2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Chase Allbaugh, K, Lenoir-Rhyne University

• Name: Chase Allbaugh
• Position: K
• College: Lenoir-Rhyne University 
• Height: 5’9″
• Weight: 175 lbs
• Twitter: @Chase_Luck13
• Instagram: @chase_luck13

1. What sets you apart from other kickers?

What sets me apart from other kickers is my sideline awareness, I am not just the specialist down in the corner, but I stay engaged in the game. I am there to congratulate my teammates or pick them up after a bad play. As far as on the field I would say my accuracy and confidence in my abilities are what set me apart. I know that if I go out and focus in and execute, I can make any kick. In the kickoff area consistency and the ability to do various specialty kicks are what sets me apart. Throughout the past 4 years we have spent numerous amounts of time working on sky kicks, pooch kicks and onside kicks (I have recovered 2 myself).

2. What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

As I mentioned I think I bring a supportive aspect to the team from the sidelines. I always find the guy that made that big play or the guy that missed the tackle. I try to be a leader on the sideline. I think also not just me, but our FG unit brings a security to the team to know if we get in the redzone we will come away with points, this is something our FG ops unit prides ourselves on. 

3. If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

If I could hang out with any football player, it would probably be Pat McAfee. I grew up a WVU fan and have always followed him. It would be cool to learn some of the things he did to get to the professional level and learn what has helped him continue to be successful after that. Not to mentioned he is one of the biggest guys who really put specialists on the map both during and after his playing career.

4. What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I grew up a soccer player but always watched football, went to FSU games, and went to every HS game at my school growing up (my HS was K-12). Around my 8th grade year the current kicker at my HS invited me to come out and kick, and then another kicker who my dad had coached invited my to come out and kick and after a couple times I began to get pretty good at it. What really hit it for me was my freshman year in HS; nothing beats Friday Night lights and the bonds and relationships you build playing HS football and I fell in love with that atmosphere. 

5. How do you prepare for games?

Ever since high school I had a playlist of 6 songs I would listen to right before heading out to warm up. I think a lot of my success has come from being consistent, so I have had the same stretch routine and same gameday warmup throughout my college career. Doing so helps me feel confident and best helps me prepare for the game. 

6. What is your favorite workout?

My favorite workout would have to be RDLs and power cleans in the weight room, and for outside training I enjoy speed work, especially ladder drills. These workouts benefit my leg strength and leg speed which are very beneficial to kickers. 

7. What are your favorite things about playing football for Lenoir-Rhyne?

My favorite things about playing for Lenoir-Rhyne are the support from the school and community, my teammates, and being blessed with great coaching staffs. I remember my first playoff game how packed the stadium was and the gameday atmosphere is something that can not be found at many other small schools. The friendships I have created over the last few years is something that will last me past my playing days.

8. What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

When I am on the field my mindset is locked in but also relaxed. Being a specialist is a position where you can put too much pressure on yourself and early in my career, I did this a little too much. For me now I try to find that middle ground of those gameday butterflies and that relaxed confidence, I think being in the middle allows to not put too much pressure on myself but also stay locked in.

9. What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Some of my favorite moments came from our past two playoff runs. The opening kickoffs, the crowd roaring, it does not get better than that. All the hard work in the offseason is all to get to play in games like those.

10. What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a player who they can trust on and off the field, someone who works hard and will do anything to help the team win. If I could use three words, I would say disciplined, dependable, and determined. 

11. What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I look forward to making another deep playoff run this upcoming season. I was blessed with the opportunity to come back one more year after the short spring season. I look forward to enjoying every moment playing with my teammates in front of a packed Moretz Stadium again. 

12. What should we know about Chase Allbaugh the person?

A little bit about me is that I value my relationships and friendships with people. I value my family and friends very much. I always strive to work as hard as I can and give 100% effort into whatever I may be doing. And finally, I would say I am very caring, dependable and trustworthy.