Foot open, chest up, head down.
These are the only things going through LSU sophomore placekicker Colby Delahoussaye’s mind when he prepares for a field goal or an
extra point. 
The New Iberia, Louisiana native is in his second season kicking for the Tigers after redshirting in 2012 and making his first appearance in 2013. He’s a perfect 4-4 on field goals this season and is 17-18 in his career. His only miss came last season against Furman, when he sustained a groin injury in warmups and tried to kick through it.
But that injury is long gone, and Delahoussaye is back in kicking shape. He lost some leg strength because of the injury, so Delahoussaye hit the weight room, making his leg stronger than ever and adding an extra six yards to his kick length.
Kicking is a robotic position, one in which even the slightest deviation can be catastrophic. It can also be one of the most mentally taxing positions because an entire game can be riding on the
kicker’s foot. 
“In pressure situations, I act like every kick is the same exact kick,” Delahoussaye said. “If I’m kicking a 55-yard field goal or an extra point, it’s the same kick. I shouldn’t be hitting it with any more or any less power. I should be kicking it the same no matter what.”
Because the position is so mechanical, Delahoussaye has little variation in his process, even at practice. 
Delahoussaye takes a quick jog around the field and stretches to warm up before his kicking leg gets some action. After a couple of leg swings without the ball, he does stationary kicks and aims to hit a specific spot, usually one of the upright posts. When he feels warmed up, he starts kicking full field goals from various distances. 
This process happens both in practice and the first time he hits the field before games. When Delahoussaye takes the field a second time for warmups, he does regular field goals with longsnapper Reid Ferguson and holder Brad Kragthorpe, both juniors. 
The chemistry between the three is crucial, especially in pressure field goal situations. 
“Me and Kragthorpe and Reid have a really good relationship,” Delahoussaye said. “If one of those parts mess up, it makes my job a lot harder. That’s what I love about these guys: They never mess up.”
During the game, Delahoussaye stays warm and loose on the sidelines. He likes walking around and watching the game, which helps keep his body ready for when his name gets called.
When LSU is on offense and reaches its own 45 yard line, Delahoussaye’s job begins. He kicks two or three balls into the net to get his rhythm down and prepare his leg.
As the Tigers get in field goal range, Delahoussaye makes his way to the front of the sideline and stands near the coaches. When its time to take the field, his instincts kick in.
“This sounds funny, but I don’t remember anything,” Delahoussaye said. “I guess it is so much muscle memory, it just happens so fast.”
Before the ball is snapped, Delahoussaye takes three steps backward and two steps to the left. After his backward steps, he looks up at his target and makes sure his foot is in a straight line with where he wants the ball to go.
“I always start with a jab step with my left foot, and then I full step with my right foot,” Delahoussaye said. “My next step is planting right next to the ball, and then I lock my knee on contact. I keep my right foot open as long as possible.”
Foot open. 
“I don’t want to be crunched down, because you lose a lot of power,” Delahoussaye said. “I want my chest to be nice and high.”
Chest up.
“I’m going to look at where I’m hitting the ball,” Delahoussaye said. “I don’t want to take my eyes off the target of the sweet spot of the ball.”
Head down.
And just like that, the kick is completed, and Delahoussaye walks off the field. The sophomore has mastered these three steps through high school and collegiate kicking, and he knows he’ll make his kicks if he performs the steps he’s
memorized.
Delahoussaye should be crucial as the season continues. He’s already scored 121 points in his career with the Tigers and is on pace to eclipse former LSU kicker Colt David’s school record of 369 points if he plays through his eligibility. 
Even though kicking at the collegiate level can be a science, it all comes down to a simple series of steps for Delahoussaye. 
“I’ll preach it until I’m black and blue in the face,” Delahoussaye said. “Foot open, chest up, head down.”
You can reach Michael Haarala on Twitter @haarala_TDR.