Looking for a little feedback on a piece

I think kickers work better in a column than on a feature, unless it's something really powerful you can use to play off the final quote.

When I was starting out, I used them all the time. And they'd get cut all the time. It might take a while, but eventually you'll realize that you're sometimes trying to be too cute.

 

"there was never any doubt that Baumann’s natural talent could translate into Division II material."

This phrase stuck out to me -- the coach knew he was going to be a small-college player but nothing more? I think if you said "could allow him to play at the college level," it'd convey the same thing without being oddly specific like that.

And I'm very anti-kicker. End with a strong quote and be happy with it.

 

That phrase caught my eye as well, but more because it is strangely worded. Mediaguy's way sounds much better.

 

Posted some feedback on the Workshop board.