Dustin Hopkins Pinned as a Top Late Round Pick Up in Last Weeks NFL Draft!

May 3, 2013 By

Well, the 2013 NFL Draft has come to a close and there were certainly some surprises. It was reasonably evident NFL teams were not in the mood to over-pay for some position players, and many high picks dropped deeply.

Former Chris Sailer Kicking Alum Dustin Hopkins was one of the steals in the draft. That is not just our opinion but that of Elliot Harrison, analyst for NFL .com and the NFL network. Harrison says Hopkins was his favorite lateounder pick. Hopkins was selected at the 177th overall in the draft, in the sixth round by the Buffalo Bills.

It is with good reason too. Dustin hit on a Florida State record 145 straight PATs placing him 6th on the all-time NCAA PAT streak list. Dustin was an All-American for 2012 and earned All-ACC recognition in 2011.

In his senior year Hopkins set the NCAA Division I record for points ever scored by a kicker. His record stands at an astounding 448 points.

Prior to the draft, Bleacher Report said that Dustin could become a ten-year kicker in the league. At Chris Sailer Kicking, we couldn’t be prouder to see him get his chance. Congrats to alumni Dustin Hopkins.

Dustin Hopkins

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Highlight Videos Now Available Through Chris Sailer Kicking

May 1, 2013 By

Chris Sailer Kicking is happy to announce that Highlight Videos will now be available for purchase at Chris Sailer Kicking Camps/Events.  The very first opportunity to purchase a professional quality highlight video will be this weekend at the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas May 4-5.  This is an incredible opportunity and will only be available to the first 30 Kickers, Punters, or Long Snappers that reserve their video.  We are offering a discounted promotional rate of $100 for Vegas this year.  Here is how it will work:

1. You can preegister for this service by emailing info@varsitytape.com.  In the subject line type: “Vegas Video”.  The staff will get back to you with further instructions.

2. You can register for this service in Las Vegas.  However, if 30 others preegister, unfortunately the service will no longer be available.  If you choose to take this route, you are taking a big risk.

Sample Videos were taken this past weekend at the 11th Annual National Kicking Preparation camp in Los Angeles.  These are rough cuts, so you can imagine how great the finished products will look.  If you choose to purchase a highlight video, the video will be yours to use as you see fit.  My recommendation: Email the video to coaches, Add the video to your Chris Sailer Kicking Player Ranking Profile, Add the Video to your NCSA Player Profile.

I highly recommend that you take advantage of this service.  Creating a quality kicking / punting highlight video can be a difficult task.  This small investment is well worth the reward.

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Dustin Hopkins Selected 177th Overall by Buffalo Bills…

April 27, 2013 By

Chris Sailer Kicking and Florida State alum Dustin Hopkins has been selected today by the Buffalo Bills  in the 6th round of  the 2013 NFL Draft. The 6’2″ Hopkins was considered the top rated Kicker in the Draft and will be a stable and reliable addition to the Buffalo Bills.

 

Congratulations Dustin from your CSK Family we wish you a long and successful career in the NFL!

 

Dustin Hopkins

Dustin Hopkins in action at FSU

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Jeff Locke Drafted by Vikings 155th Overall…

April 27, 2013 By

Chris Sailer Kicking and UCLA alum Jeff Locke has been selected today by the Minnesota Vikings in the 5th round of  the 2013 NFL Draft. Locke was the first specialist chosen in the Draft this year and joins fellow CSK alum Chris Kluwe in Minnesota.

Jeff Locke was a 2 time “Top 12” Member and is a Chris Sailer Kicking Punting Coach.

Congratulations to Jeff Locke, we wish him all the success throughout his upcoming NFL career!

 

Jeff Locke Training with Chris Sailer Kicking

Jeff Locke Training with Chris Sailer Kicking

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Mike Knoll Picks Up Offer From Toledo

April 26, 2013 By

Chris Sailer Kicking Kicker / Punter Mike Knoll has picked up his first offer from Toledo.  The 2-Time “TOP 12” Member (2014 OH) has impressed at Chris Sailer Kicking camps now for several years.  He also trains privately with Chris Sailer Kicking Alum and Staff Member Chris Nendick in Chicago.

