College Camps – Part 2

June 4, 2012 By

College Camps – Part 2

It is that time of year again.  College Camps begin this weekend.  I wrote a blog on what to expect last year at College Camps.  Before reading this, make sure to go back and read my blog on COLLEGE CAMPS.

This blog will focus on exactly what to do before, during, and after a college camp.

Before
1. Be realistic when it comes to which camps to attend.  If you want to attend these camps simply to enjoy being on a college campus, that is fine, but there is no reason to read this blog any further.  Make no mistake about it, these camps are tryouts for that school.  If you are not a prospect at that level, you will NOT be looked at.  Advice: If you have been ranked a 4.5 Star Chris Sailer Kicking player or higher, the D1A camps are for you.  If you have been ranked a 3.5 Star Chris Sailer Kicking player or higher, the D1AA – D3 camps are for you.

2. Contact the Special Teams Coach AND Recruiting Coordinator about 2-3 weeks before attending.  Do so via email and phone call.  The odds of them answering your phone call are slim, but call and leave a message anyway.  The intent of the call and email is to inform them that you will be attending their camp and expressing your interest in the program.  The more they hear your name and intentions, the better.  Feel free to include in your email: general info, GPA, Test Scores, References (Chris Sailer – 818-209-8921) & YouTube Highlight Video Link.

3. Set up an unofficial visit a week, two days or even a day prior to camp.  Make a trip of it.  You can do so by calling the football office.  You will get to see the campus, meet with academic counselors, see football facilities, and possibly even meet with a football coach.  This is HUGE.  Not only will you see if the school is a fit for you, but you are showing your strong interest, and making your name known to the program.

During
1. Find a good time to say hello to the Special Team Coach and / or any coach that you met on your unofficial visit.  Simply introduce or reintroduce yourself and tell them how excited you are to be there and show them what you can do.  Make sure to find the right time.  There is a right time.  This should be you and you alone, not your parents or coach.

2. Be ready to kick / punt many balls.  There will be a lot of kids at these camps.  It is not easy to get noticed.  Watch your reps and kick / punt when the time is right.  Quality over Quantity.  If you are someone they are looking at / recruiting, believe me when I say that they will see every kick that you hit.  There are eyes everywhere (even the sky).

3. Great programs will be watching your attitude and character more than your actual performance with a football.  What do you do when you shank a ball?  Who are you hanging out with? How do you warm up? What do you do when you win a competition?  What do you do when you lose a competition?  Which kicks are you choosing to kick / not kick?  How are reacting to coaching?  Are you paying attention at the meetings?  What are you doing at lunch time?  This list goes on and on and on.  If the answer is negative to any one of these questions, the guy next to you got the scholarship.

4. No matter what happens, stay positive.  You will get your chance.  Yes, there may be bigger names than yours coming into camp, but that doesn’t mean that they will be the bigger name leaving the camp.  Whether you think they are looking or not, you will get the chance to chart and compete in competitions.  Simple: STEP UP and you will get noticed.

5. Fine the right time to say goodbye and thank you to the staff, especially the Special Teams Coach, any other University Coach, and the Kicking/Punting Coach.  They are watching and still recruiting. It is easy.  Shake their hand, and say, “Thanks again coach for the opportunity to attend the camp.  My name is …… and I really enjoyed the camp and love the school”.

After
1. Follow up.  Wait a week or two and follow up with an email and phone call.  This is a chance to once again express your interest in the school, ask for an evaluation of your performance, and let them know that you would enjoy staying in touch and coming to a game in the Fall.

2. At the end of summer, call / email again and let them know how your summer went.  Also let them know that you would like to be added to their recruit list for the upcoming season so that you can attend the games.  Let them know that they are on your very short list of schools.

Good Luck!

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Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Kicking, Punting, Recruiting Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Meet the 2012 “TOP 12”

April 6, 2012 By
Chris Sailer Kicking Presents the……
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In 2003, Chris Sailer Kicking established the biggest kicking, punting, and long snapping camp the world had ever seen, The National Kicking Competition.  The camp brought in the best of the best from across the nation to compete at one location.  The camp established credible recruiting rankings and evaluations for kickers, punters, and long snappers that college coaches across the country would use for years to come.  The camp, now known as the National Kicking Event, takes place in Las Vegas each year in January.  
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), Ryan Succop (South Carolina & Kansas City Chiefs), Thomas Weber (Arizona State & Lou Groza Award Winner), Kai Forbath (UCLA & Lou Groza Award Winner), Dan Bailey (Oklahoma State, Lou Groza Award Winner & Dallas Cowboys), & Randy Bullock (Texas A&M & Lou Groza Awards Winner).  Just to name a few!
  
