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 in action at FSU
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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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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!
Dustin Hopkins, K
Jeff Locke, P
Quinn Sharp, K
Ryan Allen, K
Scott Kovanda, K
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!
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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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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
8th Grade
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
College / NFL
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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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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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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The 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event – Sponsored by Nike is less than a month away. While many specialists are taking this time of year off, those that seriously want to play in college and know what it takes are working harder than ever. Those hard workers will be in Las Vegas May 4-5, 2013 ready to impress and gain the most valuable national exposure in the nation. Here is some useful information for those attending and those that are still considering attending.
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While every Kicker or Punter is expected to learn to handle different situations, the type of stadium can have an impact on the kick. There is proper technique in various weather conditions that needs to be accounted for by a Kicker and Punter in order to execute properly.
Indoor Stadiums
A key advantage of an indoor stadium is the distinct lack of weather conditions. Kickers do not need to worry about wind, rain, snow or other conditions impacting the kick. It also reduces the risk of slipping and sliding since rain is not a factor. Indoor Stadiums are obviously ideal for Kickers and Punters. Although, one thing to keep in mind is the noise that is generated by fans in an indoor stadium can be defining and a major distraction for Kickers and Punters.
Outdoor Stadiums
An outdoor stadium has a disadvantage when it comes to weather. Finding your footing for a Kicker on a field goal or extra point is always an issue in extreme weather conditions. Punters run the risk of dropping snaps and or staying warm throughout the game. These issues must be addressed by Kickers and Punters in the same way that handle their day-to-day training, they must practice in these types of conditions or at least simulate the best they can, to insure they are prepared.
The type of stadium does impact the game slightly, but it is ultimately a minor issue. A Kicker or Punter with experience is more likely to do well in any conditions due to the greater experience of different weather conditions, but it is usually a minor issue for good Kickers and Punters.
–CSK
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Every athlete comes with one major goal in common, making the prestigious “TOP 12”. This is THE exposure list to be on for national exposure. The twelve best underclassmen in the nation are identified for the Kicking/Punting positions. The best of the best are then invited to the exclusive, invite only, “TOP 12” camp that following summer. College coaches take notice, and scholarships are awarded.
To get an idea for what the “TOP 12” is all about, take a look at some of the very best over the years: David Buehler (USC, Dallas Cowboys & New York Giants), Ryan Succop (South Carolina & Kansas City Chiefs), Thomas Weber (Arizona State, Lou Groza Award Winner, & Cincinnati Bengal), Kai Forbath (UCLA & Lou Groza Award Winner, & Washington Redskin), Dan Bailey (Oklahoma State, Lou Groza Award Winner & Dallas Cowboys), & Randy Bullock (Texas A&M, Lou Groza Awards Winner, & Houston Texan), Bryan Anger (CAL & Jacksonville Jaguar), Blair Walsh (Georgia & Minnesota Viking All-Pro), Justin Tucker (Texas, Baltimore Raven & Super Bowl Champion). Just to name a few!
So far the “TOP 12” has already made some serious noise. Gary Wunderlich picked up multiple offers and has committed to Virginia. Freeman Jones has committed to North Carolina. JK Scott has picked up an offer from Colorado. And there is much more to come…
Graduating Class: 2014
State: TN
Position: Kicker / Punter
Current National CSK Kicker Ranking: #8
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #8
Height: 6’2
Weight: 165
GPA: 3.86
Top 5 College Choices: 1. Tennessee 2. Ohio State 3. LSU 4. Southern Mississippi 5. Alabama
Hobbies: 1. Piano 2. Other sports such as bowling or billiards 3. Being Outdoors
Aaron says: “My work ethic and consistency make me the best kicker in the country. I always try to outwork everyone else. Ironically, off the field I am always the guy trying to make everyone laugh!”
Chris Sailer says: “Aaron is a outstanding kicker. A great looking athlete with a strong leg. Very smooth and accurate off the ground. Kickoffs are big time. Also shows excellent punting potential. Aaron will challenge for the top combo prospect in the nation. A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. Has all the tools to be the very best. Big time D1 prospect.”
Graduating Class: 2014
State: CA
Position: Punter
Current National CSK Ranking: #6
Height: 6’4
Weight: 225
GPA: 3.3
Top 5 College Choices: 1. Texas A&M 2. Oklahoma 3. Florida State 4. Texas 5. USC
Hobbies: 1.Football 2. Longboarding 3. Reading
Matt says: “I am a very hard working and extremely dedicated punter. I’m obsessed with punting. I practice 5 to 6 days a week. I can kick the ball as high and as far as anyone I’ve ever seen. Off the field, I love to read and write!”
Chris Sailer says: “Matt is a tremendous punting prospect. A big, tall, strong athlete. He has as much natural talent as anyone in the country. He hits a huge ball and has only scratched the surface of what he is capable of. Matt has the tools to be the top high school punter in the nation. Look for Matt to turn heads this summer. Big time college prospect.”
Graduating Class: 2014
State: TN
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #5
Height: 6’0
Weight: 220
GPA:
Top 5 College Choices: 1. USC 2. LSU 3. Miami 4. Tennessee 5. ASU
Hobbies: 1. Eat at good restaurants 2. Playing indoor soccer 3. Traveling
Rafael says: “I have more desire, dedication and determination than any other kicker / punter out there. I also am a very supportive teammate and always push others to be their best”
Chris Sailer says: “Rafael is an outstanding kicker. He has a big leg and kicks with excellent consistency off the ground. Field goals are perhaps the very best in the nation. His ball is pure and very true. Kickoffs are also near the top of his class. A great competitor who kicks well under pressure. A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. Big time prospect.”
