HERSHEY — Under a picturesque Hershey sky, David Kimball sat remote from his teammates, with a knee to the ground, anticipating his chance to make a mark on the 43rd annual Big 33 Football Classic.

Kimball, who spent his high school years kicking at Memorial Field for State College, will relocate to Beaver Stadium in the fall and utilize his powerful leg for the Nittany Lions.

"It's always been a dream of mine to play at Beaver Stadium," Kimball said.

The quiet, unassuming Kimball wants to contend for the starting kicker position next year at Penn State.

Dave Lintal, State College High School head coach, speaks very highly of Kimball's abilities.

"Kimball is the best kicker I've ever seen at this level," Lintal said. "Dave is a kind of special player."

Competition for kicking duties should be stringent. Ryan Primanti, a senior from Thorndale, has waited his turn and should present a strong challenge to Kimball.

"They (Penn State coaching staff) say they thought I could have a chance to compete for the job," Kimball said. "I just have to see what happens with me and Primanti. They said that I could have a good chance at the kickoff job."

Kimball, who holds a State College High record with a 53-yard field goal, still feels accuracy is an essential part of his game that needs work.

"I think all kickers should work on better accuracy," Kimball said.

Lintal believes health is the only factor that could obstruct Kimball's development.

"If he stays healthy he can do great things and become an even better kicker," he said.

Future plans aside, Kimball fended off an ailing groin to kick for Pennsylvania in the PNC Bank Big 33 Football Classic last Saturday.

Kimball, who sustained the groin injury during Big 33 practices, persevered and had a standout performance in Saturday's game.

With each field goal attempt, extra point effort and kickoff, Kimball stepped up to the ball with glaring confidence.

Kimball finished the game in perfect fashion, converting all three field goals he attempted (39 yards, 28 yards, 20 yards), and both extra points, contributing greatly to Pennsylvania's 31-14 victory.

"I was pleased with my performance," Kimball said. "We worked hard for the win."

Kimball's booming kickoffs placed Ohio's offense deep in their own territory for much of the game. Each of his kickoffs landed within the 5-yard line, yet Kimball felt the injury to his groin really affected this part of his game.

"I felt like I wasn't hitting the kickoffs as far as I normally can," Kimball said.

Kimball, whose competitive drive is hidden within his relaxed character, will look to continue a tradition of successful kickers at Penn State, following such standouts as Brett Conway and Travis Forney.

The pressure to perform above and beyond expectations still has not entered Kimball's mind.

"I'm just going to have to wait and see what happens when I get to camp," Kimball said.