Search Results for: college camp

Tips To Make a Kicking / Punting Highlight Video

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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Using a Kicking Tee

Using a Kicking Tee

I am often asked for advice on the use of kicking tees.  The most common questions are, “What tee should I be using?” & “When should I transition to a shorter tee or the ground?”  Here are some key pointers and my overall advice on the use of a kicking tee. 

Tee Rules:
Junior High & High School – You are allowed to use a Field Goal Tee and Kickoff Tee of up to 2 inches.  The most common tees are 1 and 2 inch tees.

College: You are NOT allowed to use any a Field Goal Tee.  You are allowed to use a Kickoff Tee of up to 1 inches. 

Advice for a Junior High School Kicker…..
    •    You are in your early development stages.  I usually encourage kickers to begin training in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade years.  When you begin, take advantage of the rules and use a 2 inch tee both on Field Goal & Kickoff. 
    •    Use the standard Black Field Goal Blocks that you can find at local sporting good stores and www.WizardKicking.com and use the Black Ground Zero Kickoff tees available at www.WizardKicking.com.  Do not use the old school orange “Toe Style” Kickoff tee that you will find at department stores.
    •    Learn proper technique and mechanics from a young age.  Purchase the Chris Sailer Kicking Instructional DVD, attend Chris Sailer Kicking Camps, attend Chris Sailer Kicking Lessons from the beginning of your kicking career.

Advice for a High School Kicker:
    •    In 9th grade chances are you will still be in your early development stages.  Stick with the 2 inch tee at this time.  Again, take advantage. 
    •    10-12 Grades….read carefully:
    •    TRANSITION TO A 1 INCH TEE AND EVENTUALLY THE GROUND WHEN YOU ARE READY FOR THE THOSE TRANSITIONS.  YOUR KICKING COACH SHOULD BE ABLE TO HELP YOU MAKE THIS CHOICE!
    •    Learn proper technique and mechanics from a young age.  Purchase the Chris Sailer Kicking Instructional DVD, attend Chris Sailer Kicking Camps, attend Chris Sailer Kicking Lessons from the beginning of your kicking career. 
    •    Eventually you will start to get frustrated with the 2 inch Field Goal and Kickoff Tees because you will start clipping them at contact.  If this is happening and you are using the proper technique, THIS is the time to transition to 1″ tees at both skills.  Same applies for the transition from the 1 Inch Field Goal Tee to the ground.
    •    You should make transitions when your technique is good enough to do so.  You should not need to force a transition. 

11th grade offseason….. read carefully:
    •    If you want to play college football, this is the time you should be ready to kick Field Goals off the ground and Kickoffs off a 1 inch tee.  If you have been learning and training properly, this transition should be natural for you at this point.  If not, you will have to force this transition. 
    •    College coaches will want to see you kick off the Field Goals off the ground and Kickoffs off the 1 inch tee at their summer kicking camps / try outs.  Whether they ask you to or not, kick field goals off the ground and kickoffs off a 1 inch tee at these camps.  This is the only way the you will earn a scholarship. 
    •    During your 11th Grade Year it is also very common for the top kickers in the nation to kick Field Goals off the ground and Kickoffs off a 1 inch tee in Vegas at the Chris Sailer Kicking National Events. 
    •    If you make the “Invite Only” Chris Sailer Kicking “TOP 12” & “Event Elite” Camp, you will be asked to kick Field Goals off the ground and Kickoffs off a 1 inch tee.  This camp takes place in the summer.

12th Grade Season:
    •    During your 12th grade year you may choose to use the 1 inch tee once again on Field Goals.  Coaches will often force you to do so.  You may also choose to kick Field Goals off the ground if you feel confident.  This is always a tough call because of the poor field conditions you may see at the high school level and the influence a high school coach will have.  Do what is best for you.  You should be using a 1 inch Ground Zero Kickoff Tee at this point.

