LSU Football: Using Female Kicker Would Be One of the Best Stories of 2012

The LSU football team has the opportunity to make history this year.

Mo Isom, a former LSU women’s soccer goalkeeper turned kicker, is trying out to become a member of the 2012 squad on Tuesday, according to WDSU.com.

UPDATE: Wednesday, March 7 at 4:00pm EST

LSU Football head coach Les Miles has commenting on the situation, according to Shreveport Times' Glenn Guilbeau:

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"'This was really a bad day for anybody to kick because the wind was just so strong,' LSU coach Les Miles said. 'But obviously she's got ball skills. She's been around it.'"

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Miles goes on to say that he wouldn't have any problems playing a female kicker, stating:

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"'No, I would have no reservations playing her,' Miles said. 'If she gave us an opportunity and an advantage, and I mean add an advantage, then certainly we would consider that. The good thing about it is she's an athlete. She's been through team before. She understands the commitment. I would have much less reservation with her than I would any number of other people that frankly didn't know what they were getting into. But the real interesting thing is it has to be an advantage obtained.'"

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Regardless, don't expect a decision any time soon from Miles. 

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"'I don't know if there's any time table on that,' he [Miles] said. 'It's probably safe to say there won't be any of those people joining the team this spring. It really would depend on how it all came out. If there was an exceptional kicker, no matter who it was, we would see it and certainly make that opportunity available.'"

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She already used up her four years of eligibility as a soccer player with the Tigers, but she plans on giving football a shot to become the first female college player in SEC history.

This story has unbelievable potential on so many levels.

If she was able to enter a game, Isom would be a contributor on a team with national title aspirations. The spotlight would be incredibly bright.

Katie Hnida, who kicked for Colorado and New Mexico (1999-2003), was the first in FBS history, but Isom would certainly be a more high-profile case considering the Tigers are one of the elite teams in the sport.

She would be an inspiration for all women who are told to stay away from a sport dominated by males. Isom could be the symbol of an entire movement.

WDSU reports that plans for trying out date all the way back to early 2011, and she has been working on field goals and kickoffs with the actual team since last September.

Judging by quotes from Isom, she is going to have every opportunity to make the team (via CBS Sports):

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I had [trying out] in my mind, and I approached some of the players I know, and they were so enthusiastic. And then I talked to some of the coaching staff, because of course I wanted to be in their good graces. I was expecting to see some resistance but all the doors were open to me, and everybody has been so excited, which is so great.

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The big problem for Isom really has nothing to do with her gender. Rising senior Drew Alleman will be back a year after drilling 16 of 18 field goals and 62 of 63 extra points in 2011.

This adds another layer to the situation. If Isom was able to make the team and push one of the better kickers in the nation, it would signify that Les Miles wasn’t just making a PR move.

Considering that she wouldn’t be taking up a scholarship and would likely serve as the backup, what’s the harm in having Isom on the team? Let her kick an extra point in a blowout win early in the season. Give Isom and female Tigers fans everywhere a moment they’ll remember forever.

It’s a great story and one that can provide both inspiration and hope for females not only in the South, but the entire country. 

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