Temple University Athletics
Strong Relationships, Trust Help Trujillo Become Top-Rated Kicker
11.29.24 | Football
Maddux Trujillo’s record-breaking season would not have been possible without the close-knit relationship between Dante Atton and Andrew McIlquham.
It's clear kicker Maddux Trujillo has made a name for himself during the 2024 football season. From kicking a Temple and Lincoln Financial Field record 64-yard field goal on Sept. 21 to nailing a game-winning field goal in overtime to defeat FAU on Nov. 16, he's had some of the best kicking performances across FBS this season.
"AutoMaddux" became the third kicker in NCAA history, and the first in 47 years, to have multiple successful field goals of 60-or-more-yards in the same season. He wouldn't be as successful without the strong trust and relationships he has built with holder Dante Atton and long-snapper Andrew McIlquham.Â
"If you watch any of the field goals, you can see it's always the three specialists celebrating together," Trujillo said. "I couldn't do any of what I do without Andrew [McIlquham] snapping and Dante [Atton] holding as well. Dante is the glue that makes it all work."
When Trujillo moved to North Philly after graduating from Austin Peay in May, he had never seen McIlquham snap a football. Although it took an adjustment period to gain chemistry, the kicker shortly knew he was working with an excellent long snapper. As each week progresses, it has become second nature for the three-person unit.
"Our operation gets better week-by-week," McIlquham said. "It probably took around two weeks for the whole thing to come along and really click. I already had experience with Dante from last year, so it clicked right away with Maddux's style of kicking. Whatever Maddux needs us to do or adjust, we just do it."
Trujillo has consistently praised his specialists. Since becoming an Owl, he has built trust between his long-snapper and holder after continuous practice reps. Being around McIlquham and Atton daily has brought their trust to another level.
"A good long snapper is someone who is a perfectionist," said Trujillo. "Someone that is a true master, obsessive at their craft and obsessed with success. That is Andrew McIlquham."Â
The three fit well together because they all work as hard as they can and are motivated to be their best, forming a universal bond.Â
Before Trujillo got to Temple, Atton and McIlquham worked hard to create chemistry as the primary long snapper and holder in 2023. Although Atton thought he originally wasn't great at holding the football, he improved after more practice.
"If [Trujillo] is off the laces or off to the left, I know that he knows that he just needs to move back a little," said Atton. "I know that if I put it low enough, I just put it down and it's perfect. We've built that chemistry. If you watch the film, it's perfect laces every time from Andrew."
Whenever the three aren't practicing or in class, they spend significant time together. Trujillo and McIlquham are roommates who enjoy playing golf in their free time. Whether going to a local golf course or PuttShack in Rittenhouse, golf is a way for them to enjoy each other's company away from the gridiron.
The group also appreciates heading to Johnson and Hardwick dining hall for evening ice cream and grabbing each meal together. The trio goes through their daily routines and spends most of their time together.
"We spend a lot of time together," Trujillo said. "We spend almost every moment in the building [Edberg-Olson Hall] together. We all have a really good relationship with each other. I'm roommates with Andrew [McIlquham], so when we aren't in classes, we spend nearly every second of the day together."
When the group is together outside of football practice, they are great at separating football from other parts of their life. They often hang out with their partners as a group together, according to Atton.
"They're the type of guys you invite to your wedding," Atton said. "So I think our relationship is pretty good, and it's one I think we'll have for the rest of our lives, and I'm grateful for it."
The dedication, trust and chemistry between Trujillo, Atton, and McIlquham on and off the field are a testament to the foundation for Trujillo's record-breaking performances.Â
Their relationship off the football field has ensured their bond will last after they walk off Lincoln Financial Field for the final time together on Saturday.Â
Â
