Kentucky redshirt freshman kicker Chance Poore has a big leg and even bigger job for the Wildcats this season.
After sitting behind Miles Butler for most of the 2018 season, Poore takes over field goal and PAT duties for Kentucky this season. Poore took advantage of the redshirt rule that allows players to appear in four games and still use a redshirt year. That experience prepared him to take on a larger role this fall.
“That was good to just get a little bit experience,” said Poore. “That way you don’t have to be thrown into a situation you don’t know anything about. I had some ups and downs last season but it was good to have that experience. I’m thankful for it.”
The 6-foot-2, 216-pound kicker appeared in three games for the Wildcats in 2018, connecting on 2-of-4 field goal attempts. Poore drilled a 31-yard field goal vs. Missouri, the first of his collegiate career. He followed that with a 34-yard kick the next week vs. Georgia.
The struggles came in a loss to Tennessee in Knoxville, where a 30-yard field goal attempt was blocked and a 51-yard attempt missed wide right, but had plenty of leg. Poore used the ups and downs of his true freshman season to prepare himself for the rest of his Kentucky career.
“Just the ability to go in with more confidence this season is a big thing for me. Spring practice definitely helped out. Being here for a year means I’ve had more time and repetitions.”
Poore’s strong leg could be a weapon for the Wildcats this season if they need to attempt a long field goal. Last week, Mark Stoops found out how powerful that leg can be.
“He kicked a 56-yarder in practice the other day,” said Stoops. Doesn’t mean I’m gonna go for it.”
Stoops will likely elect to play the field position game in most of those long field goal situations. However, having the option to kick it if they need it could prove to be beneficial at some point down the road.
“We don’t really have a dead mark where we have to go,” said Poore. “In the spring game I hit a 52-yarder but I feel really good from 50 yards and in. Any situational things could vary.”
One thing you will see around Kroger Field this season are No. 12 Kentucky jerseys. Poore gets tagged in tweets and photos all the time of fans showing their support by customizing a jersey with his name across the back, something that gives him added confidence to perform.
“You never see someone not family go into the stadium wearing the kickers jersey but this is awesome. I have a lot of support. The fan base here is amazing and they just keep me going. That is a big confidence boost right there.”
