Place-kickers can be a quirky bunch.

They have their little superstitions and read books like "Zen Golf," focusing on the mental side of their craft more than the physical. But spend a little time with Michigan kicker Jason Olesnavage and you'll find he's a pretty regular guy.

Jason Olesnavage

He's laid-back and loose until the moment comes for him to do his job. Then, he'll flip a switch and go onto the field, looking at every kick - regardless of its significance to the game - as just another kick.

He spent a few minutes with AnnArbor.com talking about the art of the kick.

Q: I know your former coach Lloyd Carr used to give kicker and punters a book called Zen Golf. How much did that actually help you?

A: Golf is really similar to kicking and punting in terms of the technique stuff. The book kind of focuses on the mental preparation in going through scenarios in your head so when you're actually in that scenario, you're kind of comfortable in it and not shell shocked, not, 'Oh, my gosh, this is really happening.' "

Q: So when you say scenario, you mean like being asked to kick an extra point after a touchdown with 2 seconds left in the fourth quarter last Saturday against Michigan State?

A: Yeah, I think it helps in terms of knowing that you've been there before. I mean, that's kind of a kicker's dream, and that's what you practice on the practice field when you one else is around - a game-winner with no time left or in overtime or to tie. So having that mental preparation really helps a lot in just being confident in doing your job.

Q: OK - be honest. Michigan has had come-from-behind wins against Notre Dame and Indiana and had to come back again against Michigan State. As a kicker, does it start to hit you and you start thinking, OK - maybe this comes down to me today?

A: Oh, sure. There's no way not to get butterflies. You're going to be a little nervous and at least for me, that's good. It helps me focus. And you should be nervous. If you're not a little bit nervous, there's something wrong with you.

Q: So there were some nerves before that extra point in the fourth quarter?

A: Oh, yeah. On film you can see how much everyone was celebrating - that was a big extra point. But at the same time, you can't sit there and say, 'Oh, my gosh, this is a huge extra point' when you've got to go out and do it. Honestly, when I watch the film after the game, I'm more nervous because during the game, you're pretty focused and when you watch it on film or on the TV version, you say, 'Wow - that was actually a pretty big deal.'

Q: Do your teammates know enough to leave you alone as you're getting ready?

A: I'm pretty comfortable being loose up until I'm close to kicking. I like to joke around and not be too serious because if you are and you're sitting there alone and thinking, 'What are the repercussions of this kick,' that's not something you want to do. So (my teammates) are pretty good about joking around with me until it's time to flip the switch and focus on the kick and go out and get the job done.

Q: During camp, was there anything your coaches or teammates would do to try and rattle you to prepare you for those big kick moments?

A: We have that big golf cart in practice that blares music and Coach Rod would come up and throw in his papers in front of you and stand right next to you and wave his hat and you'd have the music right next to you. We'd kick for the rest of the guys to run (wind sprints).

Q: How's that to have to kick knowing if you miss, your teammates are running?

A: For me that's the most nerve-racking situation to be in just because you have to deal with all of them in the locker room afterward if you didn't get it done and letting them down. That's what I'm worried most about - getting it done for the team. But this camp was pretty good - I only missed one or two (kicks) that really made them run and they really didn't say too much because I had done pretty well. But if it was a couple days in a row (of missing), they'd get pretty angry.

Jeff Arnold covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2554 or jeffarnold@annarbor.com