CSK #1 Kicker Gary Wunderlich Commits to Virginia!

April 9, 2013 By

Gary Wunderlich recently left Las Vegas in January of 2013 as the #1 ranked kicker in the nation.  His reward… “TOP 12” and multiple scholarship offers.  Today Gary committed to Virginia!  He chose Virginia over Texas A&M and several other offers that were about to come in.  The talented kicker felt Virginia was the perfect all around fit for him.

Gary is an amazing talent.  Field goals are D1 ready off the ground, Kickoffs are huge, and he also shows big time punting potential.  He will have an immediate impact on the D1 level and should be an All-Conference performer for years to come.  He heads perhaps the best “TOP 12” Camp in years.  I expect great competition at the 2013 “TOP 12” Camp June 21-23 in Los Angeles, CA!

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CSK Alum Getting Ready for Upcoming NFL Draft

April 5, 2013 By

Chris Sailer Kicking has produced its share of current and past NFL kickers and that trend will continue at this month’s NFL Draft on April, 25th in New York. CSK has a number of alumni who will potentially be taken in the Draft this year. This obviously is an impressive accomplishment due to the sheer fact that NFL teams rarely take Specialists in the draft, although it is becoming more popular as of late.

We will be watching closely as these former CSK Alums look to get drafted:

Dustin Hopkins, Kicker, Florida State (6-2, 190 lbs.)

In his senior season, Hopkins made 25-of-30 field goal attempts and became the NCAA FBS all-time leading kick scorer. Strong on kickoffs as well, he could be the first kicker selected.

Quinn Sharp, Punter/Kicker, Oklahoma State (6-1, 205 lbs.) 

Serving as Oklahoma State’s kicker and punter, Sharp has a big leg, as evidenced by punts with 5.0-plus seconds of hangtime and 70 percent of his kickoffs going for touchbacks. He might initially be a kickoff specialist but could develop into an NFL-caliber kicker or punter.

Others include:

Ryan Allen, Punter, Louisiana Tech (6-2, 215 lbs.)
Jeff Locke, Punter, UCLA (6-1, 203 lbs.)
Scott Kovanda, Punter, Ball State (6-3, 205 lbs.)

NFL CSK

Hopkins, Locke, Kovanda, Sharp, Allen at this year’s NFL Combine

Wishing these guys the all the best in this year’s upcoming NFL Draft. Stay Tuned…

–Chris Sailer Kicking

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Results…How do I determine them?

March 28, 2013 By

The definition of Results is:  a favorable or concrete outcome or effect.

One question we are consistently asked is, Does Chris Sailer Kicking provide results?  Results are determined by an individual and what they view a result to be, meaning people have their own idea of what a result can and should be.

 

 

The following are all types of “results” Kickers/Punters hope to achieve:

  • Better Technique
  • Better Consistency
  • Increased Exposure
  • College Scholarships
  • NFL Career

All of these “results” listed above have been achieved by many of the CSK alumni. Take this into consideration when choosing a camp, coach and personalized instruction. Ask yourself: Do they provide results?

The answer is clear at CSK, just take a look at our Alumni section on the website to see where all our former alumni are playing college or pro football.

Prior to attending a Kicking or Punting Camp always determine if they provide RESULTS!

 

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2013 IL Nike Spring Camp Recap

March 20, 2013 By

Chris Sailer Kicking made its third stop on the Nike Spring Camp Tour in Chicago, IL March 17th.  Specialists from over a dozen states were on hand at perhaps the most talented camp yet.  The results in 30 degree temperatures were impressive.  Take a look at who stepped up the most.

Camp Champion:
Mike Knoll (2014 OH) – Mike had an impressive day from start to finish.  The 2-Time Chris Sailer Kicking “TOP 12” Member won two of the four major competitions. He came out on top in the punt competition, field goals competition and head to head finals round competition.  Mike continues to prove he is one of the very best kicking and punting prospects in the nation.  Look for Mike to pick up D1 offers in the near future.

Field Goal Champion:
Hayden Lekacz (2014 IL) – Hayden was once again one of the very best on this day.  The “TOP 12” Member finished near the top in every competition.  He won the field goal competition by nailing a 55-yarder with a stiff cross wind.  His kickoffs were also outstanding.  Hayden is a big time D1 prospect.
Kickoff Champion: 
Rafael Gaglianone (2014 TN) – The recent overall Vegas Event Champion continued to roll in Chicago.  On this day, the “TOP 12” Member won the kickoff competition by hitting a 70 yard, 4.05 kickoff with a stiff cross wind.  He was equally impressive on field goals.  Rafael is one of the purest kickers in the nation.  Look for him to have multiple offer by summers end.