College and Pro:
    •    The day after your last game of your senior season, don’t ever use a Field Goal tee again.  You will now be kicking off the ground for the rest of your college and pro career.  Continue to use the 1 Inch Ground Zero Kickoff Tee.

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Signing Date Has Passed…..What Now?

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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Qualities That Make Up The Perfect Kicker/Punter

Qualities That Make Up The Perfect Kicker/Punter

This Blog will again focus on one of the most common questions that I get asked.  “What qualities make up the  perfect kicker/punter?”  Many kickers and punters at the high school and college levels possess some of the qualities that make up a perfect kicker/punter, but it is rare however that one player possesses all those qualities.  That player is what we would call…. “A Scholarship Pick”, “An All-American”, or a “NFL Draft Pick”!   Take a look at some bullet points that describe the qualities that I look for, college coaches look for, and NFL coaches look for in a kicker/punter: 

    •    Leg Strength (Potential).  You must have a strong leg.   Get in the weight room and reach your full potential.  The stronger your leg, the more “potential” you will show. 
    •    Flexibility (Leg Speed).  The more flexible you are, the faster your leg will be.  Stretching, yoga, whatever it takes. This is key for adding distance and height to your ball.  And this will keep you healthy!
    •    Technique (Consistency). You may have a strong leg “potential”, you may be flexible and display “leg speed” – but you also must be able to make kicks and be both accurate and consistent at all skills.  Potential will only get you so far. Great technique will earn you the starting position.   Chris Sailer Kicking will help you get there. 
    •    Athleticism (Mental Strength).  This is often the separating factor.  A coach will ask, “Can he do it in a pressure situation”?, “Can I count on him to hit a game winner?”, “Will he be able to catch and punt the ball with guys with 4.4 speed coming off the edges to block his punt?”, “Will he be able to handle the pressure of kicking in front of 90,000 people?”  Kicking with confidence means being prepared.  If you believe in your preparation, you will succeed on the field.  My advice is to play many sports when you are growing up – be an athlete.  Attend Chris Sailer Camps to learn and eventually become your own coach.  Believe in what you are doing because it makes sense to you and you understand “Why” you are practicing those techniques.  Muscle Memory Drills 7-days a week!

The key is reaching your full potential in each of the four categories listed above. How badly do you want to get a scholarship?  How badly do you want to win the Chris Sailer Award? How badly do you want to be the starting kicker at a 4-year University? How badly do you want to make All-American?  How badly to you wand to play in the NFL and kick/punt for a living?  IT IS UP TO YOU!  MAKE IT HAPPEN!

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September Recruiting – What Do I Do Now?

 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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Prove Yourself!

In the world of kicking and punting, scholarships are earned, not given.  One of the easiest ways to earn that scholarship – prove yourself.  My advice, get yourself on the biggest stage – VEGAS.  Here are 12 players that have set themselves up for the ultimate exposure.  They did so by proving themselves in Vegas in January.  I can guarantee every college coach in America knows these names, and every college coach in America can’t wait to see them this summer at their summer kicking camps on campus.  Class of 2012 – You have a chance to earn this same honor May 14-15, 2011.   Need an example……. How about Carson Wiggs (Purdue).  He didn’t make the “TOP 12” in January, but came back to make the “Event Elite” in May.  Now he is hitting 67-yard FG’s in Spring Games.  Class of 2013, 2014, 2015 – Follow these players over the course of the next year.  See you this May and see you next January in Vegas!  Will you be next?  PROVE YOURSELF!

MEET THE 2011………….

