HAMPTON — At 6 feet 6, redshirt sophomore Brett Starling doesn’t exactly look like your typical kicker. In fact, he’s heard that more than a few times.
“People come up to me and ask, ‘Are you really a kicker?’” Starling said with a grin. “I get that a lot, but it doesn’t change my mindset. I just do what I’ve got to do every week.”
Starling, a hometown product from nearby Kecoughtan High, has quickly turned heads for more than just his size. The former punter is now handling all of Hampton’s kicking duties and thriving. He’s 9 for 10 on field goals this season heading into Saturday’s 2 p.m. homecoming game against Monmouth and hasn’t missed an extra point, becoming one of the Pirates’ most reliable weapons.
Head coach Trenton Boykin said Starling’s transformation is a product of hard work and maturity. Plus, Boykin has taken advantage of Starling’s soccer background.
“I’m proud of him, because when we first got him, he was very raw, and so you felt like you didn’t have to rush,” Boykin said. “But then this year, we had some guys graduate, and so he kind of got thrust into taking all the kicking duties — and he’s performed. I’m proud of him and what he’s done over the summer to prepare himself and really got himself in great shape. He probably looks the best that he’s looked since we first got him.”
At 6 foot 6 inches tall, Hampton University redshirt sophomore Brett Starling does not look like your typical football kicker, 2025. (Hampton University Athletics)
Boykin added that Starling’s success reflects the Pirates’ renewed emphasis on special teams. Daily reps, situational drills and film sessions have helped turn what was once a developmental player into a steady contributor.
Starling’s own attention to detail mirrors that process. Each practice, he spends time with his snapper and holder refining timing and rhythm, and then reviewing film afterward to make corrections.
“You can’t really change anything about your preparation,” Starling said. “We do field goals every day, and after practice we’ll go back out for extra reps. We usually film, so we’ll go back and watch that to see what little tweaks we need to make to be successful every time.”
For all his progress, Starling still brings a bit of curiosity to the position. He once wanted to play tight end but was never allowed to in high school. Instead, his size gives him a different kind of edge now — one that requires some technical adjustments. His longer stride means he has to take a deeper approach before each kick to maximize power and control.
Boykin said he expects even bigger things ahead for Starling, who still has two years of eligibility left.
“I would imagine that he’ll be pretty special when it’s all said and done,” Boykin said.
