Which Camps Shoud I Attend in 2014?

Chris Rubio and I get asked hundreds of questions per day.  We write blogs to make finding answers to these questions that much easier.  The most common question we have been asked in 2014 is…. “Which camps should I attend this year?”

I can understand why this question has come up so often.  Chris Sailer Kicking & Rubio Long Snapping have taken on more camps, of many different types, than ever before.  We have done this to create opportunity.  After 14 years in the business, we know the value of great instruction, the value of education, and perhaps most importantly, the value of exposure.  We have completed the circle and now offer every camp necessary to stay ahead of the competition and offer the most exposure possible to our athletes.

Las Vegas, “TOP 12” & “Event Elite”, US Army All-America Bowl, Underclassman “Invite Only”, Fall / Spring / Summer 1-Day Camps, East Bay Youth All-American Games, Australian Scout Camps, College & NFL Camps, Alabama / LSU / Texas A&M / UCLA / Oregon / USC.   Many have tried to copy the model that Chris Sailer Kicking & Rubio Long Snapping have created, but there is a reason why we are #1 in the World.  Experience, real relationships with everyone that matters in this business & the best instruction available across the world.  If you want to make it as a kicker, punter or long snapper…. Welcome to Chris Sailer Kicking & Rubio Long Snapping.

You have asked the question, here is the best answer we can give you.

Question: “Which camps should I attend this year?”

Answer:

January
Las Vegas Prep Camp (One week prior to Vegas Event in Los Angeles)
Las Vegas – Annual National Kicking & Snapping Event

February – April
1-Day Spring Camp in your region (CA, TX, IL, NC, GA)
FBU Invite Camp (FL, TX, CA, WA, OH – Email Chris Sailer or Chris Rubio for your invitation)

May
Las Vegas Prep Camp (One week prior to Vegas Event in Los Angeles)
Las Vegas – Annual Spring National Kicking & Snapping Event
FBU Invite Camp (FL, TX, CA, WA, OH – Email Chris Sailer or Chris Rubio for your invitation)

June – July
1-Day Summer Camp in your region (CA, TX, IL, NC, GA)
Underclassmen “Invite Only” Camp
FBU Invite Camp (FL, TX, CA, WA, OH – Email Chris Sailer or Chris Rubio for your invitation)
TOP GUN Invitation Only Camp (Dublin Ohio)

Every camp has SOLD OUT for the past 8 years.  Register early.
*** Sophomores attend 1 or 2 College Camps for experience
*** Juniors attend as many College Camps as you can within reason

August
Season

September – December
1-Day Fall Camp in your region (CA, TX, IL, NC, GA, NY)

Notes:
Chris Sailer & Chris Rubio are present at EVERY camp!
We recommend attending 1 FBU Camp each year
We recommend attending the TOP GUN Camp every year
FBU & TOP GUN camps should be attended to supplement the other camps, not in place of them
When prioritizing camps, Vegas Events should always come first
All camps focus on instruction
All camps (college camps being the only exception) offer evaluations and rankings
Highlight videos are available at the 1-Day Camps & Las Vegas Events
Every camp has SOLD OUT for the past 8 years.  Register early.
Sophomores attend 1 or 2 College Camps for experience
Juniors attend as many College Camps as you can within reason

Description of Camps:
1-Day Fall, Spring & Summer Camps: These are a 1-Day Camps. Camp includes instruction, video analysis, competition, evaluations and rankings.  These are our most popular all around camps. Camps run from 8:00 – 4:30. Open to all!

Las Vegas Prep Camps: These are a 1-Day Camps.  These camps are designed to help prepare for Las Vegas.  You DO NOT have to attend the Vegas Events to attend these camps.  They are a great experience either way.  Camp includes instruction and competition.  Camps run from 8:00 – 4:30. Open to all!

