Chalifoux handles kicking responsibilities

Redshirt sophomore replaces Creque after season-ending injury

Louisville football has a new place kicker for the final four games of the regular season.

Blanton Creque suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while attempting to make a tackle in Louisville’s 28-21 victory over Virginia Oct. 28. The senior made eight of 11 field goals and converted on all 33 of his extra-point attempts this season.

Ryan Chalifoux assumes the place-kicking responsibilities for Creque after his season-ending injury. Chalifoux made an extra-point attempt against Virginia in the fourth quarter, but hasn’t had any field goal attempts this year.

Louisville coach Scott Satterfield said Chalifoux has been worked throughout the year.

“Kickers, they have live times in practice where they get to kick but they also kick a lot of times after that as well,” Satterfield said. “He’s obviously had a lot of work and now he’s the guy. Now when it’s practice time and we are calling for the ones, he’s the first guy out there. He’s done well with that. He’s knocking them down and that’s all we can ask for.”

Chalifoux is a redshirt sophomore from Champaign, Illinois. He has performed well in practice, but performing in games is entirely different.

“He feels good about his ability, so much of kicking is mental,” Satterfield said. “I think that as long as he has the confidence to know he can knock them down. I won’t hesitate to put him out to kick field goals and extra points. We have all the confidence in the world that he will go out and make it.”