(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

One week remains until the start of Rutgers training camp. This top-25 countdown will run infrequently, documenting who's got the most to prove in 2014.

No. 8 — K Kyle Federico (6-foot, 190 pounds)

Why Federico's on the list: The career 60.2-percent field goal kicker rebounded late last season after beginning 4-for-8, converting all three of his chances in the Pinstripe Bowl.

But Federico has never distanced himself from whispers about open competition, which again surfaced this fall with backup Nick Borgese.

Federico looked solid this spring, but packed Big Ten stadiums could produce different nerves. Rutgers needs a consistent season from its kicking game.

During training camp, keep an eye on: Federico's performance as the unquestioned starter.

That wasn't the case this spring, with Federico and Borgese competing in situational drills each practice. How will Federico respond in his biggest camp yet?

2014 outlook: Federico will kick in three different time zones this season, each bringing a new weather pattern.

A two-year grace period could be viewed as standard. A third is enough to evaluate.

More from the countdown: No. 7 — Quanzell Lambert
No. 9 — Kenneth Kirksey