Las Vegas Events: These are a 2-Day Camps. Both January & May are set up exactly the same way.  Both are equally important.  If you want to be the best, attend both.  These are THE MOST IMPORTANT camps of the year.  Camp includes instruction, competition, evaluations and rankings. These are NOT camps you need to be invited to.  They provide great experience for all specialists.
Arrive Friday.  January Event ends at 6PM on Sunday.  May Event ends at 5PM on Sunday.  Open to Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, Junior College and 4-Year Transfers.  8th Graders are accepted in May upon request.

Underclassmen “Invite Only” Camp: This is a 2-Day Camp.  Open to Sophomores, Freshman, 8th Graders, 7th Graders and 6th Graders.  This camp is designed for both the specialists & THEIR PARENTS.  Camp time is spent equally on the filed and in the classroom.  This camp will educate you for years to come from A-Z when it comes to the world of kicking, punting and long snapping.  Camp includes instruction, competition, classroom seminars, video analysis, evaluations and rankings.  This is an Invite Only camp.  You will receive an invitation directly from Chris Sailer or Chris Rubio.  Camp is held in Los Angeles, CA.

“TOP 12” & “Event Elite” Camp: This is a 2-Day Camp.  This is an Invite Only Camp.  The only way to get invited to this camp is to attend the Las Vegas Events.  January = “TOP 12” (12 Kickers / Punters, 12 Long Snappers selected) May = “Event Elite” (No set number selected.  Those who show D1 scholarship level ability will be selected).  This camp is the best of the best.  There is no other camp like this one.  This should be your #1 goal! Camp is help in Los Angeles, CA.

College Camps: These are 1-Day Camps.  Chris Sailer & Chris Rubio are hired by Universities to coach their summer specialist camps.  We choose to work for the best of the best.  These camps should be seen as tryouts.  This is your opportunity to be seen by the particular colleges that you select. Camp includes instruction and competition.  Open to Freshman, Sophomores and Juniors.  You register for these camps with the University.

FBU Camps:  These are 2-Day Camps.  You must be invited by Chris Sailer or Chris Rubio.  Chris Sailer Kicking & Rubio Long Snapping have officially partnered with FBU, The US Army All-America Bowl & The East Bay All-American Games.  Camps include: Exposure through FBU, the opportunity to be considered for the US Army All-America Bowl & East Bay All-America Games, instruction, video analysis, evaluation and rankings.  You register for these camps by calling FBU directly.

TOP GUN:  This is a 3-Day Camp.  You must be invited by Chris Sailer or Chris Rubio.  This is the culmination of the FBU camps.  To be invited is a serious honor.   The specialists for the US Army All-America Bowl will be selected at this camp.  Chris Sailer Kicking & Rubio Long Snapping have officially partnered with FBU, The US Army All-America Bowl & The East Bay All-American Games.  Camps include: Exposure through FBU, the opportunity to be considered for the US Army All-America Bowl & East Bay All-America Games, instruction, video analysis, evaluation and rankings.  You register for these camps by calling FBU directly.

This might seem like we are asking a lot of you.  You are right, we are.  An opportunity to play college football or perhaps in the NFL is HUGE.  We will give you that opportunity.  The harder you work, the more time you invest, the reality of reaching your goals will come true.  It is very competitive out there.  Those who work the hardest and understand the process stay one step ahead of the game.  See you in 2014!

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CA Nike Summer Camp Recap

Chris Sailer Kicking just completed the 2nd of six Nike Summer Camps with a stop in Los Angeles, CA.  Once again tons of talent was on hand hoping to impress.  Kickers, Punters & Long Snappers from all over the country were in attendance at Charter Oak High School in Covina.  Take a look at the champions and standouts.

Camp Champion
Donny Hageman (2014 JC, CA) – Donny came to camp on a mission.  It was evident from minute one.  The “TOP 12” Kicker / Punter and longtime Chris Sailer Kicking student dominated in all areas.  He won 2 major competitions (Field Goal & Kickoff) and nearly won the punting competition as well.  Donny is one of the very best JC prospects in the nation that should earn a D1 scholarship.

