Meet the 2013 “TOP 12”

April 10, 2013 By
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 & 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…


Meet the “TOP 12” Class of 2014!

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Graduating Class of: 2014
State: MS
Position: Kicker / Punter
Current National CSK Kicker Ranking: #11
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #5
Height: 6’5
Weight: 200
GPA: 3.5
Top 5 College Choices: 1. LSU 2. Mississippi State 3. Alabama 4. Tennessee 5. Southern Miss
Hobbies: 1. Sports 2. Hunting 3. Fishing
Logan says: ” I have God given talent, a good work ethic, I’m coachable, and my height gives me more potential.   I am a Christian with strong moral values and I’m the Vice – President of my high school’s FCA .”
Chris Sailer says: “Logan is a tremendous punting prospect. He is tall, strong, and athletic.  Has the perfect frame to dominate at the D1 level.  Also a great kicker.  Logan is one of the most talented all around players in the Class of 2014.  Look for him to turn head and land multiple offer.  A fine young man with an excellent attitude and work ethic.  OFFER NOW!!!”
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Graduating Class: 2014
State: TN
Position: Kicker / Punter
Current National CSK Ranking: #1
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #9
Commitment: Virginia
Height: 6’0
Weight: 170
GPA: 4.1
Hobbies: 1. Golf 2. Watching Sports
Gary says: “My power and consistency make me the best kicker in the nation.  I try to outwork everyone every day.  I could also play wide receiver!”
Chris Sailer says: “Gary is a tremendous kicker.  He has perhaps the strongest leg in the nation.  Hits a true ball off the ground with great consistency.  Kickoffs are dominant.  Also shows outstanding punting potential.  Kicks well under pressure.  Gary is a big time D1 prospect without a doubt.  #1 Kicker in the nation. Has a great attitude and work ethic.”
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Graduating Class: 2014
State: NC
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #2
Commitment: North Carolina
Height: 6’0
Weight: 185
GPA: 4.0/3.5
Hobbies: 1. Fishing 2. Golf 3. Baseball
Freeman says: “I have more confidence than any one I kick against and make sure that I don’t leave the field till everyone knows my name. I come off as cocky to some people but in reality I’m extremely confident but in my mind I criticize myself more than anyone and think what I’m doing wrong and how to do it right.”
Chris Sailer says: “Freeman Jones is an outstanding kicker.  A very smooth and accurate kicker off the ground.  Kickoffs are near the top of his class.  Kicks very well under pressure.  A great athlete with a bright future. Has all the tools to earn a scholarship in the near future.  A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic.  Has all the tools to dominate the D1 level. Huge pickup for UNC!”
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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

 

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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!!!”

JK SCOTT

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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!!!”

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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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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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Dean Crozier has Committed to Rutgers!

December 6, 2012 By

Every February, on a yearly trip to Australia to evaluate Australian Punters, Chris Sailer Kicking discovered Dean.  He had only been punting for a few months when we took him on and trained him just February of this year.

During his training, realizing he was a special kicker, he was encouraged to attend our 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas, which happens in May.  Coming from Aussie football, he really performed at a high level and impressed everyone.  Chris Sailer Kicking then got him publicity by getting him all over the National Radar for schools looking for a punter of his caliber.

Dean may end up being one of the best punters to ever come through Chris Sailer Kicking.  He has the physical size and strength to dominate the D1 level.  Even though he just has recently picked up punting, he has made tremendous strides in a short amount of time. A big time prospect that has NFL written all over him with hard work.  At 6’7″ tall and 242lbs, he is a very big prospect for kicking!

Dean Crozier is the second of CSK’s Australian Punters to commit in this class (we have 3 per year).  Daniel Cadona committed to Lousiana Lafayette early this year also.

Here is a link to Dean’s Chris Sailer Kicking Profile.  Take note that his National Rank is currently 9th!

Watch this video now and see for yourself!

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Tips To Make a Kicking / Punting Highlight Video

July 17, 2012 By

Tips To Make a Kicking / Punting Highlight Video

Making a highlight video is one of the major responsibilities an athlete has when it comes to recruiting.  Here are some simple tips that will help you start the process.