Meet the “TOP 12” Class of 2012

Kickers/Punters

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CONNOR SHENNAN
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High School: Canton
State: MI
Graduating Class: 2013
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #12
Height: 6-2
Weight: 195
GPA: 3.4
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Michigan State 2. Montana 3. Colorado State 4. Mississippi State 5. Missouri
Hobbies: 1. Music 2. Reading 3. Travel
Connor Says: “I am the best kicker in the nation because I am a fierce competitor.  I am a clutch player in high pressure situations.  I work hard on and off the field and stay in shape year round.  I have a big leg and take pride in my consistency. 
Chris Sailer Says: “Connor is a big time talent.  He has a strong leg and shows tremendous potential.  Connor has all the tools to prove that he is a scholarship player. Look for him to have a strong spring and summer!”

MICHAEL GEIGER
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High School: Ottawa Hills
State: OH
Graduating Class: 2013
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #2
Height: 5-9
Weight: 175
GPA: 3.9
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Oregon 2. Michigan 3. CAL 4. Virginia 5. Michigan State
Hobbies: 1. Sports 2. Piano 3. Faith
Michael Says: “I am the best kicker in the nation because I strive for perfection. Every time I kick a ball I intend for it to go right down the middle. I think I have worked hard to reach the level that I am at, but my work ethic will help me to keep improving. I am also a fierce competitor, and seek out any opportunity to compete. I hold myself to a very high standard, in hopes of achieving my goals.
Chris Sailer Says: “Michael is simply an outstanding kicker.  He is smooth, accurate, and extremely consistent off the ground. His field goals are by far #1 in the nation at this point. Kickoffs are also solid and he is proving to be a capable punter.  A great competitor that kicks well under pressure.  Michael is a great college prospect that should be one of the very first to pick up scholarship offers in the Class of 2013.  OFFER NOW!!!”

JIMMY HUTCHINSON
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High School: Harrison
State: GA
Graduating Class: 2013
Position: Punter
Current National CSK Ranking: #1
Height: 6-3
Weight: 175
GPA: 3.7
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Auburn 2. UCLA 3. Ohio State 4. Miami 5. South Carolina
Hobbies: 1. Sports 2. The Lake 3. Friends & Family
Jimmy Says: “I am the best punter in the nation because of my excellent work ethic and drive to be the best. Every time I practice, my goal is to get better in some way each time. I will always give my 100%.
Chris Sailer Says: “Jimmy is an outstanding punter.  He has a great frame ahd shows great explosion. Jimmy has shown great improvement each time we have seen him. A great athlete that has all the tools.  He excels under pressure.  A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic.  Great D1 prospect. Huge pick up for Auburn!


TY CUMMINGS
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High School: Southlake Carroll
State: TX
Graduating Class: 2013
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #1
Height:  5-11
Weight: 180
GPA: 3.3
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Oregon 2. LSU 3. Houston 4. Auburn 5. Miami
Hobbies: 1. Football 2. Family 3. Friends
Ty Says: “I am the best kicker in the nation because I have the strongest leg and my accuracy is much improved. I have worked extremely hard on the field and in video to improve as much as possible over the years and now I am always ready to make a kick when it matters.”
Chris Sailer Says: “Ty is simply an outstanding kicker.  He has perhaps the strongest leg in the nation and hits a very consistent ball with great height off the ground.  Kickoffs are at the top of his class and are D1A ready! Fine young man with a great attitude and excellent work ethic.  Has made it very clear he will stay at the top of this recruiting class.  A definite scholarship pick.  OFFER NOW!!!”

