Varsity knockout

  Chase Lansford isn't afraid of lofty goals. After all, he is a kicker.  Right now, Lansford's goal of becoming a kicker for the NFL is, "kind of a fantasy," he said. "There are only 32 teams in the NFL, so that's 32 kickers in the whole country."
  Despite the odds, Lansford works towards his dream six days a week, three hours a day.  When he's not practicing with the SAC team, he's helping his dad, former Rams kicker Mike Lansford, teach kids how to kick.
  "Helping the kids totally helps me," Lansford said. "I point out what they're doing wrong, and I realize, ‘hey, I do that, too!'"
The willingness to work hard and see his own flaws is part of what makes Lansford worth watching.
  "He's grounded, he's focused—you don't see that very often, especially in an 18-year-old," said SAC Football Coach Geoff Jones. "He's definitely got Division I potential."
   With that potential comes pressure to perform, and Lansford feels it more than ever since he's begun playing college ball. "You've only got a couple years to get noticed and make Division I. If you don't, then it's over. I'm definitely feeling that."
  Lansford hopes to play for USC, but would be happy with any Division I school that is willing to give him a good scholarship. 
  Transitioning from high school to college football comes with its challenges, and Lansford is concerned that this might not be his best year. He is getting used to kicking from the 30-yard-line instead of the 40, as in high school football, and he is adjusting to a new holder. Both factors impact his performance. 
  Lansford's father has been a source of inspiration and encouragement to him. "Not only did he teach me how to kick, but I've got this great motivational coach every day. My dad's always calling or texting me."
  "He's got a great mentor," said Jones. "I don't even try to tell him how to kick. I just make sure he's protected on the field."
Off the field, Lansford is adjusting to college life. He's considering a business management major, with real estate as a possible future career choice. Like all SAC football players, he must carry a full load of units and maintain a C-average to play, in addition to the three hours of daily practice.
  The schedule sounds grueling, but Lansford doesn't mind. "It's still totally fun," he said. "I love it."