2014 Standouts
Tristan Vizcaino (2014, CA): The “TOP 12” and Washington State commit kicked and punted as well as I have ever seen him.  The longtime Chris Sailer Kicking student proved exactly why he was offered and committed to Washington State. He has as much talent as anyone out there and his technique and consistency is coming along nicely.  A huge pick up for WSU.

Manuel Meza (2014 JC, CA): The talented punter was steady as always.  A top, if not the top, Junior College punter in the nation.  He regularly punts with a 40+ yard average with 4.5+ hang time.

Ben Sweet (2014, AZ):  Ben is quickly becoming a top national punting prospect.  He punts for great distance and hang time and has proven to be one of the most consistent high school punters out there.  Ben should start getting D1 attention in the near future.

Cole Murphy (2014, CA):  Cole has a tremendous amount of talent.  A great athlete with a big time leg.  He has only scratched the surface of what he is capable.  He has a great attitude and work ethic and could be a big time sleeper in this class.

Other 2014 Top Prospects: Lucas Alfonso, Jesse Kelly, & Cole Tracy.

2015 Standouts: Ethan Erickson, Alex Gebbing, Cristian Bianchi, Nicholas Marrone and Matt Abramo.

2016 Standouts: Jimmy Dorn and Andrew Rodriguez.

Up next: LSU (July 13) Charlotte, NC (July 15), Atlanta, GA (July 17), College Camp (July 19-21), Boston, MA (July 25), Chicago, IL (July 27), Los Angeles, CA (July 29th).

Visit www.ChrisSailerKicking.com for more player rankings and future camp details.

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Highlight Videos Available at ALL Remaining Summer Camps!

Chris Sailer Kicking is happy to announce that Highlight Videos will now be available for purchase for ALL Chris Sailer Kicking Camps this summer.  This is an incredible opportunity and will only be available to a limited number of Kickers, Punters, and Long Snappers that reserve their video.  They are offering a rate of $125 for a video.  Here is how it will work:

1. You can preegister for this service by emailing info@varsitytape.com.  In the subject line type: “GA Camp (7/17) – Chris Sailer Kicking Video”.  (obviously put a different location and date if you will be at a different location). The staff will get back to you with further instructions. Expect a response within 24 hours.

2. They are taking a LIMITED number of kickers, punter and long snappers. If you are interested, email them immediately.

Below is an example of the videos. I am very impressed with the company and their services. 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 Player Ranking Profile Page, add the Video to your NCSA Player Profile and add it to your YouTube page.

Below is a great example of what the videos look like…

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Two More CSK “Event Elite” Pull In Huge Offers!

Chris Sailer Kicking specialists continued a huge month of June with two more big time offers coming in for “Event Elite” Members.  Tristan Vizcaino (2014 CA) picked up an offer from Washington State and Austin McGehee picked up an offer from Purdue this week.  Both Tristan and Austin are longtime CSK students that excel at both the kicking and punting positions.

This caps off a huge month of June that saw well over a dozen specialists receive and/or commit to big time offers.  This is just the start.  Recruiting will continue to pick up in July.  Expect many many more to follow in their footsteps.  The “TOP 12” & “Event Elite” Camp as well as the Underclassmen “Invite Only” Event will pump exposure to every college coach in America.  Welcome to #TeamSailer

Austin McGehee & Chris Sailer at the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas this past May!

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Day 2 – “TOP 12” Camp Recap

Day 2 of the “TOP 12” Camp has come and gone.  To say that I was impressed would be the understatement of the year.  The best of the best in the nation this year just might be the best that we have seen in years.  The talent and potential is similar, but the character, work ethic, and confidence sets this group apart.  There are dozens of future Saturday Stars and more than a handful of future Sunday Stars.

The focus today was kickoffs and punting.  Alabama commit JK Scott (2014 CO) hit the biggest kickoff of the day, measuring 80 yards with 4.35 second hang time. In the end, Kenny Smart proved to be the most consistent and came out as champion.  Kenny averaged 70 plus yards and over 4.0 second hang time.  Also impressive were Freeman Jones (2014 NC), Hunter Morrow (2014 TX), Logan Cooke (2014 MS), Hayden Lekacz (2014 IL), Mike Knoll (2014 OH), James Sherman (2014 AL) and Jameson Vegas (2015 GA) just to name a few.  The future looks bright for college football.