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Meet the “TOP 12” Class of 2011
Kickers / Punters
High School: Downers Grove South
State: IL
Graduating Class: 2012
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #9

Height: 6-3
Weight: 185
GPA: 4.03
SAT / ACT:
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Purdue 2. Northwestern 3. Illinois 4. Stanford 5. Oregon
Hobbies: 1. Playing Football 2. Running Track 3. Weightlifting
Anthony Says:The things that make me the best kicker in the country are my drive to always be the best, my leg strength, and my ability to stay cool under pressure. When my coach sends me in to make the game winning kick, my hard work both on and off the field pays off. I personally feel these attributes are very important for a kicker because everyone can make a field goal or kick the ball off in practice, but it’s a rare person who can perfect these skills in a game, I am that person”.
Chris Sailer Says: “Anthony is a special talent.  He has as much potential as anyone in the nation.  Could end up ranked anywhere from #1 to #20 in the nation based on his performance over the spring and summer.  One to watch”!
High School: Dwyer
State: FL
Graduating Class: 2012
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #11
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
GPA: 4.3
SAT / ACT: 1340 / 21
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Florida 2. Wisconsin 3. Purdue 4. Duke 5. Middle Tennessee State
Hobbies: 1. Sports 2. Family & Friends 3. Beach
Bobby Says: “I am the best kicker in the country because I push myself to the highest degree possible.  I believe that the talent that God has blessed me with is more than enough”.
Chris Sailer Says:
“Bobby is a great kicker.  He is very smooth and makes kicks with incredible consistency.  Has all the tools to be a fine D1A Kicker”.
High School: Episcopal
State: FL
Graduating Class: 2012
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #5
Height: 6-2
Weight: 175
GPA: 2.7
SAT / ACT: 1660
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. South Florida 2. Florida 3. TCU 4. Washington 5. Clemson
Hobbies: 1. Youth Group 2. Beach Volleyball 3. Soccer
Brooks Says: “I am the best kicker in the country because I perform best under pressure”.
Chris Sailer Says: “Brooks is a talented kicker that shows outstanding consistency.  He is a great athlete that performs at his best under pressure.  Brooks a D1 prospect without a doubt”.
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High School: Olympic
State: NC
Graduating Class: 2012
Position: Punter
Current National CSK Ranking: #4
Height: 6-3
Weight: 215
GPA: 4.11
SAT / ACT:
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Clemson 2. North Carolina 3. Georgia 4. Miami 5. Florida
Hobbies: 1. Sports 2. Building 3. Fishing
Cason Says: “I feel like I am the best punter in the country because I have a very strong leg and great hands.  I am the starting quarterback for my team and have run the offense both my sophomore and junior seasons.  I am a 2-step punter and feel that a shorter and quicker approach equals a longer and higher ball”.
Chris Sailer Says:
“Cason may be the best punter in the nation.  He has the size, athleticism, and potential to be #1.  A big time D1A prospect that will only continue to improve”.
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High School: Bartram Trail
State: FL
Graduating Class: 2012
Position: Kicker and Punter
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #1
Current National CSK Kicker Ranking: #10
Height: 6-2
Weight: 195
GPA: 4.43
SAT / ACT: 1190
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Miami 2. Florida State 3. Purdue 4. Florida 5. Arkansas
Hobbies: 1. Fishing 2. Boating 3. Camping
Cole Says: “I am the best combo player in the country because of my work ethic and desire to be the best at everything. I do my best, not only kicking and punting, but also in the classroom, in the weight room, and spending time with my family”.
Chris Sailer Says:
“Cole is the best combo player in the nation at this point.  Cole is an incredibly gifted all around player that performs well in every area.  Has it all.  Offer Now”!
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High School: Oak Grove
State: MS
Graduating Class: 2012
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #15
Height: 5-9
Weight: 185
GPA: 4.0
SAT / ACT: 28
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. LSU 2. Mississippi State 3. Rice 4. Southern Mississippi 5. West Virginia
Hobbies: 1. Golfing 2. Fishing 3. Guitar
Evan Says: “What makes me the best kicker in the country ismy hard work and dedication, my character, my leg strength and speed, and my work ethic. I do anything and everything to make myself better and I strive to be the best in everything I do. I have confidence in myself and I never give up on anything”.
Chris Sailer Says: “Evan is a very good kicker that shows the potential to be the absolute best.  He has a huge leg and hits one of the best balls I have seen.  Evan is a big time talent that is ready to challenge the best of the best”.
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High School: Arroyo Grande
State: CA
Graduating Class: 2012
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #4
Height: 5-9
Weight: 165
GPA: 4.40
SAT / ACT:
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. TCU 2. CAL 3. Florida 4. Duke 5. Washington
Hobbies: 1. Fishing 2. Sports 3. Friends & Family
Garrett Says: “What makes me the best kicker in the country is my work ethic on and off the field and my commitment to continuously get better each and every day with my technique and strength.”
Chris Sailer Says: “Garrett is a special talent.  He is a great athlete and gifted kicker.  Garrett hits a big time D1A ball.  Shows perhaps the best work ethic of anyone out there.  Offer Now”!
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High School: Fenton
State: MI
Graduating Class: 2012
Position: Kicker and Punter
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #2
Current National CSK Kicker Ranking: #14
Height: 6-4
Weight: 200
GPA: 2.8
SAT / ACT:
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Michigan 2. Miami 3. Florida 4. LSU 5. Alabama
Hobbies: 1. Golf 2. Working Out 3. Friends
Kenny Says: “I am the best kicker in the country because I am very dedicated no matter what, I am always giving 100%. My goal every day is to improve and make myself better”.
Chris Sailer Says:
“Kenny is a big time combo prospect.  He has the size, leg, and athleticism to excel at all positions.  I project him as a big time D1A Punter/Kickoff specialist”.
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High School: Independence
State: TN
Graduating Class: 2012
Position: Kicker and Punter
Current National CSK Kicker Ranking: #13
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #9
Height: 6-2
Weight: 195
GPA: 4.15
SAT / ACT: 28
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Tennessee 2. Vanderbilt 3. Duke 4. Kentucky 5. Purdue
Hobbies: 1. Soccer 2. Coaching Kids 3. Mentoring Kids
Landon Says: “I have the best attitude among kickers throughout the country. I will do anything and everything to improve every part of my game.  Not only do I strive to become the best kicker/punter combo player in the nation, I strive to become the best student-athlete in the country.  I will always give 100%”.
Chris Sailer Says: “Landon has the ability to be the best of the best.  He is strong, smooth, consistent, and athletic.  Does well in every part of the kicking game.  He has a great attitude and work ethic.  One to watch”.

