Eberhart moves to the top after being hampered by injuries
After competing with Mason Crosby for the CU place-kicker position, Kevin Eberhart gets his chance to show the Buffs what he has to offer.
In 2003, Kevin Eberhart became the third place-kicker in CU history to play as a true freshman. The Broomfield native kicked off to start the season and retained the starting role regularly throughout the first half of the schedule.
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However, Eberhart shared place-kicking duties with Mason Crosby, who was also a freshman at the time and eventually sealed the top position on the depth chart.
Although Crosby went on to gain consensus All-American honors and make a big name for himself, Eberhart said he does not feel any pressure as Crosby’s successor.
“I think the coaches know what I can do, the team knows what I can do, and I know what I can do,” Eberhart said. “If I just go out and do what everyone knows I can do, I don’t think there will be any disappointment.”
Throughout the 2003-2004 season, Eberhart had 24 kickoffs, including nine touchbacks. He made his only extra-point attempt of the season, but he missed on his lone two field-goal attempts from 22 and 42 yards against Florida State.
“For the spring, I want to focus on being consistent. I really want to kick at my potential,” Eberhart said.
Unfortunately, injuries have impacted Eberhart’s college career. As a sophomore, he redshirted and did not see any game action as he nursed a couple of injuries over the course of the season.
As a redshirt sophomore, Eberhart missed spring practice with a knee injury, which required surgery. By the time the regular season started, he was listed second on the depth chart behind Crosby.
This past season, Eberhart missed most of spring drills as well after straining a quad muscle.
However, the place-kicker said he has put his injuries behind him.
“Injuries might have set me back when I was battling with Mason (for a starting position), but he rose up and took the job,” Eberhart said. “Honestly, the injury factor has hampered me a little bit, but it has not been a major issue. I am healthy now, and luckily I really have not had anything real major.”
Now the 2007-2008 regular season will offer Eberhart another chance to show what he is capable of with his right leg.
“All you can really ask for is one good year to play up here. I think I am ready to take my one good year, and I am excited about it,” Eberhart said. “I’m really not looking to show anybody anything. I just want to go out there and do what I can do for me. I have been waiting for so long, and it is just gratifying to do what you’re good at and do what you like to do.”
Contact Campus Press staff writer Corey Jones at [email protected].