This punting group might just be the most talented that I have ever seen assembled in one location.  Several different punters won competitions.  Alex Boy (2014 JC CA) came out on top during the most pressure filled situation.  JK Scott was once again the overall most impressive hitting some huge punts including a 50 yard, 5.34 hang time punt.  Others that impressed were Corbin Daly (2014 NC), Logan Cooke (2014 MS), Marc Nolan (2014 GA), Brett Beighton (2014 JC CA), Dylan Seibert (2014 OK JC), Manuel Meza (2014 JC CA), and Matt Stewart (2014 CA) just to name a few.

After a film review session, the afternoon was geared towards a light and fun atmosphere for the participants to get to know each other better.  The traditional belly flop contest kicked things off.  For the first time in 10 years the kickers/punters defeated the long snappers thanks to a truly inspiring performance by James Sherman.  We then headed to Universal Studios City walk for dinner and a movie.  The “TOP 12” camp concludes tomorrow with media day and head to head competitions. Stay tuned for updates.

For more information, visit www.ChrisSailerKicking.com

2013 TOP 12 Commits
Sherman BellyFlop

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Day 1 – “TOP 12” Camp Recap

After a year of hard work and hours upon hours of preparation the “TOP 12” & “Event Elite” camp is finally here.  The very best of the best from across the United States have gathered in Los Angeles, CA to enjoy what is widely known as the best kicking, punting, and long snapping camp of the year.  These athletes were selected by attending the 2 huge National Kicking Events in Las Vegas in either January or May.  The talent is beyond top notch and the competition is cut throat.  13 participants have already received D1A full scholarship offers.  The rest in attendance are chasing that same dream and with the results of this weekend will make that dream a reality.

Tyler Newsome kicked off the day in true “TOP 12” camp tradition by committing to Notre Dame.  On the field, the focus of Day 1 was on field goals.  The intensity was high and the nerves were more than present.  After a brief warm up, the competition was on.  John Duvic (2014 IL) was the Last Man Standing Champion.  He narrowly defeated Kyle Pfau (2014 TX) winning it on a 60-yarder that he cleared with ease.  In competition #2 North Carolina commit Freeman Jones (2014 NC) proved to be the most accurate.  He got the best of Boston College commit Mike Knoll (2014 OH) & Kenny Smart (2014 CA) in the finals.

Other commits/offered Kickers/Punters in attendance: JK Scott (Alabama), Gary Wunderlich (Virginia), Freeman Jones (North Carolina), Corbin Daly (Texas), Mike Knoll (Boston College), Logan Cooke (Mississippi State), Alex Spence (Clemson), Rafael Gaglianone (NC State Offer), Michael Santamaria (Virginia Tech Offer), Yanni Routsas (Air Force Offer).

Who will be offered next?  The next 2 days will tell.  Stay tuned for Day 2 and Day 3 updates and other recruiting news.  Visit www.ChrisSailerKicking.com for daily ranking updates and more information.

Chris Sailer Kicking #1 Ranked Punter JK Scott & #1 Ranked Kicker Gary Wunderlich!
Scott Wunderlich

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CSK “TOP 12” K/P’s Gaglianone & Newsome Pick Up Major Offers!

It has been another great start to the week for Chris Sailer Kicking Students.  On the eve of the “TOP 12” & “Event Elite” 2 more Chris Sailer Kicking “TOP 12” Members have picked up major offers.  Rafael Gaglianone picked up his first offer from NC State and Tyler Newsome has picked up his second offer from Notre Dame.  Congratulations as both are well deserved.

To date Chris Sailer Kicking has 9 players committed on full scholarship to major universities along with 4 other holding major offers.

