Diamond Talk: Chase Vinatieri, K, South Dakota State University | Yes, he is related to the other Vinatieri

When you mention the last name Vinatieri, you automatically think of the best kicker to ever play in the NFL. Adam Vinatieri is still playing at a high level and should be considered the greatest kicker to ever play the game, but his nephew Chase is ready to show he can hang with the guys in the NFL as well.

Chase Vinatieri is making a name for himself at South Dakota State. He was a standout wide receiver in high school at Roosevelt High, but his coach in high school was Kim Nelson the same guy who coached his uncle Adam, so you know Chase was a kicker as well.

Chase would end up as an All-State kicker in addition to being an honorable mention as an All-State WR. He would land a scholarship at his Uncle’s Alma Mater as well, and that is where the journey would begin.

Chase redshirted his Freshman year, but also practiced with the team as a wide receiver. In 2016, Chase ranked second on the team with 89 points, going 11-17 on field goals and making all 56 extra points. From inside the 40 he was a perfect 9-9.

Chase’ sophomore year was one of the finest years of his career.  He ranked second on the team with 103 points making 58-62 extra points.  He posted 40 touchbacks on 96 kickoffs as well.

Last season, Vinatieri put up prolific numbers posting a career high 141 points and broke his own school record for extra points with 66.  He currently has 294 points and is 27 away from tying the career record of 321 held by Parker Douglass.  He also broke the single game record by making 11 extra points in one game when his Jackrabbits beat Arkansas Pine-Bluff 90-6. 

Vinatieri is not just an accurate kicker, he is a very intelligent player as well. He has been on Honor Roll since entering college. He is a First Team All-American and he is another Vinatieri that should be in the NFL come next season.