Mike is currently ranked the #5 Kicker in the nation and #7 Punter in the nation making him one of the most sought after Class of 2014 Combo Prospects.  Mike recently won the 2013 IL Nike Spring Camp, besting another “TOP 12” Member Rafael Gaglianone in the Final.  Mike is a big time prospect that should pull in several more offers this Spring and Summer.  He will next attend the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas May 4-5 followed by multiple CSK and College Camps this summer.

Stay tuned for updates….  Who will be the next “TOP 12” member offered?

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Chris Sailer Kicking Keeping a Close Eye on Potential Draft Picks this Weekend…

April 25, 2013 By

Here at Chris Sailer Kicking we’ll be watching the NFL draft with great interest this weekend. We have some terrific alumni available for the draft. Here are some names of potential picks to keep an eye on:

 

 

Dustin Hopkins – Florida State, Kicker – Dustin hit on an FSU record 145 straight PATs putting him 6th on the all-time NCAA PAT streak list. He enters the draft as the number one kicking prospect in the country with BleacherReport.com predicting he could be a ten year kicker in the league. Good luck Dustin, we’ll be watching.

Jeff Locke – UCLA, Punter – This left-footer has a booming left and has been ranked in the top 100 players in this draft by several sources including NFL.com. Locke’s 44.58 yard career punting average for the Bruins ranks him second all-time at the school. We have high hopes for Jeff, and look forward to seeing him play on Sundays.

Quinn Sharp – Oklahoma State, Kicker – Quinn is OSU’s first three-time All-American. He has exceptional skills as a punter and kicker, averaging over 46 yards per punt last year and hitting on 85% of his field goals. BleacherReport.com compares him to the Viking’s Chris Kluwe. It’s been a lifelong goal of Quinn to play in the NFL. We’re rooting for you Quinn!

Ryan Allen – Louisiana Tech, Kicker – Ryan is the only kicker ever to win the Ray Guy Award in two consecutive years, 2011 and 2012. He averaged 48 yards on 45 kicks last year, and has an 85 yarder as his personal best. NFL.com’s Gil Brandt says it all with his comment “Allen has a very, VERY strong leg.” That he does. Best wishes this weekend Ryan!

Scott Kovanda – Ball State, Kicker – Scott was a finalist for this year’s Ray Guy Award. In 2012 only six of his punts were even returned, averaging over 40 yards per kick. Scott referred to his NFL combine visit as a job interview and compared the experience to speed dating. Go get ‘em Scott.

Zach Brown – Portland State, Kicker – NFL.com’s Senior Analyst Gil Brandt comments that “The ball just seems to jump off of his leg”. Zach’s real last name is Ramirez, but he used Brown at Portland State, where he hit on 17 of 18 FGs in 2012. At the school’s Pro Day he hit 6 out of 6 on his FG attempts hitting on 2 from 55 yards. Best of luck Zach, we look forward to seeing your winning smile in the NFL!

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Dustin Hopkins, K

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Jeff Locke, P

Quinn Sharp, K

Quinn Sharp, K

Ryan Allen, K

Ryan Allen, K

Scott Kovanda, K

Scott Kovanda, K

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Zach Brown, K

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are pleased to be associated with such an accomplished group, and will enjoy seeing what’s ahead for these fine young men. Congrats to them all!

-CSK

 

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Quinn Sharp – Player Profile – Upcoming Draft Status

April 24, 2013 By

With the impending NFL draft, we would like to recognize another Chris Sailer Kicking alum, Quinn Sharp.

The versatile player has both skills as a Kicker and as a Punter. Quinn has had quite the college career at Oklahoma State University. He is the program’s first ever 3-time All-American. In 2010 he won the award as a Punter, and in 2011 and 2012 he was recognized as an All-American Kicker. He had a career punting average of almost 46 yards (45.9) which led active NCAA punters, and set a new OSU record. He had a career field goal accuracy of 84.7%, placing him second in the nation among active Kickers in the NCAA.

NFL.com notes his leg strength, particularly on kickoffs, and his 5-second plus hang times when punting inside the twenty. BleacherReport.com says he has a “NFL leg” and compares him to the Minnesota Vikings’ Chris Kluwe (another  CSK alum).

Quinn has always dreamed of being an NFL player, but Kickers are rarely drafted. In spite of that, there are those that expect him to go in the 6th or 7th round. Some analysts say his versatility could have him going as high as the 4th round.