Committed:
Gary Wunderlich – Virginia
Freeman Jones – North Carolina
JK Scott – Alabama
Corbin Daly – Texas
Aaron Medley – Tennesssee
Alex Spence – Clemson
Mike Knoll – Boston College
Logan Cooke – Mississsippi State
Cole Hedlund – Arkansas

Holding Offers:
Rafael Gaglianone – NC State
Tyler Newsome – Notre Dame, Air Force
Michael Santamaria – Virginia Tech
Yanni Routsas – Air Force

Huge weekend coming up in Los Angeles…  Who will be next?
TOP 12 2013 AD

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7 Reasons Why Chris Sailer Kicking

1. Chris Sailer Kicking means Chris Sailer.  There is a reason why college coaches trust Chris Sailer.  He is the only one who evaluates kickers and punters at his camps.  Since 1999 it has been the same.  Rubio….ditto!

2. Chris Sailer is the best instructor in the world.  There is no such thing as a ranking camp.  Every camp is based on instruction.  Rankings are a byproduct of the instruction and evaluation.

3. Chris Sailer Kicking was the 1st to ever rank kickers and punters.  And still is the only one trusted by every coach in the U.S. Rubio….ditto!

4. Best partner in the world.  Rubio Long Snapping is the only real long snapping camp in the country. He sees, and actually trains, more long snappers than anyone else in the world. No one else even compares.

5.  Vegas, “TOP 12”, “Underclassmen” = Exposure.  It was created at ChrisSailerKicking.com  1st National Camp / International Camp & 1st and still the only REAL Invite Camps in the world. Vegas, “TOP 12”, Yellow Shirt = Kicking/Punting/Long Snapping/Scholarship.  READ MORE

6. Hired by Major BCS Universities year in and out.  National Champions hire Chris Sailer Kicking.  National Champions sign #1 ranked Chris Sailer Kicking prospects.  Rubio….ditto!

7. Youth, to High School, to College, to NFL.  Chris Sailer Kicking is proven.  100’s of youth players, 1000’s of high school players, 1000 college players, 30+ NFL players.  Training, Exposure, Connections.

www.ChrisSailerKicking.com

www.RubioLongSnapping.com

Started it all, continues it all, will finish it all……

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Scholarship, Preferred Walk On, Walk On

One of the most common questions that I get asked is, “What is the difference between a scholarship, a preferred walk on, and a walk on athlete?” It is also the most misunderstood statement from coach to family when it comes to the proposed scenarios.  I have written blogs and tweeted on this topic several times.  No matter how often I do so, unfortunately, my point will probably never be understood….until after the fact.  I speak on behalf of experience.  If you want honesty, here it is in it’s briefest form.

Scholarship = No Risk….. at least for 1 semester

Preferred Walk on = High Risk…. but at least you are on the team and in school

Walk on = Try out…. they really don’t want you and probably won’t help you get into school

There are little to zero guarantees when it comes to the opportunity to play college football.  I cannot stress enough that football WILL get you into a college / university that you would not have otherwise gotten into on academics alone.  And, WHEN you take advantage of this opportunity, you will graduate and have a degree that will last for the rest of your life.  So, no matter what, you win, if you are smart and understand that all of this is about education, not football.

Scholarship Specialist
If you truly want to PLAY college football, a scholarship will guarantee you an opportunity to see the field.  Not only will you be awarded financial aid, but you will be given the opportunity to win the job.  The job is yours to lose.  When a school makes an investment in you, they want to see the investment pay off.  College coaches have big egos.  They want to look good when it comes to proving that they made great investments.

Advantages
When you walk onto campus you will have the respect of your teammates and coaches from Day 1.  Coming in on scholarship is a huge confidence booster.

School is paid for (from a partial to full scholarship depending on the level and individual school).  Every penny counts.  Talk to graduates who had / have student loans (Rubio – Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com).

Scholarships are renewable at each quarter/semester.  Most coaches will honor that renewal based on your character and academic performance, not your athletic performance.  Most coaches get it.  Most coaches have a family and kids as well.  They will honor the promise made to you.  It is rare that a scholarship is not seen all the way through to graduation unless you fail in the classroom or off the field.  In short…  be smart and the degree is yours for free or at a discounted price.

