Recruiting – “THE LIST”

The recruiting process can be quite confusing, especially when going through it for the first time.  So many questions will arise.  That is understandable.  Chris Sailer Kicking is here to help you through that process as we have been through it thousands of times.  The key to the recruiting process is education.  We stress this through personal communication and during camp seminars.  The more you know, the better off you will be.  The process is time consuming and filled with many ups and downs.  Remain patient and understand that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  There is a college opportunity out there for you as a kicker and punter as long as you handle the recruiting process properly.  The intention of this blog is to point out that there are NO EASY ANSWERS!

Step 1 before you read on: D1 Colleges Will Recruit You, You Have To Recruit D2 & D3 Colleges

There is no such thing as “THE LIST”.  The question that asked more than any other when it comes to recruiting is, “Can you please send me “THE LIST” of colleges that will be recruiting a kicker/punter this year”?  The answer to this question is, “There is no such things as “THE LIST”.  The list you are referring to consists of 800+ colleges that play college football.  Nearly every college in America will recruit a kicker/punter each and every year.  Whether that be on a Scholarship or Preferred Walk-On basis is yet to be determined.  As mentioned earlier, patience is required.  The answers will not be fully disclosed until the first day of fall camp your freshman year of college.

Step 2: Reread the above blog, D1 Colleges Will Recruit You, You Have To Recruit D2 & D3 Colleges

Every college in America, at every level, recruits every position on the football field, every single year.  They have a recruit board where they list athletes in numerical order that they are recruiting.  When the time comes, they make  offers.  Depending on the year, depending on needs at all positions, depending on scholarship numbers, etc., decisions are made over time in the recruiting process as to whom might get scholarship offers and preferred walk-on offers.  Each program is different.  Get your name on these recruiting boards and options are sure to come your way.

Now Read: Recruiting Tiebreakers

College coaches reach out to Chris Sailer Kicking and ask about potential scholarship specialists nearly every day.  We provide answers to the questions asked.  Example: BCS school calls and says I need the best kicker in America.  The answer is simple and open to the public.  Visit ChrisSailerKicking.com and Click on PLAYER RANKINGS.  If a coach wants to talk about the next best available, we put them in contact with the next best available.  If a coach wants the next best available on the East Coast, we put them in contact with the next best available on the East Coast.  And so on and so forth.  This is how D1 programs will operate.  They want the best, they get the best.  They will recruit you.  Another Example: D3 school calls and says, Player A has reached out to us and used Chris Sailer Kicking as a reference.  Can you give us your opinion on him?  The answer is simple: Player A has many great qualities such as….  He has attended….  He has performed…..  etc. etc.

The recruiting process is like a 3,000 piece jigsaw puzzle.  Your freshman & sophomore season is like trying to find those first two pieces that fit.  Perhaps by the end of your junior season, the frame of the puzzle may be built.  The middle of the puzzle is like your senior year.  Figuring out the middle pieces requires time and a lot of patience.  As pieces begin to fit, it becomes easier and much more clear.  By the end it picks up and eventually the puzzle will be complete (August of your senior year).  Educate yourself, stay proactive, create options and by all means DO NOT ask for the “THE LIST”.  Fish with the biggest net possible and target every college in America.

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Form Letter to Send to a Coach

As Rubio and I told you about a month ago, (Make sure to follow RubioBlog.com) recruiting would be slow in the month of August and early September. Now, it will begin to pick up just a tad and get really crazy about the time of the Vegas Event (funny how Rubio and I planned that out, huh?)

So, as things have the possibility of heating up with recruiting, you should send a school a simple letter/e-mail to let schools know you are interested and for you to get on their radar/mailing list.

First, make sure you send it to the Special Teams Coach and/or the Recruiting Coordinator. Remember to keep it very simply and to the point. The person reading your letter will almost always be male and they don’t need any fluff. They will want a bottom line and quick points.

We created a template for you and it should do the trick. Embrace….

Coach __________,

My name is _________________ and I am very interested in becoming a student-athlete for your university.  I am (Kicker, Punter or Combo Player Kicker / Punter).

I currently play at __________________ High School in ____ (put your home state) and will graduate in ________ (month) of 20__.

I attend Chris Sailer Kicking camps and am currently ranked ____ in my class and ____ in my state. You can see my profile, which will have Chris Sailer’s evaluation, my picture and a video of me HERE. (link your profile in the word HERE since it looks cleaner). Please feel free to contact Chris Sailer at either 818-209-8921 or Chris@ChrisSailerKicking.com if you would like more detailed information regarding me and my Kicking/Punting abilities.

You can also view my YouTube channel with more practice and game footage HERE. (Put a hudl link if you must, but immediately start the process of getting everything moved over to YouTube for THESE reasons)

I also noticed you have a home game coming up on Saturday, the ____ of _______________. I was hoping to be put on the recruit list for that game so I can see what game day is like for the _______________ (school mascot name).

Please let me know what the next step in the recruiting process is for me to become a member of your team.

