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Report: Former Illinois kicker, B1G Kicker of the Year signs with LA Chargers
By Paul Harvey
Published:
One of the all-time great kickers in Illinois history is getting his first shot in the NFL.
Chase McLaughlin, a rookie and the 2018 B1G Kicker of the Year, is reportedly signing with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers are apparently turning to the former Illinois star as Michael Badgley is still rehabbing from a groin injury.
Tom Pelissero with the NFL Network shared the report:
The #Chargers are signing kicker Chase McLaughlin, source said. Michael Badgley is still a couple weeks away after a minor setback in rehabbing from his groin injury. So, McLaughlin — a rookie from Illinois — gets his shot.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 2, 2019
McLaughlin was a perfect 79-for-79 on extra-point attempts during his time with the Illini and converted on 44-of-59 field-goal tries. He won the 2018 award as the conference’s best kicker after hitting on 20-of-25 field goals.
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McLaughlin finished his Illini career second on the all-time list in field goals made and total points (211). He also finished third on the all-time list for field-goal percentage (74.6%) among players that attempted more than five field goals.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.