MATT WOGAN
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High School: Porter Ridge
State: NC
Graduating Class: 2013
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #3
Height: 6-2
Weight: 195
GPA: 4.08
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Oregon 2. Auburn 3. South Carolina 4. Florida 5. Houston
Hobbies: 1. Hunting 2. Fishing 3. Working Out
Matt Says: “I am the best kicker in the nation because of my my work ethic, integrity, and leadership. My work ethic is fast and hard which helps me finish. I have great coaches that provide me with the tools and drills I need to be the best. Also my integrity, I do the right thing when nobody is watching, on and off the field. Integrity brings out character and it shows who you really are. My leadership is not only on the field, it is in the classroom, in the community, and on the field. I try to make people better by leading by example and by my actions.”
Chris Sailer Says: “Matt is a phenomenal kicking prospect.  He has the strongest leg in the nation and shows huge talent. Kickoffs are top 2 in the nation in the Class of 2013.  A great athlete with an even better attitude.  The sky is the limit.  A D1 Scholarship Pick without a doubt.  OFFER NOW!!!”

JONATHAN KING
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High School: Farragut
State: TN
Graduating Class: 2013
Position: Kicker / Punter
Current National CSK Kicking Ranking: #4
Currnet National CSK Punting Ranking: #2
Height: 6-1
Weight: 160
GPA: 3.0
Top 3 Colleges Choices: 1. South Carolina 2. Auburn 3. Tennessee
Jonathan Says: “I am the best kicker/punter in the nation because of my strong work ethic, my passion for football, willingness to be coached, team player, my positive attitude, and my desire to be the the best I can be while glorifying God.”
Chris Sailer Says: “Jonathan is an oustanding kicker/punter.  He has great technique and kicks with excellent consistency.  Very smooth.  Field goals are near the very top of his class.  Kickoffs are also top notch.  And might be the top punter in this class. Has a great attitde and kicks well under pressure. The #1 combo prospect in the nation as of 4-6-12.  Big Time Prospect. OFFER NOW!!!”

JORDAN DASCALO
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High School: Taft
State: CA
Graduating Class: 2013
Position: Kicker / Punter
Current National CSK Kicking Ranking: #11
Current National CSK Punting Ranking: #11
Height: 6-1
Weight: 175
GPA: 3.1
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Ohio State 2. LSU 3. Oregon 4. Flroida 5. Arizona State
Hobbies: 1. Kicking 2. Punting 3. Weight Lifting
Jordan Says: “I am the best kicker / punter in the nation because is my work ethic and strong mental side to the kicking and punting game.  I believe no one can compete with me on either skill.”
Chris Sailer Says:  “Jordan is a very talented kicker. He has a strong leg and shows great potential. Has shown outstanding improvement each time we have seen him.  One of the strongest legs in his class.  Also shows punting potential.  A fine young man with great work ethic.  Is going to be a top combo prosepct in this class!  Fine prospect.”

BRET MILLER
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High School: San Clemente
State: CA
Graduating Class: 2013
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #10
Height: 6-1
Weight: 190
GPA: 3.5
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. South Carolina 2. Southern California 3. Oregon 4. SMU 5. TCU
Hobbies: 1. Kicking 2. Sports 3. Friends
Bret Says: “I am the best kicker in the nation because of my persistence and strive to become greater than I already am, my confidence that I can make any kick under any pressure, and the fact that I push myself everyday to do something to maintain my position as the best. I believe I have been blessed with a special talent that will lead me to great accomplishments.”
Chris Sailer Says: “Bret is an oustanding kicker.  A good looking athlete with a strong leg.  Makes kicks with great height and consistency off the ground.  Has shown great improvement each time we’ve seen him.  Bret proves time and time again he is one of the very best in the nation.  A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic.  Huge future here!  Outstanding D1 Prospect.”

ALEX BIBY
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High School: Jupiter
State: FL
Graduating Class: 2013
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #6
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175
GPA: 3.9
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Clemson 2. Auburn 3. Florida 4. Texas 5. Florida State
Hobbies: 1. Kicking 2. Lifting 3. Surfing
Alex Says: “I am the best kicker in the nation because of my superior work ethic, leg strength, and dependability.  I’m the kind of guy to go out with my snapper and holder after practice or on weekends to get reps in. Whatever it takes to make the coach feel secure that I’ll put it through on a crucial long field goal or kickoff through the back of the endzone, I’m going to do it. It’s one thing to kickoff 75 yards or hit a 60 yarder in practice, but I’ll be the guy to have the focus and preparation to do it on Saturdays.”
Chris Sailer Says: “Alex is an extremely talented kicker.  He shows excellent leg strength, technique, and consistency.  Has all the tools to be top kicker in his class. Kicks very well under pressure.  A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic.  Alex has a bright future.  Should have a great offseason impressing college coaches nationwide.  Outstanding prospect.”