Osborn Umeh

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High School: Mayfair
State: CA
Graduating Class: 2012
Position: Punter
Current National CSK Ranking: #3
Height: 6-2
Weight: 215
GPA: 2.1
SAT / ACT:
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Ohio State 2. LSU 3. TCU 4. Wisconsin 5. Oregon
Hobbies:1. Friends 2. Video Games 3. Movies
Osborn Says: “I feel that I am the best in the nation because I am focused and determined.  I give it 100% each day.  I am ready to work hard, compete, and contribute at the D1 level”.
Chris Sailer Says: “Osborn has as much raw talent as anyone that I have seen at the punting position in years.  He has a huge leg and can hit a monster ball.  The sky is the limit with hard work.  One to watch”!

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High School: Charlotte Latin
State: NC
Graduating Class: 2012
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #6
Height: 6-1
Weight: 190
GPA: 3.73
SAT / ACT: 1940 / 29
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Duke 2. Purdue 3. USC 4. Virginia 5. Tennessee
Hobbies: 1. Golf 2. Music 3. Movies
Paul Says: “I am the best kicker in the nation because of my height and accuracy on field goals”.
Chris Sailer Says: “Paul is simply a great kicker.  He is strong, athletic, consistent, and shows an excellent work ethic. He wants it as much or more than anyone in his class.  He will be a D1A standout.  Offer Now”!
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High School: Walsh Jesuit
State: OH
Graduating Class: 2012
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking:
#2

