Michigan football kicker Quinn Nordin justifies Jim Harbaugh sleepover with historic debut

Nordin becomes first Michigan kicker to convert two 50-yard field goals in game

Michigan kicker Quinn Nordin celebrates after nailing a 55-yard field goal against Florida in his first career game. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images).

Jim Harbaugh has used an array of unique recruiting tactics during his time as Michigan football coach, and one of his most famous adventures already appears to be paying off.

Harbaugh has played shirtless flag football, jumped fully clothed into swimming pools and even showed off some of his best dance moves during recruiting visits, but no story got more attention than when he spent the night at a teenager's house.

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And it wasn't just any high school football player. It was a kicker.

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Harbaugh famously waited until after midnight of the recruiting dead period last offseason to spend the night at top kicking recruit Quinn Nordin's home. Nordin was committed to James Franklin and Penn State at the time, but he flipped to Michigan shortly after.

One game into Nordin's tenure as Michigan's starting kicker, it looks like Harbaugh's extreme tactics were justified.

Nordin needed just 36 minutes of college football experience to break a University of Michigan record. He pulled off a 55-yard field goal with 4:20 left in the second quarter and a 50-yard sequel with nine minutes left in the third quarter, thus becoming the first Michigan kicker ever to convert two field goals of at least 50 yards in the same game.

The redshirt freshman scored 15 points in his first live action, making four of six field goals and converting all three extra points.

READ: Young tight ends show promise in Michigan football's win over Florida

Nordin made his first career field goal attempt on Michigan's first drive -- an easy 25-yarder to tie the game. His other field goal was a 30-yarder early in the third quarter.

Nordin wasn't perfect. The Wolverines asked him to convert a third long field goal in the fourth quarter, and he missed from 52 yards away. On the next possession, the nerves appeared to get to the youngster, as he missed a 32-yarder.

Nordin obviously won't get to kick inside a dome very often throughout his college career, but if his first four kicks are any indication, Michigan will be in good hands at kicker for years to come.

MORE: Why QB Wilton Speight is still best option for Michigan football

Pack up your pillow and sleeping bag, Jim Harbaugh. Mission accomplished.


About the Author:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.