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Kicker Austin Hardin enters his junior season riding a wave of momentum after a late season surge to close out his sophomore campaign, in which he made six of his seven field goals on the season during a four game stretch.

Four of those came in the regular season finale versus Florida State, where he booted his career long, a 52-yarder. Earlier in the season, he nailed what would be game winner against Tennessee from 49 yards out.

After splitting time with then senior Frankie Velez last season, Hardin has the job all to himself this year.

"Thankfully for the first time in my career I will not be… [McElwain and his staff] came in knowing I had split time my freshman and sophomore year, and finished my sophomore year taking over all the duties," Hardin said. "I had a great spring, great spring game, and a great summer, and they've really let me flourish."

As a freshman, Hardin struggled mightily, at one point missing six attempts in a row after starting the season hitting four out of six. Walk-on Velez took over and retained starting duties for the shorter field goals last year, while Hardin was called upon for long-range field goals and kickoffs. A tepid Florida offense gave him many opportunities to shine against FSU, and he responded by connecting from 52, 39, 43, and 32 yards.

Hardin will look to continue improving his consistency as the unquestioned kicker this season. The only other kicker on the roster is redshirt freshman walk-on Jorge Powell.

One thing of note about Hardin is the unorthodox manner in which he kicks. Though he is known for distance, be it kickoffs and long field goals, he rarely follows through, raising his leg no higher than waist level. This can be seen in the 49-yard game winner versus Tennessee and even the 52-yard bomb against FSU. This propensity to pooch kick the ball has many wandering if there is untapped power available.

He will be looking to add to his already substantial range with the help of the new coaches.

"We were out last week doing snap, hold, and kick and [I was] hitting 60 yarders," explained Hardin. "I attribute a lot to the work we've put in and also the new strength staff has done a great job of preparing us. The lifting they've done on my dynamic flexibility and explosive power has gone way up and, it's like I said, it feels like it's all coming together and I'm really excited to get started."

This is great news for a team that has struggled to identify a full time kicker since Caleb Sturgis left for the NFL in 2013. Hardin's redshirt season was Sturgis' last.

Once again he will saddle up and attempt to fill the void left by an all-time great.

This is why he came to Florida after all.

Coming out of high school in 2012, Hardin was one of the top kickers in the nation according to Rivals.com. He also played in the Under Armour All-American Game.

Hardin believes he can finally capitalize on his potential. "This is probably the most excited I've been going into camp and the season," Hardin said. "I've kind of been through the ropes, been through the ups and downs, you know. Having two years now of all that experience, I look forward to really taking over and doing it on my own."

His number may be called repeatedly this season, especially at the start. The offense looks to adjust to a third system in four years, while the possibility remains that Grier, not Harris, will pilot the Gators.

For Florida to achieve success, he will have to deliver.