The Patriots took a risk when they drafted a kicker out of Miami and sent him up to kick in the cold of New England.

So far, 15 games into Andy Borregales’ career, the risk has paid off.

Borregales, a sixth-round pick out of Miami, has been nearly automatic, making 26-of-29 field goals and 42-of-44 extra points in his rookie season. He hasn’t missed an extra point since Week 2, and he’s missed just two field goals since Week 1.

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Borregales has also proven to have a big, accurate leg. He’s made three field goals of over 50 yards after competing for the job this summer with Parker Romo.

Borregales won out after a competitive battle.

Romo is currently out of the NFL after a stint with the Falcons, while Borregales has shined as a rookie.

“He’s done a nice job,” head coach Mike Vrabel said this week. “He’s been accurate. I think that he’s kept a good demeanor. I think he’s practiced well as far as just mentally, in talking about the weather and finding whatever that is. Tom (Quinn)’s coached kickers in all different climates, but I haven’t. So, whatever the plan is to prepare to kick in the weather, and all these different things that he’s trying to do, or has done. I just think he’s got a pretty steadying demeanor, has worked to improve in the consistency with his approach and all those other things.”

Learn more about Borregales off the field in the latest installment of our New Patriots Q&A series. Surprisingly, Borregales, a Miami native, has enjoyed the seasons in New England.

What’s your first football memory?

My first football memory, I was about 5 years old, and I took a kickoff for a touchdown. That’s probably my first memory.

What’s your top high school football memory?

Honestly, winning states (at Chaminade–Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, Fla.). I got my ring.

New England Patriots Bryce Baringer (17) celebrates an Andy Borregales field goal during the first quarter of a NFL game against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 1. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald)

What’s your top college football memory?

I’d probably just say the 56-yarder against Virginia Tech last year (with Miami).

What made Miami special for you?

Honestly, the brotherhood that I had and a lot of the guys that I played with. I either played against or played with them in Little League, so that was a little special. And I grew up a Miami fan, and being able to play with the U on the side of my helmet, it was something special for me.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a football player?

A soccer player.

How long did you play soccer for?

I started when I was four and played up until I got to high school, and then I played my junior year.

Who was your favorite athlete growing up?

Any sport? (Argentine soccer player Ángel) Di María. I got his jersey. That was sick.

What’s your favorite movie?

“American Sniper.”

Who’s your favorite musical artist?

Any gospel music.

Who’s the funniest player on the team?

Probably (wide receiver) Mack (Hollins).

Who have you been closest with on the team so far?

A couple people. Obviously (punter) Bryce (Baringer) and (long snapper) Julian (Ashby), but also (safety Brenden) Schooler, Tre (running back TreVeyon Henderson), AG (running back Antonio Gibson), (running back) Terrell (Jennings).

What have you liked the most about the New England region so far?

Honestly, the season change. I’m from Miami, so I’ve never really seen seasons changing before. This is my first time, and I love it. Especially, like, fall. That was sick.

Foxboro, MA – New England Patriots place kicker Andy Borregales reacts after hitting a field goal late in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)

Was Friday the coldest practice so far?

Yeah, definitely. When we went out there, it was like 17, feels like six, something like that. I was like, ‘OK, this is the new normal.’

Is there a player across the league you feel is underrated or underappreciated?

I’d probably say all long snappers and punters. They work so hard, and obviously I see how much (Baringer and Ashby) work hard. And they go underappreciated. Obviously, kickers are a little different because they’re kicking field goals and scoring points, but I think those two positions, I wouldn’t even say one player.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I can beat anyone in FIFA.

Is there a topic you know more about than anyone else in the locker room?

Soccer.