In his last season, Swenson led the team in scoring, consistently hit field goals from distance and provided stability.

The challenge to replace him falls on redshirt freshman Kevin Muma and sophomore Dan Conroy, who are competing to handle kicking duties for the graduated Swenson.

No matter what transpires this weekend and during the summer, the MSU football team hopes to see continued consistency at the position and for the players to develop for future seasons.

“I want to see our kickers kick well. … That’s a big part of who we are,” head coach Mark Dantonio said.

“It’s been very competitive at the end here.”

Conroy offers an extra year of college under his belt and has actual game experience. Conroy made his only field goal attempt, a 43-yarder against Montana State on Sept. 5. He also averaged 62.1 yards per kickoff in nine attempts.

Muma is the strong-legged young player who has no game experience but has shown good range in practice. Dantonio said Muma, who was a starting quarterback in high school, hit a field goal of 40-plus yards in Saturday’s jersey scrimmage as both kickers nailed the majority of their attempts despite windy conditions.

Dantonio said the competition is tight and he doesn’t necessarily expect it to be resolved anytime soon.

Muma said the two kickers are even, and guesses that he probably would have to hit at least 80 percent to 90 percent of his field goals to win the job.

Although Swenson’s attention’s shifted to the NFL, where he potentially could be drafted this weekend, Muma said the two remain in touch after Muma played behind him last season.

“It was a real positive experience (last year),” Muma said. “I learned a lot from him and still keep in contact with him. He was a big help.”

In addition to hitting field goals, the kicker will be expected to handle kickoff duties as well.

Swenson, MSU’s all-time leader in field goals, extra points and points scored, made 19-for-22 field goals last season, which was the top percentage in the Big Ten.

Although Swenson’s replacement will have big shoes to fill, Conroy said the competition has brought out the best in each player.

“Obviously when someone of Swenson’s character and performance leaves, that’s going to cause some worry, but I think we’ll be all right,” Conroy said. “Kevin and I have made each other better and with (senior punter) Aaron Bates and (senior snapper) Alex Shackleton to get the ball to us, I think we’ll be just fine.”

This weekend’s spring game should provide an opportunity for both kickers to show what they can do and build confidence in front of a large crowd.

“Both Kevin and I have been kicking well this spring and we’re just going out there and we’re just competing like it’s another day,” Conroy said.