Even if he goes to an NFL camp undrafted, he will certainly make his dream of playing pro ball come true. Chris Sailer Kicking is excited to watch the draft this week, and look forward to seeing our friend Quinn Sharp playing this fall on Sundays.

–CSK

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Which Camps Should I Attend & When?

April 18, 2013 By

One of the most common questions that I get asked is, “Which camps should my son attend and when?”.  I have an 11 year old son, Nick Sailer, Class of 2019!  So not long from now, I will be asking myself that very same question.  I have been running kicking/punting lessons, camps, and national events for nearly 13 years now.  In a perfect world, here is exactly what I would do as a parent, and most likely will be doing before you know it.

7th Grade

  • Attend at least 1 Chris Sailer Kicking Camp as a spectator.  See what it is all about.  I would choose a 1-day Nike Camp in CA, NC, GA, TX or IL.  Meet Chris Sailer.  Listen to instruction.  Become familiar and comfortable with the camp scene. There is no charge for this.
  • Start private lessons with a Chris Sailer Kicking private coach.  Contact me (818-209-8921) and I will set you up with a great 1-on-1 coach anywhere across the United States.
  • Buy the Chris Sailer Kicking Instructional DVD.  This is the best way to learn.  Plus you can watch it over and over again.
  • Read the following BLOG: When Should I (My Son) Start Attending Camps

8th Grade

  • This is the time to begin attending Chris Sailer Kicking Camps.  I would choose the 1-day Nike Camps in CA, NC, GA, TX or IL.  I would attend ALL 3 camps when Chris Sailer Kicking comes to your region of the U.S.  We come to each of these locations 3 times per year (Fall, Winter / Spring, and Summer).
  • Attend 1 of the Las Vegas Events (January or May) as a spectator.  See what the next level of camp is all about.  There is no charge for this.
  • Continue private and group lessons with Chris Sailer and/or a Chris Sailer Kicking private coach.  Contact me (818-209-8921) and I will set you up with a great 1-on-1 coach anywhere across the United States.
  • If invited, attend the Underclassmen “Invite Only” Event.  This camp is “Invite Only” and is for the players and parents.  Learn about your future and how to handle it each step of the way.

9th Grade

  • NOW is the time to attend Chris Sailer Kicking Camps.
  • Attend ALL 3 of the  1-day camps in your region (CA, NC, GA, TX or IL).  We come to each of these locations 3 times per year (Fall, Winter / Spring, and Summer).
  • Attend 1 Nike Camp in another state.  Start to get a feel for travel and other competition.
  • Attend The Annual National Kicking Events in Las Vegas in both January & May.  The time is now to see what it is all about.  See what it takes at every level (Fr, So, Jr, Sr, JC, College, and Pro).  The experience will pay off!!!  Time to set goals.
  • Continue private and group lessons with Chris Sailer and/or a Chris Sailer Kicking private coach.  Contact me (818-209-8921) and I will set you up with a great 1-on-1 coach anywhere across the United States.
  • If invited, attend the Underclassmen “Invite Only” Event.  This camp is “Invite Only” is for the players and parents.  Continue to learn about your future and how to handle it each step of the way.

10th Grade

  • NOW is the time to attend Chris Sailer Kicking Camps.
  • Attend ALL 3 of the  1-day camps in your region (CA, NC, GA, TX or IL).  We come to each of these locations 3 times per year (Fall, Winter / Spring, and Summer).
  • Attend 1-2 Nike Camps in another state.  Continue to get a better feel for travel and other competition.
  • Attend The Annual National Kicking Events in Las Vegas in both January & May.  The time is now to see what it is all about.  See what it takes at every level (Fr, So, Jr, Sr, JC, College, and Pro).  The experience will pay off!!!  Time to set goals.
  • Continue private and group lessons with Chris Sailer and/or a Chris Sailer Kicking private coach.  Contact me (818-209-8921) and I will set you up with a great 1-on-1 coach anywhere across the United States.
  • If invited, attend the Underclassmen “Invite Only” Event.  This camp is “Invite Only” is for the players and parents.  Continue to learn about your future and how to handle it each step of the way.
  • Attend 1 Local College Camp.  These are essentially tryouts.  Go to get experience.  It will pay off for when it really counts.

