Nick Mazzie isn’t done with football. Not by a long shot.
Having closed out his stellar college career with a breakout senior season at Division 1 FBS East Carolina, the former Central Catholic star has his eyes set on a new, even lofty goal.
Professional football.
“There’s more football in my future!” said Mazzie. “I’m constantly working my craft and still feel that I have so much left in the tank. I’m pursuing the next level this spring and giving it my best shot to see what happens.”
Mazzie opened eyes in a big way in the fall, his lone season at East Carolina, hitting 16 field goals — with a long of 50 yards — and all 43 extra points he attempted.
Now, he’s fighting to earn a shot to extend his gridiron career in the professional ranks, with the National Football League holding it’s draft and subsequent rookie free agency starting April 23, the Canadian Football League holding it’s draft a week later and the United Football League opening its season this weekend.
“I know I have the ability to kick at the next level, it’s all about getting the opportunity to compete at camps,” he said. “I’ve already competed in two big kicking combines in Arizona. That’s given me a chance to compete with the top guys in my class from schools all over the country. I also had my pro day (on Tuesday), another opportunity to showcase my skills for the next level. I’m devoting all of my time to this goal all spring and will continue to do so.”
Since graduating from Central Catholic in 2021, Mazzie has proven himself at the highest levels of college football.
In three seasons as starting kicker for the Division 1 FCS University of New Hampshire, Mazzie hit 43 field goals, with a long of 52 yards, and was 123 for 125 on PAT attempts in 37 games.
His stock rose even more this past fall, when he transferred to FBS East Carolina, where he delivered a statement campaign. He was twice named American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week, made at least one field goal in all but one game, and saved his best for last, knocking down three field goals, two of which in the fourth quarter, to give the Pirates a 23-17 win over Pittsburgh in the Go Bowling Military Bowl.
“My time at East Carolina was everything that I had hopes it to be,” he said. “The football side of it was amazing. I got a chance to play a higher level of ball at an amazing program and we ended up having one of the best seasons they have had in years. Greenville (N.C.) was an awesome place. The people truly loved football and made the atmosphere unbelievable, especially on game day. It absolutely loved up to my expectations and honestly exceeded them.
“I knew I could always compete at that level. It took me a little while to settle in though and truly feel comfortable. I’d say I truly felt comfortable around Week 2 or Week 3. By then I had a grasp on the atmospheres and crowd and just the whole feeling for that level of ball and the magnitude that it carried. It was honestly the magnitude of everything. At ECU it just felt like everything meant more. I was there to play football and that was my job. Playing in a conference like the AAC was amazing and it’s just such a high level of ball.”
His success, he said, came down to consistency.
“I attribute my success to my dedication to my craft,” he said. “I’ve been training at this for years now and truly have been working to perfect my craft. I think my mindset and approach allow me to fully lock in and put myself in the best position possible to make each kick. I kind of had my routine down to a science when it came to preparing for games and just consistency and self belief make it easy to go out there and execute when I need to.”
Now, he hopes to show that in the pros.
“I can’t even put into words how blessed and thankful I am for the game of football,” he said. “I never knew that kicking a football would provide me with so many amazing memories, friends, and opportunities. It’s been a heck of a ride, and I’m so happy with the outcome and the work that I’ve put in. I know I’ve got a lot left in the tank though. So we’ll see what happens!”
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