Height: 5-10
Weight: 185
GPA: 4.96
SAT / ACT: 28
Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Pitt 2. Ohio State 3. CAL 4. Florida 5. Stanford
Hobbies: 1. Sports 2. Friends 3. Travel
Ross Says:I feel that my mental strength, confidence, and ability to execute with great accuracy and consistency under pressure and intense competition are a few of my best and most unique qualities as a kicker.  My concentration and visualization skills help me maintain my central focus on repeatedly executing proper form and mechanics with each kick.  My strong work ethic, passion, and competitive drive to be the best kicker in the country provides the necessary energy and motivation”.
Chris Sailer Says: “Ross is the best field goal kicker in the nation at this point.  Hits an extremely consistent ball with great height and rotation.  He can step in and play anywhere.  He is a great competitor that will shine at any D1 program.  Offer Now”.

All information in this blog is current as of April, 2011.
Click on each individual players names for more information.

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I Love My Snapper Because…..

I Love My Snapper Because…..

1. It all begins with the snap.  As many high school / junior college / college / pro kickers and punters know,  your stats, and even your FG/PAT attempts rely heavily on the quality of your snapper.  He is the guy that starts it all.  Your comfort, your rhythm, your get off time all depend heavily on your snapper.  It all begins with the snap. 

2. One piece of the puzzle to get a college scholarship, a pro contract,  is your high school / junior college / college stats.  A good snapper puts those stats squarely on your shoulders.  You have the ability to control your stats because he never makes a mistake. 

3.  If I love him, he will work to be the best.  Give him praise, tell him you need him, give him credit for your success.  Then he will be there with you on the field in the off season.  He will be there before practice for extra reps.  He will be there after practice for more extra reps.  He may even work on his own to perfect his skill.  He may start attending Rubio Long Snapping (Chris Sailer Kicking) camps to perfect his skill.  All huge wins. 

4. If I do, he may compete with me to be the best specialist, to be the special teams player of the year, to earn a college scholarship or pro contract.  All big wins for you the kicker.  If he is good, you have a chance of being good.  Stroke his ego, make him want it! 

5. Behind every All League, All City, All State, All American, Lou Groza Award Winner, and All-Pro is a GREAT snapper.  They should all receive the same award you get.  A few examples: Sailer/Rubio, Forbath/Yount. 

So, some advice from a kicker who benefitted from having a great snapper (insert Rubio).  Hand pick your snapper.  Make him a friend.  Work as a team.  Thank him every time he snaps (every kick, every session, every game).  Give him a hug, high five, tap on the behind after every successful game kick.  I made sure Rubio got on the jumbo tron after every kick in the Rose Bowl or on the road.  I made sure he was mentioned in every article that was ever written on me.  We were a team.  And to no surprise….still are a team.  Success in the kicking and punting world, just might be a direct result of your relationship with your snapper!

So see you AND your snapper at the next Chris Sailer Kicking / Rubio Long Snapping Camp!

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CA Talent Shows Up In L.A.!

 CA Talent Shows Up In L.A.!

Today the Chris Sailer Kicking Nike Spring Camps jumped into full swing.  Los Angeles was the first stop, and once again it did not disappoint.  Some familiar names and some new names took advantage of the opportunity.  Take a look!

Travis Coons (K/P 2012 CA):  Travis is an absolute stud.  The “TOP 12” Kicker proved why he earned that position and why he is a top 5 overall national talent.  Once again he rose to the occasion and won the camp.  This was his second consecutive CA Championship.  He won 2 of the 4 major competitions (Field Goal Chart & Punt) and of course the head to head final.  Travis is a great athlete and overall competitor.  Today he hit a 60 yard field, a 73 yard 4.10 hang time kickoff, and a 45 yard 4.89 punt.  I have no doubt he is a D1A Scholarship Player.  He has it all.   Offer Now!!!

Travis Coons lines up for the win!

