my work ethic and practice routine. I arrive to practice an hour and a half before everyone else arrives each day to make sure I get a good warm-up in and work on consistency drills. Then right after practice, I like to go straight to the workout room to get a lift in. When it comes down to my presence on the field, I’m a leader. I always make sure everyone on the special teams unit is accounted for and ready to go, so when we’re called we’re all on the sideline together running out to the field. I’m there to hype up our guys after a strong play and motivation/keep everyone’s heads up when something doesn’t go our way. I’d also say the energy I bring to every practice, workout, and game sets me apart. My leg strength also sets me apart, I was able to connect with a 58-yard field goal in my sophomore season which ended up being a school and conference record as well as the longest in NCAA D3 in 2019.
2. What are your favorite things about playing football for Westminster?
The biggest thing I love about Westminster football is the support from all the coaches and training staff, all the time. From Kelly (our athletic trainer) who’ll work around any schedule to help you recover quickly, get lost before and after practice to our Head Coach, Welty, and all the assistant coaches. The support is endless and they do whatever they can to make sure you’re always in the right mindset, take care of on and off the field, and in the best shape to play! Off the field, the facility works 1 on 1 with you if you reach out and ask because they truly care about seeing your success. The support from the community is also an amazing feeling. In 2019 we had a parade through the streets of Fulton and to see all of the people that came out, cheering, holding signs and supporting makes you appreciate the community more and more.
3. If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
Johnny Hekker! He seems like a cool dude off the field but when he’s on the field he’s a different animal! Being a kicker/punter I try to learn the most I can from both positions and I feel like the knowledge that Hekker has about punting is more than anyone else and I’d take away a lot of advice and knowledge by spending a day with him.
4. What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is power cleans. Having an explosive expensive movement and working out the calves, hamstrings, and glutes makes power cleans a perfect lift.
5. What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
I played soccer in high school before getting asked to kick for the football team, when I first started playing, the feeling was different. The energy, the hype, the support, it was all a different feeling and I fell in love with it. Every day I looked forward to getting out on the field and figuring out “how can I improve today?”. Each day I had something I would work on to improve and I had a weekly goal of where I wanted to be in terms of my performance. Football changed my life, created friendships I’d never have if I didn’t play, and showed me that continuing to work hard, practice every day, and focusing just on what you can control made a difference in my career.
6. What should we know about Tim Branneky the person?
You need to know that I’m bringing energy, leadership, and performance every single day. I’m not “just a kicker” I’m someone that gets the team ready to play on game days, I’m someone that puts in the work every day to make myself ready for any situation and moment that arises. I’m not someone that knows it all, I listen and learn from my teammates to gain the most knowledge I can. I’m taking care of my business in the classroom as well.
7. How do you prepare for games?
Every game day I have the same routine: team breakfast, music, watch the film, go out on the field and stretch a few hours before kickoff, get back in the locker room to get suited up, make sure everyone’s got the right mindset then I like to go out to the field about an hour and 40 minutes before kickoff to get totally loose, warm up, and get ready to dominate the day.
8. What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?
The energy I bring is contagious to those around me, I always show up ready to go!
9. What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?
Having strong leadership, strong work ethic, and a winning mindset every day.
10. What would a team get in a player like you?
Someone who’s dedicated always working on his craft, they’d get a 3 skill special teams athlete, someone who can punt, handle kickoff duties, as well as kick field goals. They’d get an athlete, not just a kicker. Someone who’s always upbeat and will be a leader.
11. What do you love about the game of football?
The biggest thing I love about football is the team camaraderie, the “dog eat dog” mentality everyone has and the feeling you get when you step onto the field.
12. What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?
This upcoming season is my senior season, I have huge expectations for myself and as well as my team. We’re the reigning UMAC North division champs and I’m going to do everything I can to help us repeat that title. Personally, I’m looking forward to the fact that we’re having a full season. This summer I’ve been working out on the field doing a lot, kicking, and doing accuracy training drills with my kicking coach. I’m very eager for the season to start.

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