Matthew Ruffolo, Kentucky kicker, announces decision on 2022 season

Matthew Ruffolo, Kentucky’s kicker who had a solid season in 2021, has announced plans for the 2022 season.

Ruffolo made 10 of 13 field goal attempts last season, and 54 of 56 extra point attempts.

In an announcement on social media, Ruffolo recalled his 5 years at Kentucky, and how he came as a walk-on, and then explained that he wants to “run it back” for another season in Lexington.

“I am proof that a walk-on will get an opportunity to play for Coach (Mark) Stoops and earn a scholarship,” he wrote.

Ruffolo, who is working on a masters degree, also shared about the community support he’s involved in, and the Big Blue Nation.

“With that being said, I am not ready to end this amazing journey,” he wrote. “… Today I am announcing that I will accept the challenge to be the placekicker next season. I look forward to helping Kentucky give our great fans the best football team in Wildcat history.”

RUN IT BACK! pic.twitter.com/CdoWdvF00Q

— Matthew Ruffolo (@RuffoloMatthew) March 4, 2022

Here’s his bio entering the 2021 season:

Lou Groza Award Watch List (nation’s top place kicker)
Burlsworthy Trophy nominee (award presented annually to the most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on)
CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team
Career totals include 26-of-32 field goals and 94-of-99 extra points for 172 total points
Hit 10-of-12 field goals this season and 54-of-55 extra points for 84 points
His 54 extra points are a single-season school record, previously held by Lones Seiber (51 in 2007)
Has a streak of five consecutive field goals, dating back to Nov. 13 at Vanderbilt (2-2 vs. Vandy, 1-1 at Louisville, 2-2 vs. Iowa)

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.