JAY MATTOX
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High School: Las Vegas
State: NV
Graduating Class: 2013
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #5
Height: 6-0
Weight: 175
GPA: 3.57
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Oregon 2. Arkansas 3. LSU 4. Georgia 5. Any D1
Hobbies: 1. Kicking 2. Weight Lifting 3. Friends
Jay Says: “I am the best kicker in the nation because of hard work and dedication. I have a huge love for kicking and I try to craft myself so I can be the best I can be, hopefully one of the best in the country. I work hard in the weight room and on the practice field so when it comes to game time, I’m ready to perform. I also believe I have a good mental game. I stay calm when I’m sent out to attempt a field goal, especially if it is to win or tie the game. I take direction well and always know there’s room for improvement. I look forward to playing at the college level.”
Chris Sailer Says: “Jay is an oustanding kicker.  His field goals are smooth and consistent.  His kickoffs are near the top of his class.  He kicks extremely well under pressure and has a strong mental game.  Has a big time future with continued hard work. Look for Jay to impress D1 coaches this May in Vegas and this summer at college camps.  Great prospect.”

CHRIS CALLAHAN
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High School: Second Baptist
State: TX
Graduating Class: 2013
Position: Kicker / Punter
Current National CSK Kicking Ranking: #8
Current National CSK Punting Ranking: #10
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175
GPA: 3.37
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Ohio State 2. Mississippi 3. Texas A&M 4. Georgia 5. Baylor
Hobbies: 1. Golf 2. Travel 3. Music
Chris Says: “I am the best kicker/punter in the nation because of my drive to work hard on and off the field.  Whether in the classroom, the weight room, during practice or in the offseason, I find myself driven to improve my technique and leg power. My mental strength, focus, confidence and passion for the game gives me an edge. In my efforts to become an elite kicker and punter, I have been coached and trained by many great specialists in the nation. Since my freshman year I have started on the varsity team. During that time, I have matured as a young athlete as well as a young man, learning the characteristics of a wellounded football player and leader.”
Chris Sailer Says: “Chris a an outstanding kicking prospect.  He has a huge leg and hits a great ball off the ground.  Shows D1 talent at all 3 positions. He is smooth on field goald, big on kickoffs, and a capable punter.  Should have a nice Spring and Summer!  Big time prospect.”

DAVID PETRONI
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High School: Buford
State: GA
Graduating Class: 2013
Position: Kicker / Punter
Current National CSK Kicking Ranking: #7
Current National CSK Punting Ranking: #8
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
GPA: 3.8
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Auburn 2. Ohio State 3. Georgia Tech 4. Mississippi State 5. Boston College
Hobbies: 1. Tennis 2. Guitar 3. Friends
David Says: “I am the best kicker / punter in the nation because I do my best, every day, to outwork my competition. My goal every time I kick is to be better than I was the day before.”
Chris Sailer Says: “David is an oustanding kicking prospect.  A great looking athlete with a strong leg and nice technique and consistency. He gets great height on his ball.  Does extremely well under pressure. Also a strong punter.  A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic.  Is going to be a fine college kicker/punter! Great prospect.”

All information current as of 4-6-12

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Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Graduating, Kicking, Punting, Recruiting

Signing Date Has Passed…..What Now?

February 2, 2012 By

Signing Date Has Passed…..What Now?

First of all congratulations to the many Chris Sailer Kicking Students that were fortunate to sign scholarships to play college football.  Some committed early on, such as Adam Griffith to Alabama over year ago, and some were awarded scholarship offers late, such as Josh Lambert to West Virginia, literally today!  Getting a college scholarship is a huge accomplishment and I congratulate you all. 

However, like we have always said, when it comes to kickers, punters, and long snappers, it is NEVER too late.  Yes, another wave of recruiting has passed, but another is now set to begin.  Signing date has passed, so you are asking the question, “What Now”?  It is not time to cry, to panic, to quit. It is time to focus knowing that only the top 5-10% or so of specialists have made their college choices.  Over the course of the next several months, college coaches will need to find specialists.  They will begin to panic and if you have been keeping up your contacts, they will come looking for you.  You will find a home.