Class of 2013 Standouts:
Luke Nelson (IL) – Luke is a big time punting talent.  He has now proven himself at several Chris Sailer Kicking Events.  Luke punts for excellent hang time and distance.  He has all the tools to develop into a dominating D1 punter.

Thomas Finucane (IL) – The longtime Chris Sailer Kicking punter has shown tremendous improvement over the years.  He had a great all around day proving that he has what it takes to punt at the college level.   The lefty should find a college home in the near future.

Donny Mann (MN) – The transfer kicker proved himself right away.  Donny has a big leg and kicks with excellent consistency.  Has all the tools to compete at any college level.  Look for Donny to find a new college home this upcoming year and provide immediate help.  He has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

Class of 2014 Standouts:
John Duvic (IL) – John is simply a fantastic kicker.  A great athlete that shows all the signs to have a great college career.  He has all the tools to take his game to the next level.  Look for John to challenge for an “Event Elite” spot this May at the upcoming 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas.

Michael Farkas (IN) – Michael is a top combo prospect in the nation.  He shows outstanding talent as both a kicker and punter.  He is consistent off the ground and kickoffs are nearing college ready.  His biggest plus may just be his punting potential.  At 6 foot, 4 inches he has the tools to be a great punter at the next level.  Michael is a fine college prospect.

Other 2014 standouts:
Justin Cole and Ryan Graf

Class of 2015 Standout:
Tristan Cunha

Read more at www.scout.com

Chris Sailer Kicking will make its next stop in Charlotte, NC on April 13th and Atlanta, GA on April 14th.  The Spring will wrap up with camp in Los Angeles, CA on April 28th and finally the huge National Spring Event in Las Vegas May 4-5.  For more information visit ChrisSailerKicking.com

Mike Knoll in action!

2-Time “TOP 12” Member Mike Knoll in action!

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Brief History of Chris Sailer & Chris Sailer Kicking

March 15, 2013 By

Chris Sailer

  • Starting kicking career in 1993 as a sophomore on the varsity team at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, CA.
  • All-American Kicker as a high school senior in 1995.  Made 22 field goals, including 7 of 50+yards.
  • Accepted a Full-Scholarship offer to UCLA (chose UCLA over offers from Stanford, CAL, and Colorado State).
  • Started as a punter for UCLA as a true freshman.
  • All American Kicker & Punter in 1997, Lou Groza Award Finalist.
  • Best season at UCLA: 19 Field Goals (Long 56 – UCLA record),  Over 70% Kickoff Touchback Percentage, Over 44 Yard Punt Average.
  • Only Player in UCLA History to be an All-American in two positions in one year.
  • Played in the Senior Bowl, Invited to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
  • Signed as a free agent with the San Francisco 49ers in 1999.
  • Signed with the San Jose Sabercats.
  • Played 5+ seasons in the AFL with San Jose Sabercats, Oklahoma Wrangers & Arizona Ratters.
  • Kicked a 59 yard field goal and still ranks near the top of the AFL record books in nearly every kicking category.
  • Retired to focus on Chris Sailer Kicking full time.
  • Family: Have 4 kids – Nick 11, Matthew 10, Mary 7, Will 5.IMG_0473

Chris Sailer Kicking

  • Established in 1999.
  • Created the very first national camp in 2003 – 1st Annual National Kicking Event in Las Vegas, NV.  This camp was the very first to establish an online ranking system for kicker and punters.
  • 80+ D1 college coaches attended Vegas the last year the NCAA allowed college coaches to attend this event.
  • Chris Rubio came on full time in 2003 establishing the Long Snapping Division now known as Rubio Long Snapping.
  • Sponsored by Nike in 2007 – current.
  • Scholarship numbers and players in college football & the NFL has increased each and every single year.
  • Herbalife 24 Chris Sailer Award & Chris Rubio Award presented to the top high school kicker & long snapper in the nation created in 2011 – current.
  • Partners / Sponsors: Nike, NCSA, Herbalife
  • We now see over 3,000 Specialists per year at lessons and camps.
  • Over 800 Specialists played college football in 2012.
  • Current NFL Kickers / Punters: Nick Folk – New York Jets, Kai Forbath – Washington Redskins, Dan Bailey – Dallas Cowboys, Ryan Succop – Kansas City Chiefs, Blair Walsh – Minnesota Vikings, Justin Tucker – Baltimore Ravens, David Buehler – New York Giants, Randy Bullock – Houston Texans, Danny Hrapmann – Pittsburgh Steelers, Matt Szymanski – Kansas City Chiefs, Carson Wiggs – Seattle Seahawks, Bryan Anger – Jacksonville Jaguars, Brad Nortman – Carolina Panthers.
  • Largest kicking, punting, and long snapping camp in the world. Most respected kicking, punting, and long snapping camp in the by college coaches, players and parents.  CLICK HERE