Connor Derby (K/P 2012 CA):  Connor was extremely impressive today.  A big, tall, strong, and athletic combo player that shows outstanding potential.  Hit from 60 yards, hit 70 + yard kickoffs, and showed that he could punt as well.  Won 2 of the 4 major competitions (Field Goal Last Man Standing & Kickoff).  Should be a top JC prospect this coming year. 

2012 JC K/P’s Travis Coons and Connor Derby

Oleg Parent (K 2011 CA): Great prospect that just signed with North Carolina Central.  A long time CSK student that has proven time and time again that he will be a huge success at the college level.  Has the ultimate attitude and work ethic.  THE perfect example of the character that we hope our younger players will follow.  Will be on Student Staff this May in Las Vegas. 

Matt Williams (P 2011 CA):  Matt was the most consistent punters on the day.  Averaged over 40 yards all day with about a 4.5 hang time average.  A fine young man that is going to excel at the college level.  Always does his best in the biggest competitions.  Another solid performance for Matt.

Garrett Owens (K 2012 CA):  I cannot say enough good things about Garrett.  Absolutely love his attitude, competitiveness, and athleticism.  A big time leg and talent that will only continue to get better and better.  No doubt a D1A Scholarship Kicker.  Let’s go PAC-10, make your move. 

Other 2011 K Standouts:  Christian Rodriguez

Other 2012 K Standouts:  Matt Foley, Korey Durkee, Justin Moreno, Jeff Dickerson, Conrad Ukropina

2013 K Standouts: Bret Miller, Jordan Descala

Other Punting Standouts: Korey Durkee,  Osborn Umeh,  Eric Camarillo

Up next…March 20th in Chicago, IL

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Do High School Stats Matter?

Do High School Stats Matter?
One of the most common questions that I get asked by both high school players and their parents is, ” How much do your high school stats matter when it comes to recruiting”?  This is a GREAT question.

Let me start by saying, that the more that you have going for you, the better.  Some very important factors:  great character as a person, team leader, positive influence in the locker room, hard worker, good grades, SAT scores, ACT scores, extracurricular activities, head coach’s evaluation, principal’s evaluation, kicking coach’s evaluation, camp exposure, highlight video, high school statistics, etc. etc.  I could go on and on.  Be the best that you can be in everything that you do.  Period.  Control what you can control.  Reach your full potential in every area you can think of. 

So back to the question posed.  Yes, if you have great, even good high school stats, it can surely help you.  If you do not have good stats, or really just any stats at all, it won’t particularly hurt you.  It will come down to your skill level when all is said and done.  The stats may help you get exposure, but there are also other ways to go about getting exposure.  Again, see the list above. 

You might wonder, well if the stats are no good, that must mean the player is no good and must not be able to kick under pressure.  This may be true, but also may not be.  At the high school level the opportunities given to each player vary greatly.  Some things to consider:  strength of team, quality of high school coach and attention paid to special teams.  quality of snapper (Yes Rubio, I will interject here with your blog request, more later), quality of holder, quality of blocking.  In high school you will see a huge difference in the above from school to school.  In college, not so much.  In the pros, not at all.  So we all must take these factors into consideration.  And believe it or not, most college coaches do. 

I can give you dozens of examples, but here are three that focus on simple field goal stats.  1-15, 2-3, 5-12.  Not great right?  How about scholarships to the PAC-10, Big 12, and SEC.  The moral is, do your best to find a great program, work hard with the coaches and other specialists provided, and never give up no matter how bad your stats are looking.  You may hit a 55-Yarder that turns heads, you may not.  Either way, if your stats don’t accurately reflect your talent, you still have so many other ways to find your way onto a college team, .  Ultimately, college coaches investing thousands of dollars, will find the best kickers and punters the nation has, regardless of stats. 

And yes, kickers and punters, it all begins with the snap.  At the high school level especially, be thankful for every great snap that you get.  Snappers, “We can’t do it without you”. 

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