Here at Chris Sailer Kicking we’ll be watching the NFL draft with great interest this weekend. We have some terrific alumni available for the draft. Here are some names of potential picks to keep an eye on:
Dustin Hopkins – Florida State, Kicker – Dustin hit on an FSU record 145 straight PATs putting him 6th on the all-time NCAA PAT streak list. He enters the draft as the number one kicking prospect in the country with BleacherReport.com predicting he could be a ten year kicker in the league. Good luck Dustin, we’ll be watching.
Jeff Locke – UCLA, Punter – This left-footer has a booming left and has been ranked in the top 100 players in this draft by several sources including NFL.com. Locke’s 44.58 yard career punting average for the Bruins ranks him second all-time at the school. We have high hopes for Jeff, and look forward to seeing him play on Sundays.
Quinn Sharp – Oklahoma State, Kicker – Quinn is OSU’s first three-time All-American. He has exceptional skills as a punter and kicker, averaging over 46 yards per punt last year and hitting on 85% of his field goals. BleacherReport.com compares him to the Viking’s Chris Kluwe. It’s been a lifelong goal of Quinn to play in the NFL. We’re rooting for you Quinn!
Ryan Allen – Louisiana Tech, Kicker – Ryan is the only kicker ever to win the Ray Guy Award in two consecutive years, 2011 and 2012. He averaged 48 yards on 45 kicks last year, and has an 85 yarder as his personal best. NFL.com’s Gil Brandt says it all with his comment “Allen has a very, VERY strong leg.” That he does. Best wishes this weekend Ryan!
Scott Kovanda – Ball State, Kicker – Scott was a finalist for this year’s Ray Guy Award. In 2012 only six of his punts were even returned, averaging over 40 yards per kick. Scott referred to his NFL combine visit as a job interview and compared the experience to speed dating. Go get ‘em Scott.
Zach Brown – Portland State, Kicker – NFL.com’s Senior Analyst Gil Brandt comments that “The ball just seems to jump off of his leg”. Zach’s real last name is Ramirez, but he used Brown at Portland State, where he hit on 17 of 18 FGs in 2012. At the school’s Pro Day he hit 6 out of 6 on his FG attempts hitting on 2 from 55 yards. Best of luck Zach, we look forward to seeing your winning smile in the NFL!
Dustin Hopkins, K
Jeff Locke, P
Quinn Sharp, K
Ryan Allen, K
Scott Kovanda, K
Zach Brown, K
We are pleased to be associated with such an accomplished group, and will enjoy seeing what’s ahead for these fine young men. Congrats to them all!
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