11th Grade

  • NOW is the time to attend Chris Sailer Kicking Camps.
  • Attend ALL 3 of the  1-day camps in your region (CA, NC, GA, TX or IL).  We come to each of these locations 3 times per year (Fall, Winter / Spring, and Summer).
  • Attend 2-3 Nike Camps in another state.  Continue to travel and understand what it takes and dominate competition.
  • Attend The Annual National Kicking Events in Las Vegas in both January & May.  This is the time to get your name on the map. College coaches will be setting up their recruit boards.  This is the time to shoot for “TOP 12” and “Event Elite”!
  • Continue private and group lessons with Chris Sailer and/or a Chris Sailer Kicking private coach.  Contact me (818-209-8921) and I will set you up with a great 1-on-1 coach anywhere across the United States.
  • Attend Multiple College Camps within reason.  These are essentially tryouts.  Be realistic with your skill level.  Attend camps at all levels of college football (D1, D2, D3, etc.)
  • Attend the “TOP 12” & “Event Elite” Camp.  This is an “Invite Only” Camp that brings together ONLY the best of the best.  You can only get invited by attending the Vegas Events and proving that you are one of the best while competing again the best.  This camp is the ULTIMATE GOAL.  This is the best camp that you will ever attend, if invited.

12th Grade

  • NOW is the time to attend Chris Sailer Kicking Camps.
  • Attend ALL 3 of the  1-day camps in your region (CA, NC, GA, TX or IL).  We come to each of these locations 3 times per year (Fall, Winter / Spring, and Summer).
  • Attend 3-4 Nike Camps in another state.  Continue to travel and understand what it takes and dominate competition.
  • Attend The Annual National Kicking Events in Las Vegas in both January & May.  The time is now to prove to every college coach in the United States that you are worthy of a scholarship or walk on spot.  Scholarships and preferred walk on spots will be earned based on performance as a senior!
  • Continue private and group lessons with Chris Sailer and/or a Chris Sailer Kicking private coach.  Contact me (818-209-8921) and I will set you up with a great 1-on-1 coach anywhere across the United States.
  • DO NOT stop working once you have decided on a college.  This is the #1 mistake made.  Work harder than ever as the next level is even more difficult.

College / NFL

  • Attend the College Camp each year to stay sharp and prepare yourself for upcoming seasons and an NFL Future.
  • Chris Sailer Kicking & Rubio Long Snapping will be announcing our NFL Combines in the near future.

Chris Sailer Kicking is the #1 Kicking, Punting, and Long Snapping Business in the World.  We will teach and guide you from 7th Grade all through the day that you retire from the NFL.

 

 

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2013 NC & GA Nike Spring Camp Recap

April 16, 2013 By

Chris Sailer Kicking finished off its Nike Spring Camp Tour with stops in Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA this past weekend.  Hundreds of specialists were in attendance hoping to land on the national stage.  The atmosphere, skill level, and competition was as high as any other Spring Camp in the nation.  Kickers, Punters, and Long Snappers from over 13 states competed at the very popular 1-day Nike Camps.  Take a look at who stepped up and who you might be seeing play on future Saturdays and Sundays.


Charlotte, NC
Champion:
Mick Ellis (2014 TX) – The 2 Time “TOP 12” Member was once again the best overall prospect in attendance.  He won both the field and kickoff competitions.  Mick was able to connect consistently from 55+ yards and kickoff 70+ yards with 4.0+ hang time.  He always steps up in competition and continues to prove that he will soon dominate on Saturdays as well.  Mick is a sure fire D1 Scholarship Kicker.

2014 Standouts:
Gregory Huegel (SC) – Gregory had a great day start to finish.  He excels at both field goals and kickoffs.  His fields goals are solid and very consistent up to 50+ yards off the ground.  His kickoffs are college ready.  Greg has a real shot at being a big time D1 player.

Destry Barnwell (NC) – Destry was the punt champion on this day.  The talented athlete averaged over 40 yards with 4.3+ hang time.  Destry continues to improve his game and is proving that he can punt at the college level.

Other 2014 Standouts: David Lamb, Patrick Woods, Tim Gawert, Topher Kline, and Tyler Cochran.