You will have every opportunity to see the field.  If you are as good as or even slightly inferior to a walk on, you will play.  Coaches want to see their investment pay off.  Alumni want to see the athletes with “A NAME”.

Disadvantages
None

Preferred Walk On Specialist
Every coach in America will make this option seem like the best option on earth.  Why?  Because they get you for FREE (It is like being hired as an intern vs. being hired as the CEO).  13 years ago when I started my business this is all that kickers, punters, and long snappers were worth.  That is why I started my business.  From approximately 5 D1 scholarships in 1995 to 60+ per year (Low estimate) in 2013.  www.ChrisSailerKicking.com

Things have changed.  I changed them.  Yes, I will take credit.  Vegas, the first ever REAL kicker/punter rankings, and the introduction to long snapping as a position (Rubio – Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com) have forever changed the way that specialists are treated.  To accept a preferred walk on over a scholarship is like warping back in time.  You are taking a HUGE risk.

Advantages
None

Disadvantages
If I had the space and time I could write you a 200 page novel filled with just quotes from specialists and their parents with complaints about the LIES and unfulfilled promises that a college coach told them and/or made to them.  They are not lying, they are recruiting.

The day you walk on campus, you are 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th string.  Everything that the coach promised you goes out the window.  He may not even say hello to you as you walk by.

You have to put in your time and EARN the respect of your teammates and coaches.

You have to be much better than (not equal to or even better than) the scholarship athlete that the coach invested in.

Regarding the timeline that you were promised – Add 2 years to it on average.  Be ready to pay for your education.

Walk On Specialist
This option is nearly non existent in todays day and age.  With the introduction to the internet and 3rd party evaluations (Sailer / Rubio) a walk on is basically a thing of the past.  This means the coach will allow you to try out for the team.  He is basically telling you that you are not good enough.  He is trying to end the communication and get you off the phone.  This works out hardly ever.  No need to go into the advantages and disadvantages.  Is it possible to make a team this way…yes.  It is likely…no.

This blog is not intended to scare you.  It is intended to help you understand that recruiting is exactly that.  Don’t believe everything that you hear.  Each family is different.  Each situation is different.  I have 4 young children (12, 10, 7, and 5).  If they are fortunate enough to become athletes, I am fortunate enough to understand recruiting based on my experiences with thousands of athletes and their families.  Based on what you are looking for, heed my advice and make YOUR choice.  And remember in the end its about that degree.  So no matter what, you will win.

Percentages (My estimate)
Scholarship Specialist: 400 out of 500 see the field
Preferred Walk On Specialist: 100 out of 500 see the field
Walk On: 5 out of 100 make the team
College Degree: 100% up to you no matter how you are recruited.  Once you are in, you are in.

There are many success stories of walk ons and preferred walk ons enjoying success (Your recruiting coach will tell you every one of them).  But for every success story there are 10 stories of failure (Your recruiting coach will not tell you these stories).

One final thought.

Chris Sailer: UCLA, Cut by the San Francisco 49ers
Adam Vinatieri: South Dakota State, NFL All-Pro

The path you choose is up to you.  Depending on what you are looking for and what your ultimate goals are, take the content of this blog into consideration before making your college choice.

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Highlight Videos Avaliable in Dallas June 9th!

Chris Sailer Kicking is happy to announce that Highlight Videos will now be available for purchase at the Chris Sailer Kicking 1-Day Nike Camp in Dallas TX on June 9, 2013.  This is an incredible opportunity and will only be available to the first 30 kickers, punters or long snappers that reserve their video.  They are offering a rate of $125 for the Dallas camp.  Here is how it will work:

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

2. Thy are taking a LIMITED number of kickers, punter and long snappers. If you are interested, email them immediately.

Below is an example of the videos. I am very impressed with the company and their services. 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 and add it to your YouTube page.

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