Graduating Class: 2014
State: OH
Position: Kicker / Punter
Current National CSK Kicker Ranking: #4
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #7
Height: 6’1
Weight: 200
GPA: 3.7
Top 5 College Choices: 1. Ohio State 2. Stanford 3. Indiana 4. Boston College 5. Tennessee
Hobbies: 1. Basketball 2. Golf 3. Listening to music
Mike says: “Everyone talks about their work ethic, but for me kicking and punting every day is not work because I love it. It is my life. Also, a random fact about me is I won the 12 year old baseball, Cooperstown All Star Village home run derby, out of 300 kids from teams from around the nation.”
Chris Sailer says: “Michael is an extremely talented lefty kicker. Has a strong leg and shows huge range on field goals. Field goals are excellent off the ground and kickoffs are near the very top of his class. His punting is also outstanding. A sure fire top combo player in the nation for his class. A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. A big time overall prospect. Look for Mike to earn a scholarship in the near future.”
Graduating Class: 2014
State: TX
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #10
Height: 5’11
Weight: 175
GPA: 4.04/3.3
Top 5 College Choices: 1. LSU 2. Missouri 3. Ohio State 4. TCU 5. USC
Hobbies: 1. Drawing 2. Playing sports 3. Hanging out with friends
Cameron says: “I have a strong powerful leg. I am athletic, accurate and can perform in large crowds in the clutch. Besides football, one thing about me is that I am a very abstract artist. One of my drawings last year won a national art contest.”
Chris Sailer says: “Cameron is an outstanding kicker. He has a big leg and hits a great ball off the ground. His best ball is as good as anyone in the nation. Kickoffs are near the very top of his class. He has outstanding potential and continues to improve each time we see him. He has become a top national college prospect. Look for Cameron to have a huge summer and pick up D1 offers. A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. Excellent prospect.”
Graduating Class: 2014
State: TX
Position: Punter
Current National CSK Ranking: #2
Height: 6’3
Weight: 180
GPA: 3.2
Top 5 College Choices: 1. South Carolina 2. Clemson 3. Georgia 4. Ohio State 5. Texas
Hobbies: 1. Hanging out with friends 2. Kicking 3. Fishing
Corbin says: “My work ethic and the way I train make me the best punter in the nation. Also, most people do not know that I am a type 1 diabetic.”
Chris Sailer says: “Corbin is a phenomenal punting punting prospect. He is big, tall, strong and athletic. He has the ideal size and frame to be a dominating D1 punter. Already hits a ball with excellent hang time and distance. Corbin has as much potential as anyone in the nation. Has all the tools to be the very best. Look for Corbin to have a huge summer and land multiple offers.”
Graduating Class: 2014
State: TX
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #3
Height: 5’9
Weight: 185
GPA: 3.86
Top 5 College Choices:
Hobbies:
Mick says:
Chris Sailer says: “Mick is an outstanding kicker. He has one of the biggest legs in his class and kicks with great consistency off the ground. Field goals are D1 ready right now. He is also big on kickoffs. Kicks very well under pressure. A focused and mentally ready kicker. Mick is a fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. He should have a huge spring and summer and pick up offers soon. Excellent D1 prospect. Offer Now!!!”
Graduating Class: 2014
State: CO
Position: PUNTER / KICKER
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #1
Current National CSK Kicker Ranking: #7
Height: 6’5
Weight: 190
GPA: 3.3
Top 5 College Choices:
Hobbies: 1. Working Out 2. Water Skiing and Wakeboarding 3. Fishing
JK says: “I have such a strong passion for doing well in everything that I do and I am always trying to improve my skill. My dedication to the sport shows in my workouts and in the weight room. I am very knowledgable when it comes to training and staying healthy by eating right. My physique helps: I am a great athlete and my long legs as well as my explosive quick twitch muscle help me to generate a lot of force into the ball. Hard work and desire leads to greater success.
Chris Sailer says: “JK is one of the most gifted natural punters that we have ever seen. He has the size, strength, and talent to be a great college punter. He reminds me a lot of former #1 High School Punter Bryan Anger as a young high school punter. The sky is the limit. Also a big time kicker. JK is a phenomenal combo prospect. OFFER NOW!!!”
Graduating Class: 2014
State: IL
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Rank: #12
Height: 6’1
Weight: 185
GPA: 4.3
Top 5 College Choices: 1. Stanford 2. USC 3. Harvard 4. Duke 5. Notre Dame
Hobbies: 1. Kicking 2. Golf 3. Piano/Guitar
Hayden says: “Plain and simple, my work ethic combined with my natural athletic abilities make me the best. I truly believe they are unmatched by anyone in the nation. I take all the necessary actions everyday in all aspects of life to become the best kicker in the nation. That is why I know I am the best. Also, I manage my time perfectly so I am never in over my head. From school work to social actions, I always know what has to be done and when it should be accomplished. This is why I am always in control of the various aspects of my life. It goes unnoticed because I go out about my business quietly, lead by example, and then let the results speak for themselves. ”
Chris Sailer says: “Hayden is an outstanding kicking prospect. He has one of the strongest legs in his class and shows big time potential. Hits a huge ball at times. Kickoffs are his current strength. Field goals are coming along nicely. A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. Has the potential to be one of the very best in this class. Looking forward to a great year ahead. He should have a big offseason and impress college coaches nation wide.”
How can you join this prestigious group? Make the “Event Elite” May 4-5, 2013 in las Vegas at the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event.
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