The 2017 Underclassmen Invitational took place in Tampa, FL on July 20-21, 2017. Two hundred plus of the nation’s top Class of 2019, 2020 & 2021 specialists made their way to Florida for one of the most popular camps of the year. This camp has quickly become my second favorite camp of the year, just behind the TOP 12 Camp.
The two day camp is about much more than just kicking and punting. This camp is as much about the parents and families as it is about the athletes. The two days are filled with kicking, punting, educational meetings, game shows, meals and gatherings. The three major goals of camp are improvement on the field, improvement off the field and becoming one family… #TeamSailer #SailerFamily. This camp sets up athletes and their families for a bright future in the world of kicking and punting.
The Underclassmen Invitational featured 200+ specialists from nearly every state in the U.S. ranging from Hawaii to New York. The camp also hosted a few players from outside of the U.S from as far away as Australia. Nearly 400 parents also attended and majority of participants brought the entire family along. Take a look at a day by day breakdown.
Day 1
Field Session: Four hours of total field time (2 Groups) where athletes are separated by position and graduation year. Each athlete was put into a group of 10 or less with 2 of Chris Sailer Kicking’s best instructors including Aaron Perez, Erik Folk, Tristan Vizcaino, Andrew Gantz, Blanton Creque, Cole Murphy and many more. Drills, field goals, kickoffs, punting and evaluation was the focus.
College & Pro Demo: Nick Folk of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a special appearance to perform for the future of the sport. In the sprit of the Underclassmen Invitational he also brought along his 3-year old twin boys (they even attempted a few field goals). Folk, Vizcaino, Gantz, Creque, Murphy, Gonsoulin and more put on a show for the 500+ spectators.
Competition: At the end of each group session the athletes participated in a field goal last man standing competition. This is a famous Chris Sailer Kicking Competition that has challenged the best of the best for 17+ years of camps.
Class of 2019 Champion
Ryan Sanborn (CA) – The longtime Chris Sailer Kicking kicker/punter was stellar at all skills over the course of the two days. He won the field goal competition by connecting on 7-7 field goals with a long of 55 yards. Ryan continues to prove that he is a top national kicking and punting prospect. Ryan has a bright future with continued hard work.
Class of 2020 Champion
Tabor Allen (TX) – Tabor has been one of the most clutch performers in his class over the past few years. He is always at his best once it is time to compete. A great athlete that already kicks field goals off the ground. He went 6-6 on field goals with a long of 55 yards to win it. Even more impressive, he did it in rainy conditions toward the end of camp.
Class of 2021 Champion
David Kemp (KS) – David was clearly the standout performer in his class in Tampa. He is a fine young athlete with a big time leg. He kicks with nice technique and consistency. He also went 6-6 on on field goals with a long off 55 yards to win it. Look for David to be near the very top of the rankings with the Class of 2021 rankings are released this coming Fall.
Educational Meetings: Athletes and parents headed back to the hotel for two hours of educational meetings. Topics ranged from nutrition to training to social media to recruiting.
Game Show: The Kickers/Punters vs. Long Snappers Game Show has become one of the most popular Underclassmen Invitational traditions. This year, we decided to include the parents as well. After taking the crown in 2016, the Kickers/Punters were looking to go back-to-back. Unfortunately the Long Snappers came out on top. If you ask me, the questions were rigged ;). No worries, we will come back strong in 2018.
Family Dinner: Chris Sailer Kicking & Rubio Long Snapping hosted a massive dinner in the hotel ballroom where all were invited. Salads, Pastas, Meatballs, Breads and an assortment of drinks were served. The atmosphere was full of smiles and laughter and the conversations were about much more than just football. It is safe to say that the dinner was a huge hit.
Day 2
Field Session: This was Competition Day. Athletes checked-in in groups of four and were charted individually through a circuit of field goals, kickoffs and punts. Results will be posted in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Competition: At the end of the charting session it was time for punters to compete in a head to head competition. Twenty three athletes qualified based on two days of evaluation. The intense competition put the punters head to head in a single elimination format.
Class of 2019 Champion
Austin McNamara (AZ) – The 6’4” punter stepped up when it counted the most. He punted several balls 40-50 yards with 4.3-4.7 hang time. In the end, he was able to edge out top prospects such as Ryan Sanborn and Ben Freehill with consistency. Austin has the tools to be a great college punter.
Class of 2020 Champion
Daniel Cristiani (IN) – Daniel did a great job over the course of the two days. This was his third camp with Chris Sailer Kicking and his hard work is paying off. Daniel is a talented athlete that has a bright future with continued hard work.
Q & A With Sailer & Rubio: Athletes and parents headed back to the hotel for a Question & Answer session. Questions were answered, pictures were taken and final goodbyes were said.
Underclassmen Invitational Additional Awards
Top 22 – 2019 Overall Standouts (in alphabetical order)
Andrew Weil (SC)
Anthony Tom-Makue (HI)
Austin McNamara (AZ)
Ben Freehill (IL)
Bijan Nichols (TX)
Brandon Petruescu (CA)
Bryce Law (CA)
Cale Nation (MS)
Chandler Caughron (TN)
Cole Johnson (AZ)
Dylan Orr (CA)
Gavin Wale (NV)
Jack Martin (AL)
Joseph Stoll (OH)
JT Turner (MI)
Mason Molique (KY)
Michael Hayes (SC)
Noah Grant (TN)
Ryan Fitzgerald (GA)
Ryan Sanborn (CA)
Tyler Keltner (FL)
Tucker Barefoot (MS)
Anthony Tom-Makue (HI)
Top 10 – 2020 Overall Standouts (in alphabetical order)
Andrew Brown (NC)
Brett Money (NM)
Brock Travelstead (GA)
Cole Hussung (IN)
Daniel Cristiani (IL)
Dillon Fedor (NV)
Holt Cloninger (NC)
James Williams (GA)
JJ Wadas (IN)
Tabor Allen (TX)
Cole Hussung (IN)
Top 5 – 2021 Overall Standouts (in alphabetical order)
Andres Borregales (FL)
David Kemp (KS)
Ivan Shuran (OH)
Joshua Lopez (FL)
Luke Wayson (MD)
Do you want to be a part of the 2018 Underclassmen Invitational? See you at Chris Sailer Kicking Camp soon. The Fall Schedule is now posted and open for registration. To be the best, train and compete with the best. Expect greatness! For more information, details and rankings visit www.ChrisSailerKicking.com
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