Yes, most D1A Scholarships have been awarded and signed.  That’s okay.  Some will still be available based on numbers, ineligibility, and injuries.  Many D1AA, D2, and D3 scholarships are now available.  Reach out to schools of all levels that fit your needs both academically and socially.  There is money out there.  You will find a school to play football that will ultimately land you a college degree. 

Here is my advice:

1. Create a huge email list of college coaches.  Send them an email saying this… “Dear Coach, my name is (fill in the blank).  I have a strong interest to play college football for your program.  I would love the opportunity to compete and win a job on your team.  If possible, can I visit the campus in the near future and show you that my desire to play for you in sincere.  Please take a minute to view my highlight video link and brief bio showing my qualifications.  Contact Chris Sailer, my kicking coach, as a reference (818-209-8921).  Looking forward to hearing from you. 

The key is not to ask for a scholarship.  Ask for an opportunity to play. 

2. Make calls.  Say the same thing as above.  If the coach doesn’t answer, state the above on their voice mail. 

3. Make visits.  Get yourself on their campus.  Try to meet coaches in person.  Show them that your interest in sincere. 

4. If there is a school that you have already been accepted to academically, use this to your advantage.  Let the coach know because it makes his life a whole lot easier. 

Recruiting is a process.  It takes time.  But the reward at the end of all the hard work in well worth it.  Believe me when I say that there is a great school out there for you where you can thrive academically, socially, and athletically.  Time to get to work and find the right fit.  Many doors will continue to open and shut.  Do not get frustrated.  Stick to the plan.  There is light at the end of the tunnel if you stay the course. 

Looking forward to the receiving your commitment emails.  I will be the first to congratulate you!

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Filed Under: Article Archives, College, High School, Kicking, Punting, Recruiting

September Recruiting – What Do I Do Now?

August 31, 2011 By
 September Recruiting – What Do I Do Now?

The anxiety that surrounds kicking, punting, and long snapping families this time of year is unparalleled.  It is September and you have not received an offer, you have not received a phone call, you aren’t getting responses from coaches, and the mail has slowed down.  The classic response…..panic.  Let me tell you from experience, there is absolutely no reason to panic.  (For reference read Rubio’s Blog – Waves of Recruiting)  This slow period of recruiting and lack of offers and communication is what 99% of specialists feel this time of year.  12 Chris Sailer Kicking Kickers/Punters have verbally committed to D1 school.  Hundreds are still waiting for that sigh of relief.  Take a deep, remain calm, and keep your focus on the goal.  If you do the right things from now until August, you will end up where you belong!  Read below a few pointers that will help you relieve some anxiety.

1. College coaches are focused on the season right now.  They have the first game of the year coming up and their stress level is off the charts.  Believe me when I say, the last thing on their mind is recruiting a kicker/punter.  They want to win that game, be the coach responsible for the win, and save their job so that they have a chance to recruit you down the line.  I always take my vacation in late August because I know how slow this time of year is.

What should you do?  Focus on the season.  Let your mind at ease when it comes to recruiting.  Start to gather some great practice footage and get it loaded to YouTube for future use.  Also contact any and all schools and ask to be put on their recruit list for their upcoming games.  You will get free tickets and get your face and name in front of that college coach at a crucial time (believe me). 

2. The games begin.  Some college team win games.  Some college teams lose games.  Some kickers and punters have tremendous success.  Other kickers and punters cost their team the game.  Some that were expected to be great, wet the bed.  Some that were expected to struggle, step up.  The bottom line is, neither you nor the college coach can predict what will happen.  But, after 2-3 games college coaches need to make moves to save their jobs and because the head coach is all over them.  So, they open up recruiting again to specialists.

What should you do?  After each game put together highlight clips.  Add of a few of those practice shots you stored.  Get it on YouTube and call it Week 1 Highlights.  Do the same after Week 2 and Week 3.  After 3 weeks, email that film to every single college coach in America.  This isn’t hard.  Get online and find the email addresses.  Or get with NCSA immediately to help you. Or both.  Call any school that you had previous contact with, reestablish the connection and your interest in that school. Call new schools that you have done research on.  Don’t ask for a scholarship, simply express your desire to play for them.  Focus on all levels, not just D1. 