I look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you at one of your games this fall!

Thank you for your time,

John Smith
____________ High School, Class of ______
GPA: ______  ACT: ______ SAT: _________
E-Mail: _______________________________
Cell: _________________________________
Home Mailing Address: _________________________________________ (Street Address, City, State and Zip Code)
Other Honors: ________________________________________________  (Eagle Scout, All-League, MVP, Captain, Etc.)

Best of luck!  Chris Sailer Kicking is here to help you every step along the way.

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College Camps, How to Act?

 

If you are attending a college camp this summer, here are a few tips to help you maximize the experience and get noticed for the right reasons.

  • Always go in with a positive outlook. Positive attitudes will not just help you mentally, it can help a coach evaluate you as someone he would like on his team.

 

  • Get rid of distractions. Camp is important and it deserves your full attention. Focus on the task at hand and not on your smart phone. This means paying attention even when you are not the focus…because you just might be! Always act as if your coach is standing behind you.
  • Remain calm and stay confident. Coaches watch for how you react to negativity. This includes missing kicks. Keep your head up and maintain a “get ‘em next time” attitude.
  • Maintain your respect and listen to suggestions. “Yes sir coach, let me try that” is a simple way you can show respect for the coaches position AND for what he is saying. Coaches don’t expect you to be as good today as you are going to be tomorrow. Let them know you are willing and eager to improve.
  • Always compete at your best. Most coaches are more competitive than their players. They will respect a player who is always giving their best.

Remember, you are not in your hometown anymore. Players at college camps will have skills that can surprise you. You are literally “Kicking it up a notch”. Chris Sailer Kicking wishes you success!

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Highlight Videos Now Available Through Chris Sailer Kicking

Chris Sailer Kicking is happy to announce that Highlight Videos will now be available for purchase at Chris Sailer Kicking Camps/Events.  The very first opportunity to purchase a professional quality highlight video will be this weekend at the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas May 4-5.  This is an incredible opportunity and will only be available to the first 30 Kickers, Punters, or Long Snappers that reserve their video.  We are offering a discounted promotional rate of $100 for Vegas this year.  Here is how it will work:

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

2. You can register for this service in Las Vegas.  However, if 30 others preegister, unfortunately the service will no longer be available.  If you choose to take this route, you are taking a big risk.

Sample Videos were taken this past weekend at the 11th Annual National Kicking Preparation camp in Los Angeles.  These are rough cuts, so you can imagine how great the finished products will look.  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.

I highly recommend that you take advantage of this service.  Creating a quality kicking / punting highlight video can be a difficult task.  This small investment is well worth the reward.

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Quinn Sharp – Player Profile – Upcoming Draft Status

With the impending NFL draft, we would like to recognize another Chris Sailer Kicking alum, Quinn Sharp.

The versatile player has both skills as a Kicker and as a Punter. Quinn has had quite the college career at Oklahoma State University. He is the program’s first ever 3-time All-American. In 2010 he won the award as a Punter, and in 2011 and 2012 he was recognized as an All-American Kicker. He had a career punting average of almost 46 yards (45.9) which led active NCAA punters, and set a new OSU record. He had a career field goal accuracy of 84.7%, placing him second in the nation among active Kickers in the NCAA.

NFL.com notes his leg strength, particularly on kickoffs, and his 5-second plus hang times when punting inside the twenty. BleacherReport.com says he has a “NFL leg” and compares him to the Minnesota Vikings’ Chris Kluwe (another  CSK alum).

Quinn has always dreamed of being an NFL player, but Kickers are rarely drafted. In spite of that, there are those that expect him to go in the 6th or 7th round. Some analysts say his versatility could have him going as high as the 4th round.

Even if he goes to an NFL camp undrafted, he will certainly make his dream of playing pro ball come true. Chris Sailer Kicking is excited to watch the draft this week, and look forward to seeing our friend Quinn Sharp playing this fall on Sundays.

CSK

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CSK #1 Kicker Gary Wunderlich Commits to Virginia!

Gary Wunderlich recently left Las Vegas in January of 2013 as the #1 ranked kicker in the nation.  His reward… “TOP 12” and multiple scholarship offers.  Today Gary committed to Virginia!  He chose Virginia over Texas A&M and several other offers that were about to come in.  The talented kicker felt Virginia was the perfect all around fit for him.

Gary is an amazing talent.  Field goals are D1 ready off the ground, Kickoffs are huge, and he also shows big time punting potential.  He will have an immediate impact on the D1 level and should be an All-Conference performer for years to come.  He heads perhaps the best “TOP 12” Camp in years.  I expect great competition at the 2013 “TOP 12” Camp June 21-23 in Los Angeles, CA!

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Results…How do I determine them?

The definition of Results is:  a favorable or concrete outcome or effect.

One question we are consistently asked is, Does Chris Sailer Kicking provide results?  Results are determined by an individual and what they view a result to be, meaning people have their own idea of what a result can and should be.

