The Cardinal Countdown: 37 Days Until Kickoff

#37 Ryan Chalifoux

Class: RS Senior

Ht/Wt: 6-1/185

Position: Kicker

Hometown: Champaign, IL

Twitter: @RyanChalifoux_1

Thoughts: I could write about Chalifoux’s three kickoffs last year, or his versatility heading into 2021 as a viable option at both place kicker and kickoff specialist, but we know none of you have come to see that. We’re all just here to relive the 2019 magic that was ‘The Chalifoux Throw’

For those who have slept a few times since 2019 Ryan was in to replace the injured Creque the last few games of the season and had some early struggles with his foot. His arm on the other hand….C’est magnifique. Satterfield dropped the trickeration and Ryan’s effort was eventually awarded ‘play of the year’ by the Louisville football twitter account.

While Ryan currently sits at #2 on the depth chart for PK and KO duties, he’ll always hold the #1 spot for best field goal trick play execution.

Sweet Tweet:

In all those accolades above did I mention, humble? Cause he’s humble as well.

***

#37 Isiah Downing

Class: Sophomore

Ht/Wt: 6-2/186

Position: Defensive Back

Hometown: Louisville, KY (Product of Ballard High School)

Twitter: @zaydowning4

Thoughts: The Cards picked up Downing this year as a walk-on after he spent last season with the Racers of Murray State. Downing is a local prospect out of Ballard who played corner for the Bruins and wrapped up his high school career with a senior season that had over 25 tackles and three interceptions.

Isiah joins his younger brother Elijah (#86) on the team this year and should be a nice addition to the secondary. My expectation is that we don’t see a ton of Isiah on game days in 2021 but he has a shot to develop into a nice player over time as he has some good size and as you can see below some good coverage skills.

Sweet Tweet:

My man was down for the cause even back in 2017