3.  More and more kickers and punters start to get offers and commit.  Odds are, you still aren’t one of them.  It’s ok, don’t panic.  Your time will come when the school and fit is right for you.

What to do?  Keep on the same pattern as #2.  Never get too high and too low.  You will get disappointed more times then not.  Most important keep every option open.  You never know what can and will happen.  I have seen it all.  Load video and email after every game.  Have it ready for college coaches to view.  Be patient and know that your time will come.

Final Pointers:
A. D1A schools will recruit you.  Believe me, they will find the best of the best.  D1AA – NAIA schools need you to recruit them.  Express interest, make calls, send emails, take visits to schools of all levels that have what you are looking for (location, academics, major, weather, etc. etc.).  Small schools would love to get a call from a top 20 kicker, punter, or long snapper.

B. Take unofficial visits.  Get your face in front of coaches.  Set up tours on campuses.  Get to games as as a recruit (see earlier point).  The more proactive you are, the better.

C. The kicker, punter, or long snapper should be the one speaking, not the parent.  The parent can and should help with letters, making film, prepping conversations, etc.  But the coach wants the player to be the one that wants this.  He wants to see the desire and focus of the player.  READ RUBIO’S BLOG FOR REFERENCE

D. It is never too late.  Get this out of your head.  I have hundreds of stories – too many to share (way more than those precious 12 early commitments).  If you are reading this blog and follow what I say, you will be added to that list of stories.  Make sure to get to a Chris Sailer Kicking Nike Fall Camp & the 10th Annual National Kicking Event in Las Vegas.  THESE ARE HUGE FOR YOU! Ask any college coach in America. Recruiting ends in August of your senior year, until then, stay focused on the task at hand.  It will pay off for the rest of your life. 

Best of luck….this is just a sample.  Keep reading the Chris Sailer Kicking Blogs and the Chris Rubio Long Snapping Blogs for more information!  Have a great season and get to work!

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Kicking, Punting, Recruiting

Recruiting – 5 Separating Factors

July 11, 2011 By

Recruiting for Kickers/Punters: 5 Separating Factors

Recruiting is a very difficult, yet extremely rewarding process to go through.  Throw in the fact that you are a kicker or punter, makes it that much challenging.  Let’s assume that your on the field talent is identical to the thousands of national prospects going through the same process as you (this happens ALL THE TIME).  College coaches will look for separating factors when making a decision worth thousands of dollars and 4 to 5 years of their time.   They are making an investment and they will do the proper research to find “their guy”.  No matter what level prospect you are, you are competing for a prized position on a football team that will help you earn a valuable degree. Take a look at 5 of the most important separating factors that may land you a big time scholarship or walk on opportunity. 

1. Grades and Test Scores
The prospect with the best grades and test scores (SAT & ACT) will jump out to a big lead.  A coach wants their kicker or punter to cause no problems with admissions and boost the GPA of the football team for years to come.  See you school counselor, understand the NCAA clearinghouse, and seek information for what it takes to get into every school in the country! 

2. Character
No off the field problems.  No problems with a football coach, teacher, etc.  Coaches want a leader.  When a college coach does his research, he will talk to your kicking coach, football coach, principal, teachers, counselors, etc.  The answers better come back clean and with key words such as: leader, punctual, hard working, coachable, etc.  Clean up your facebook, twitter, blog, myspace, etc. now.  It is your online application.

3. Extracurricular Activities
The more you do, the more valuable you are.  Anything you can list on your application such as school president, clubs, charity work, etc. will get you one step ahead.  Coaches love to see a wellounded student athlete. 

4. Combo Player
The more you can do on the field, the more recruitable you are.  If you are a kicker, the question, “Can he punt”?, will come up.  If you are a punter, the question, “Can he kick”?, will come up.  If the answer is yes, you have just taken a major lead in the recruiting game.  If your skill level shows starting ability at both positions, you save a team a scholarship.  If your skill level shows adequate ability, you can be counted to back up the starter on the road.  In college football, due to roster limits, this is HUGE! 