NFL CSK

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The Pros and Cons of Early Enrollment for Spring Football

March 15, 2013 By

More and more college football recruits who have satisfied their high school credits are taking the opportunity to graduate early, allowing them to qualify for early enrollment in college. Getting into college for the spring semester means the ability to participate in spring practice and that can be huge.

Graduating in December and getting on the college practice field in the spring allows for the player to learn the system, get to know the coaches and become acclimated to college life quicker. He will have access to the college weight room, trainers and game film.

The downsides tend to be more on the emotional side. A student who leaves his high school in December is perhaps leaving the most memorable days of his high school years unfulfilled.

There is also another down-side. The player is removing an option he has by only verbally committing to a school. Should a player change his mind after enrollment, there will be repercussions. He can always change a verbal commitment before enrollment.

There would appear to be a big advantage in getting a college football career started for the early high school graduate, both academically and in the sport. The choice of course, is that of each individual.

CSK

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Walk-On vs. Preferred Walk-On, What’s the Difference?

March 8, 2013 By

In the wide, wide world of College Recruiting, two terms are tossed around quite a bit–the concept of being a walk-on versus being a preferred walk-on. There is an important difference between the two, so we will explore that variance here.

First, the preferred walk-on is most desirable because it means you, as the recruit, have been given the “green light” to both practice with the team and to be on the roster once the season begins. In this scenario, you are absolutely invited to camp, practice and essentially have been guaranteed a roster spot if you choose. One thing to note is, freshmen rarely travel with the team, and the preferred walk-on status is no guarantee that you’ll be awarded a scholarship down the road, but you will have an opportunity to do so.

A Walk-On has a much tougher position because in this case, you will compete to see if you are even good enough to practice with players currently on the roster. Once you’ve proven yourself to the coaches, roster spots and even scholarship opportunities may open up.

To get the type of Professional Kicking and Punting Instruction that will give you a tremendous advantage over other recruits, contact the sought after team at Chris Sailer Kicking.

CSK

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2013 TX Nike Spring Camp Recap

March 5, 2013 By

2013 Chris Sailer Kicking TX Nike Spring Camp Recap

Chris Sailer Kicking made its second stop on the Nike Spring Camp Tour in Dallas, TX this past weekend.  Every time we head to Texas, I expect to see as much, if not more talent than anywhere in the country.  As always, specialists traveled in from all over the nation to compete at the highest level.  Take a look at the champions and overall standouts.

Camp Champion
Hunter Morrow (2014 TX): Hunter put on a dominating performance on this day.  He won two of the four major competitions and continued to take care of business in the Finals Round.  He hit multiple 50 plus yard field goals off the ground under intense pressure.  He also won the kickoff competition by hitting a wind aided 83 yard kickoff.  Hunter is proving time and time again that he is worthy of a D1 College Scholarship Offer.

Field Goal Champion
Austin McGehee (2014 AR): Austin had an impressive all around day.  His field goals, kickoffs and punts were all solid.  He won the field goal competition by hitting a 55 yard field goal off the ground.  Austin is proving he is a top player in his class.

Punt Champion
Manuel Meza (2014 JC CA):  Meza was once again the best punter at the camp. Coming off his punt championship last weekend in Los Angeles, he was easily able to win back to back.  Manuel consistently hits 45 plus yard punts, with 4.5 plus second hang times.  He will be one of the very best Junior College Punters in the nation next year without a doubt.

2014 Standouts
Mick Ellis (TX): Mick is simply an outstanding kicker.  The 2-Time Chris Sailer “TOP 12” Member is always on his game.  He is one of the best pure field goal kickers off the ground.  Mick connected from 60 yards on this day.  Kickoffs were also big as he was able to knock a wind aided kick through the uprights from the 35 yard line.  Mick is without a doubt a scholarship level player.

Cameron Gamble (TX):  Cameron is as talented as any kicker in the nation.  He has a huge leg and hits a big time ball.  Cameron always competes at the highest level.  On this day he was by far the most impressive on kickoffs, hitting a wind aided 85 yard, 3.85 second kick.