2015 Future Stars:
Cole Fisher (GA)  – Cole might just be the most talented young kicker in the nation in his class.  He is a great athlete, has a big leg, and handles pressure very well.  Look for Cole to be a future “TOP 12” Member and challenge for the #1 kicker in the nation.

Jackson VanSickle (NC) – Jackson continues to dominate competition.  A fine young athlete that kicks with excellent consistency.  Jackson has all the tools to be one of the very best in his class for years to come.

Other 2015 Standouts: Daniel Leonard, Dylan Baker, Evan Rabon, Luke Carter, Marion Watson, and Tyler Gallitz.

2016 Standouts: Brian Johnson and Jaxon Clark.

Atlanta, GA
Champion:
Michael Santamaria (2014 GA) – The “TOP 12” Member stepped up and won perhaps the most competitive Nike Spring Camp of them all.  Michael is one of the top field goal kickers in the nation and his kickoffs aren’t far behind.  He does a great job of making kicks when they count the most.  Look for Michael to turn some heads this summer and impress college coaches across the nation.

Other 2014 Standouts:
Rafael Gaglianone (TN) – The Vegas Champion killed it all day once again.  Rafael is perhaps the very best field goal kicker in the nation.  He kicks with outstanding consistency and shows excellent range off the ground.  His kickoffs are also D1 ready.  Look for Rafael to pick up D1 offers in the near future.  Offer Now!!!

Marc Nolan (GA) – Marc was the most impressive punter in Atlanta.  He had a great day start to finish averaging over 40 yards with 4.4+ hang time.  What was most impressive about Marc was his consistency even in less than perfect conditions.  Marc has what it takes to punt at the D1 level.

Other 2014 Standouts: William Ham, Luke Hardin, Tyler Newsome, Thomas O’Leary, Timmy Hartshorn, Ty Wilson, Alex Spence, Anel Ramic, Avery Bass, Daniel DiRoberto, and Landon Borrow.

2015 Future Stars:
Jameson Vest (GA) – Jameson was the most impressive newcomer to Chris Sailer Kicking.  He is a great athlete with a big time leg.  He also stepped up well under pressure and won one of the major field goal competitions.  He has the talent to be a top national kicker in his class.

Matt Bonadies (GA) – Matt was once again exceptional.  He has a huge leg and impresses on both field goals and kickoffs.  Look for Matt to be a big time D1 recruit in the coming years.

Other 2015 Standouts: Trace Halpern, Blanton Creque, Shawn Davis, and Trey Blasingame.

The 2013 Chris Sailer Kicking Nike Spring Camp Tour has been a tremendous success.  Camp Champions Jordan Dascalo (CA), Hunter Morrow (TX), Mike Knoll (IL), Mick Ellis (NC) and Michael Santamaria are already getting huge attention in the recruiting world.  Up next, the biggest kicking, punting, and long snapping spring camp in the world…The 11th Annual National Kicking & Snapping Spring Event in Las Vegas May 4-5, 2013.

For more statistics, player rankings, and camp information visit www.ChrisSailerKicking.com

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Profile on Dustin Hopkins: Kicker – Florida State

April 16, 2013 By

Former Chris Sailer Kicking alum Dustin Hopkins is about to enter the NFL draft following a record breaking, outstanding career at Florida State.

Hopkins’ legend at FSU started when, as a freshman, he nailed a 55 yard field goal to win the game against Clemson. The pressure packed kick came with 3 seconds remaining and the score tied.

In 2011, Dustin set a new record for FSU kickers when he connected on 109 straight PATs. He wouldn’t stop there however, going on to kick an amazing 145 straight, making it the 6th longest streak in NCAA history. In his senior year Hopkins set the NCAA Division I record for points ever scored by a kicker. His record stands at an amazing 448 points.

Now, he is entering the NFL draft as the number 1 kicking prospect in the country. Bleacher Report says this about Hopkins: “Strong and consistent fundamentals allow Hopkins to possess NFLeady kick power, both on field goals and kickoffs.” They go one to predict he could become a 10 year kicker in the league.

At Chris Sailer Kicking, we are proud of our alumni and wish him well in the draft. Chris is an exceptional athlete and his focus on fundamentals has, and will continue to, pay off. Congratulations to Dustin Hopkins. The NFL Draft begins Thursday April 25 and ends on April 27th. We’ll be watching!

-CSK

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