•    A simple highlight video is what a college coach wants to see from an athlete.  You DO NOT have to pay hundreds of dollars to hire a videographer.  You can make the video yourself.  It is all about the content, not the fluff.
•    Get a digital camera and ask your friend to film for you.
•    Start by standing in front of the camera and say, “My name is _________.  I go to _________ High School in _________ and will graduate in the Class of ____.
•    Make sure to be wearing your Chris Sailer Kicking T- Shirt at all times. This will show that you have been to my camps and have been taught properly.
•    Insert simple graphics (Name, High School, State, Grade Year, Simple Stats, References (Chris Sailer & High School Coach), Reference Phone Numbers (Chris Sailer 818-209-8921), and your cell phone number. Have it as a set screen so they can pause on it to see. Do not have it as a scrolling screen.
•    Put your best footage first.  If you have one or two GREAT game highlights, add those first.  If you do not, add some practice footage here.  I recommend one field goal off the ground, one kickoff, and 1 punt.  This should capture the very best of what you are capable of doing.
•    Next add a simple graphic that says, FIELD GOALS.  Add game field goals first.  Add practice session field goals to complement the game footage.  If you do not have any good game footage, just add practice footage.  If you can kick well off the ground…do it.  If not, use a tee.  Film these kicks from directly behind the kicker.
•    Next add a simple graphic that says, KICKOFFS.  Add game kickoffs first.  Add practice session kickoffs to complement the game footage.  If you do not have any good game footage, just add practice footage. Film these kicks from the bleachers.
•    Next add a simple graphic that says, PUNTING.  Add game punts first.  Add practice session punts to complement the game footage.  If you do not have any good game footage, just add practice footage. Add a few directional punts and Inside the 40 punts.  If you are just a punter, you will want to add more punts than a combo player.  Film these punts from the bleachers.
•    Finally, add simple graphics to close your highlight video.  I would recommend copying and pasting the Chris Sailer evaluation from your CSK Player Profile page.  Also add all of your contact information (Name, Cell Number, Email Address, Home Address).
•    The video should be no longer than 3-4 minutes total.
•    Do not include any more than 1-2 extra points.
•    DO NOT have any background music playing.  It is distracting and coaches do not want to hear it.
•    DO NOT add statistical graphics or voiceover to your highlights.  Coaches want to time kicks themselves.
•    Cut the video well.  Get rid of downtime.  Coaches don’t need to see you setting up the ball or chasing down the ball before and after kicks.
•    Only add highlights.  Don’t force game footage to the video if the footage does not represent what you are capable of doing.
•    Immediately load the video to www.YouTube.com  I highly recommend creating your own channel and adding new workout videos as often as possible.  This is a great way for a college coach to search you and get immediate access to your videos.  They want to see progress, so do not be afraid to keep old videos up. Simply date them when you add them.  Tag Chris Sailer Kicking when you add a video.
•    Send me the online link.  I will add it to add it to your Player Profile Page.

Good luck.  Do not be intimidated by this process.  It really is not that difficult.  Start making videos your freshman and sophomore season for the experience and to show progress.  College coaches will really start to pay attention your junior season.

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Filed Under: Article Archives, High School, Kicking, Promotion, Punting, Video, YouTube Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Game Winning Kick

April 14, 2012 By

The Game Winning Kick

It is what we live for, what we dream of, and for most of us the reason we choose to be a kicker…THE GAME WINNING KICK.  Of course in our dreams we always make the kick.  Reality says that its possible to make or miss that game winning kick and the result may effect the rest of your kicking career.  Great kickers are best judged by the ability to kick under the most extreme pressure situations.  These kicks account for less than 5% of what kickers actually do, but these are the kicks that are remembered the most.  So, the question is, how can you put yourself in the best possible position to make these kicks.  There is no simple answer, but there are ways to give yourself the best odds.

    •    Play multiple sports from a young age (both individual & team).  The more you put yourself in competitive situations growing up, the more confident and prepared you will be down the road.  It is is fact!  The best athletes are the best kickers.  Of course there are exceptions to every rule, but the percentages are clear.  Athletes are the kickers that college coaches want to recruit and NFL scouts want to sign.  See the blog on What Qualities Make Up The Best Kicker: CLICK HERE
    •    Learn proper kicking techniques from a young age (I suggest 7th/8th grade). See the blog on When To Start Kicking: CLICK HERE Creating good habits and avoiding bad habits is one of the best ways to establish great muscle memory.  The longer you wait, the harder it is to break bad habits. 
    •    Kick with confidence.  This comes from preparation.  Kicking is a year round sport.  Once you start kicking in high school, if you want to be the best, there is no offseason.  This doesn’t mean that you cannot play other sports.  This means that you have to make time for kicking no matter the season.  Kick 3-4 days per week, watch film, lift regularly, focus on flexibility, and do your muscle memory drills seven days a week. 
    •    Muscle Memory!  A great kicker does, he doesn’t think.  Do your muscle memory drills seven days a week.  When the time comes, your muscle memory will take over.  No matter how nervous you may get, your body will only know ONE way to kick.  And you will make that big kick. 
    •    Routine, routine, routine!  Practice the way that you want to play in games.  Treat every kick the same from the first kick in practice to the last kick of your career.  Create a routine, both mental and physical, in your setup.  Go through the same mental process.  Once you get used to doing this, you will be able to block out fans, the size of the stadium, the lineman yelling at you, the hash mark you are on, the distance you are kicking from, and most importantly the magnitude of the kick you are about to attempt. 

There is no guarantee that you will make every game winning kick that you will attempt in your career.  In fact, even the best of the best miss from time to time.  But there is a formula for making more of them than you miss.  Never focus on your last kick and always focus on your next.  Work hard, kick with confidence, and train like a pro.  I’ve seen hundreds of Chris Sailer Kicking students hit game-winners, and I’m looking forward to seeing thousands more join that list.  It is the best feeling in the world! 

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Kicking, Promotion, Video