Danville alum Caleb Griffin returns as kicker for Illinois football
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Former Danville (HS) Viking Caleb Griffin has announced his decision to return as starting kicker at the University of Illinois for a sixth season (COVID allows for a sixth year).
This is not only good news for the Illini (32 of 32 PAT, 14 of 19 FG in 2022), but also for his many friends and family that come out to watch him. Family is one of the main reasons Caleb chose to attend the University of Illinois over other Big Ten schools that offered scholarships. “It was a tough decision,” Caleb said of deciding where to take his kicking talents. “Being close to home so my family and friends can easily attend,” ultimately swayed the decision in the Illini’s favor.
And attend games his people do. “I can spot some family every game,” in the seats behind the bench, Caleb says. “It’s cool to me. It’s (having friends and family in attendance) part of the reason I stayed for one more year.”
And it isn’t just family and friends that are important for this scholar athlete. He loves to take the time to visit with children around the field when he can. According to Caleb’s mom Erin Leverenz, “Caleb loves to interact with the young fans. He has said many times how he was once that little kid.”
Another reason Caleb stayed was to build his resume with hopes of kicking elsewhere after his college days are completed. “Another season will put more in the bag for me to get a pro career; it’ll give me a better shot.” Options include both the NFL and the Canadian Football League, where last year’s Illini punter is currently playing, giving Caleb a good connection north of the border.
Football is not all that Caleb has been up to at college. Taking advantage of the educational opportunities at the University, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in only three years, and his first Master’s Degree in Management the following year. “Because of COVID, so much was online. I took more classes and was able to do more schoolwork partly because there was less travelling.” Caleb will be finishing up his second Master’s Degree, in Strategic Brand Communications, soon.
Caleb’s ultimate goal is to stay in athletics, whether it be coaching, management, or branding.
Two of Caleb’s favorite memories as an Illini involves family, of course. One was game at Nebraska this past season, his first game back after missing two games. 86,000 fans were in attendance, but none were more important that his parents and his younger sister Kedzie. Kedzie was working her first away game as a Fighting Illini Sports intern photographer. Perhaps by coincidence, perhaps not, Caleb ended up having his best game of the season.
Another funny memory was at the Michigan game in Ann Arbor. Caleb’s dad yelled onto the field pre-game for Caleb to pose for a photo. Just as his dad took the picture, there was Kedzie, photobombing at the sideline.
Thinking of his parents attending all of his games, Caleb reflects, “That support is something you could only wish for.” With Caleb, family always makes it special.
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