 

 

The following are all types of “results” Kickers/Punters hope to achieve:

  • Better Technique
  • Better Consistency
  • Increased Exposure
  • College Scholarships
  • NFL Career

All of these “results” listed above have been achieved by many of the CSK alumni. Take this into consideration when choosing a camp, coach and personalized instruction. Ask yourself: Do they provide results?

The answer is clear at CSK, just take a look at our Alumni section on the website to see where all our former alumni are playing college or pro football.

Prior to attending a Kicking or Punting Camp always determine if they provide RESULTS!

 

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The Pros and Cons of Early Enrollment for Spring Football

More and more college football recruits who have satisfied their high school credits are taking the opportunity to graduate early, allowing them to qualify for early enrollment in college. Getting into college for the spring semester means the ability to participate in spring practice and that can be huge.

Graduating in December and getting on the college practice field in the spring allows for the player to learn the system, get to know the coaches and become acclimated to college life quicker. He will have access to the college weight room, trainers and game film.

The downsides tend to be more on the emotional side. A student who leaves his high school in December is perhaps leaving the most memorable days of his high school years unfulfilled.

There is also another down-side. The player is removing an option he has by only verbally committing to a school. Should a player change his mind after enrollment, there will be repercussions. He can always change a verbal commitment before enrollment.

There would appear to be a big advantage in getting a college football career started for the early high school graduate, both academically and in the sport. The choice of course, is that of each individual.

CSK

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Walk-On vs. Preferred Walk-On, What’s the Difference?

In the wide, wide world of College Recruiting, two terms are tossed around quite a bit–the concept of being a walk-on versus being a preferred walk-on. There is an important difference between the two, so we will explore that variance here.

First, the preferred walk-on is most desirable because it means you, as the recruit, have been given the “green light” to both practice with the team and to be on the roster once the season begins. In this scenario, you are absolutely invited to camp, practice and essentially have been guaranteed a roster spot if you choose. One thing to note is, freshmen rarely travel with the team, and the preferred walk-on status is no guarantee that you’ll be awarded a scholarship down the road, but you will have an opportunity to do so.

A Walk-On has a much tougher position because in this case, you will compete to see if you are even good enough to practice with players currently on the roster. Once you’ve proven yourself to the coaches, roster spots and even scholarship opportunities may open up.

To get the type of Professional Kicking and Punting Instruction that will give you a tremendous advantage over other recruits, contact the sought after team at Chris Sailer Kicking.

CSK

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National Signing Day Recap – Chris Sailer Kicking

 

 

 

 

Chris Sailer Kicking is proud to announce this years crop of Kickers and Punters that have signed national letters of intent to play at their respected schools. We couldn’t be more proud of these young men. Here is a list of today’s commits (click on their name to learn more about them):

 

Michael Geiger – Michigan State

Matt Wogan – Oregon

Connor Derby – Central Washington

Austin Macginnes – Kentucky

Daniel Cadona – Louisiana Lafayette

Jimmy Hutchinson – Auburn

Nicholas O’Toole – West Virginia

Jed Barnett – Oklahoma

Matt Anderson – CAL

Ty Cummings – Houston

Cameron Van Winkle – Washington

Sean Covington – UCLA

Joey Cejudo – Youngstown State

Jonathan King – Tennessee Tech

Jonathan Barnes – Louisiana Tech

Cody Thornton – Graceland

Mitchell Howard – Army

Joe Pierik – Cornell

Chris Callahan – Baylor

Canon Rooker – Middle Tennessee

Bryan Holmes – Yale

Blake Brewer – Charlotte

Austin Shoemake – Southern Arkansas

Colin McGuire – Fresno State

Stephen Brauchle – Louisiana Lafayette

Aron Morgan – Penn

Brett Rattan – Stephen F. Austin

Roldan Alcobendas – Eastern Washington

Mateo Buraglia – Bucknell

Joseph Occhipinti – Western Kentucky

Sean Slattery – Illinois State

Ike Fuchs – Wesleyan

Tyler Sarrazin – Southern Miss

Michael Mesh – Kansas

Mitchell Ludwig – Virginia Tech

Nick Neidig – Southern Illinois

Robert Boggs – Air Force

James McGee – Arkansas Monticello

Alex Gakenheimer – Dartmouth

Ben Kepley – Dartmouth

Brandon McKee – South Alabama

Luc Swimberghe – Sam Houston State

Dylan Torgerson – Mayville State

Colby Wadman – UC Davis

 

Preferred Walk Ons:

Andrew Antognoli – Notre Dame

Elliott Fry – South Carolina

Andrew Gantz – Tennessee

Cody Wicker – Texas A&M

Will O’Briant – North Carolina

Chris Gulla – Penn State

Bret Miller – Arizona

Redford Jones – Tulsa

JJ McGrath – Michigan

Spencer Landfried – North Carolina

Alex Louthan – West Virginia

Mikael Sroka – UTEP

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