Yanni Routsas (TX):  Yanni has all the tools to be one of the very best.  A big, tall, strong athlete that shows great potential both as a kicker and punter.  Look for Yanni to have a big spring and summer impressing college coaches nation wide.

Other 2014 Future Stars:  Eric Piccione, Grant Goebel and Kyle Pfau.

2015 Standouts
Andrew Galitz: Andrew had a coming out party in Dallas.  He was solid on field goals, kickoffs and punts.  He has a bright future with continued hard work.

Connor Crow: Crow had one of the strongest overall legs at the camp.  The young kicker showed outstanding potential on field goals and kickoffs.  I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Connor.

Other 2015 Future Stars:  Adam LaManque, Brooks Ralph, Collin Stack, Jon Coppens, Joshua Williams, Luke Beasley, and Ryan Rodriguez.

Chris Sailer Kicking will next visit Chicago IL, Charlotte NC, Atlanta GA and Los Angeles CA before wrapping Spring up with the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas May 4-5.  For more stats, rankings, and information visit www.ChrisSailerKicking.com

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Inside the Kickers Mind

March 5, 2013 By

Few would argue that the mental part of the kicking game is far more important than the physical. While preparing yourself physically can be done through diet, exercise, training and practice, that will not provide the mental toughness needed to be the best.

Each individual kicker gains mental toughness from different experiences. The first key for a kicker is perhaps recognizing that the mind can be trained. You can develop and increase the mental muscle necessary to develop a kicker’s mentality.

Some can do it by focusing on how the opposing team’s kicker is performing. This keeps the kicker mentally focused on a one-on-one competition rather than putting the whole weight of his team on his shoulders.

Another way is to focus on success. If a player is kicking in a game situation he certainly has had plenty of success in practice. By getting in a state of mental review, a kicker can remember how it feels to kick successfully, and get his mind focused on that state.

It is all part of the training we do here at Chris Sailer Kicking. We understand the mental aspects of the game and can help a kicker discover the mental toughness within. Being prepared mentally and physically is the focus of Chris Sailer Kicking. Contact us for more details on how we can increase your odds of success.

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10 Common Questions Regarding the Spring Vegas Event

February 27, 2013 By

1. How do I get invited to the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas? You don’t! It is not an invite only camp. It is a first come, first served Event. You register and you are in. 

2. How old do you have to be to attend the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas? All levels of High School through second year of Junior College. I will allow younger if it is pre-approved through me. Seniors should still be attending since we are still in the thick of recruiting.  CLICK HERE

3. Is the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas only for advanced Kicker / Punters? NO, it is open to all levels of Kickers / Punters. The early you go, the better you will be in the long run. Trust me, I have seen it countless times. Don’t be the guy who waits and then blows it because they were too nervous. Go early and get your butterflies knocked out sooner than later. 

4. Will there be small group sessions this spring? Yes! There will be a 4-5 pm and 5-6 pm session. They are one hour blocks meant to knock off the rust, get some last minute fine-tuning in and get used to the fields, brand new football and myself. 

5. Is there a hotel you recommend for the Kickers / Punters and their parents? Yes, we have a group rate with the JW Marriott. It is about one mile from the fields and is superb.

6. When should we book flights? Plan on arriving on Friday and either leaving after 7 pm on Sunday evening (camp will end at 5 pm) or Monday morning.

7. Is there a rental car company you recommend? Yes, for rental cars, follow these steps: Go to www.enterprise.com, Fill in the information as dates and times needed, In the optional area you will add L540231 and then click continue, The next screen will ask for a PIN which is RUB, Choose your car and enjoy the discount.

8. If I have spring ball on Friday, can I arrive on Saturday morning? Yes, but I MUST be notified as early as possible so I can put you in a later group on Saturday. 

9. Why is the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas important? It is a major one for the final recruitment of seniors (look at #2), beyond important for the underclassmen as their recruiting will just be going into high gear and your only chance to be selected to the “EVENT ELITE” (the “EVENT ELITE” will join The TOP 12 at the Invite Only “TOP 12” and “EVENT ELITE” camp this summer in CA)

10. What do I get for attending the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas? The best on Kicking / Punting instruction in the world, a Chris Sailer Kicking shirt, a profile page with Chris Sailer Kicking, a recruiting and nutritional seminar at the hotel, a chance to make the “EVENT ELITE” and the winner of the camp receives one year of free Chris Sailer Kicking camps (accommodations and transportation not included).

Vegas "Event Elite" Pic

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