5. Relationship With The Coach
Coaches are recruiting YOU, not your parents.  If your parents annoy a coach, they will not recruit you.  So, you make the phone calls, answer the questions posed on trips and visits, and ultimately show the desire to play for that program.  Parents are encouraged to help you through the process, but coaches want to recruit a self-motivated athlete.   Get yourself in front of that coach as often as possible, make visits, get on the recruit list for games.  The more the coach gets to know you in a positive way, the better chance you have of being recruited.  They will go with who they are familiar with and who they “like” the most in the end.  They will spend every day with you for the next 4 to 5 years, think about it. 

Keep these 5 separating factors in mind and start setting your goals early on.  Everything you do from this day forward will ultimately effect your opportunity to play college football, where you play college football, and the degree you will earn and use for the rest of your life!

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Kicking, Punting, Recruiting

10 THINGS TO DO TO GET A SCHOLARSHIP

April 16, 2011 By

Every year many very deserving kickers/punters slip through the cracks and do not get a scholarship.  Why does this happen?  Simple, there just aren’t enough to go around.  So, those that take the necessary steps, when all is equal, are the ones that end up getting them.  I could right a 20-page formal or informal piece on this subject, but for now, here are 10 THINGS TO DO TO GET A SCHOLARSHIP:

1. Attend Chris Sailer Kicking camps as early as possible (as soon as 8th Grade).  Why?  To get proper technique coaching, to gain knowledge of how the kicking world works, and to get early exposure. Then keep going. 

2. Set goals and create a plan as a freshman in high school.  Form a team.  You are the captain.  Now you need reliable teammates.  Your team should consist of your parents, your coach, your school guidance counselor, NCSA (recruit service), and a kicking coach (Sailer). 

3. Earn your scholarship.  The sooner you realize that a scholarship is earned, not given, you will begin to work hard.  Work hard and reach your full potential as a person (character), in the classroom (grades and test scores), in the weight room (strength, speed, and flexibility), and on the field (kicking and punting).  You will earn your scholarship – not your coach, not your parents, not your kicking coach.  Make it happen and it will. 

4. Use social networking….the right way.  Use Facebook, Twitter, Blog and many others to learn, stay up to date (follow Chris_Sailer), and most importantly promote yourself.  The internet is very powerful.  The more a coach sees your name, the better.  Understand that this is your online resume.  As much as the internet can help you, it can also kill your chances.  Be smart…enough said. 

5. Create highlight videos.  You can never have enough.  Get them up on CSK, NCSA, and YouTube.  Just like social networking, turn yourself into a virus.  Start early to learn.  During your junior and senior season, you better have one ready when a coach calls.  It should be a click away. 

6.  Have a good high school career.  Sometimes this is out of your control due to the quality of your team, coach, snapper, holder, etc.  However, it is up to you to make the best out of bad situation.  Let your coach know you want to be the best.  Show him you’ll work hard.  Set up a game plan with him for extra time spent on special teams.  Get with your snapper and holder as often as possible (year round).  If you don’t have one, pick one.  Ask a friend, recruit and athlete, etc.  Get it done.  Send your snapper to Rubio (they will get WAY better in one lesson – trust me).  Stats can help you, do your best to make this your advantage. 

7.  Attend College Camps during the summer of your sophomore year (a good idea) and during the summer of your junior year (a must).  These are tryouts.  If you are good enough, here is where you can prove it to them.  Regardless of how much exposure you have had, most coaches still want to see it with their own eyes.  Seal the deal!

8. YOU Make the phone calls.  Coaches want to talk to you.  Tell your parents to encourage you, but to “spread out”. (See RUBIO BLOG for the definition of “spread out”) These coaches have to spend the next 4-5 years with you.  They will make sure that they like you.  When you meet a coach in person, answer your own questions, don’t let your parents answer for you. 

9. Take your SAT and ACT early and often.  The sooner you qualify, the better.  The more schools that you can qualify for, the better.  Make sure you are a qualifier so that if you have to go to a junior college for any reason, you can get out before getting your AA.  You only have to go through this once in life, so suck it up. 

10.  Get to Vegas for the National Event early and often.  Early to learn, gain experience, and get exposure.  Be the guy we know, not the guy we are just finding out about.  Simple, put it on your calendar now….I am going to Vegas 8 times (every January and May for all 4 years of high school).  This is the biggest stage.  Trust me.  See you May 14th!

Three CSK Kickers that got it correct: 
Matt Goudis (Miami), Andre Heidari (USC) & Connor Loftus (Penn)

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Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Graduating, High School, Kicking, Punting, Recruiting