So You Didn’t Make TOP 12, Now What?

For the past few weeks, you have been waiting anxiously to see if you were going to be selected to the TOP 12 Camp. When the first 20 selections were announced, 20 Kickers / Punters were ecstatic. Hundreds of others were upset, frustrated, angry, etc…. rightfully so. As athletes and competitors the desire to succeed should run deep.

2021 TOP 12 (1st 20) *in alphabetical order
Bert Auburn (TX)
Cole Becker (CA)
Daniel Bethel (TN)
Josh Bryan (CA)
Caden Costa (LA)
Matthew Dennis (NC)
Tommy Doman (MI)
Kade Hensley (TN)
Michael Hughes (WV)
David Kemp (FL)
Cameron Little (OK)
Jake Marion (NC)
John McConnell (WV)
Joseph McFadden (TX)
Marshall Nichols (GA)
Graham Nicholson (OH)
Brenden Segovia (CA)
Zane Smith (SC)
Logan Ward (OK)
Jeff Yurk (NC)

Couple ways to look at it….

You can be upset with me for not selecting you. You can be upset with yourself for not performing when it counted. You can even find a way to blame others, but, it is ultimately on you. The only thing you can control is how hard and smart you work moving forward. Everyone in Vegas is competing for the same spots. Don’t let anybody outwork you and you will see different results.

You need to use this as motivation to make sure you perform better. This is all up to you. The choice is yours.

If you are a Kicker / Punter that strives to be the best, you want to be at that TOP 12 camp this summer. Any single athlete that has been there (scholarship Kickers / Punters, All-Americans, NFL players) will tell you that it is, by far, the best camp they have ever been to in their life. What you need to do is get back on the horse. Work smarter and harder. Your opportunity is waiting for you in the form of VEGAS XXXVI.

At Vegas XXXVI, I will choose 20 additional TOP 12 Camp Invitees.  They will join the first 20 selected at the Invite Only TOP 12 Camp this summer.   This is a true invite only camp. I do NOT just hand out invites to get people to come to it. That would give me no credibility. I select the best because they are the best. They will represent the TOP 12 fraternity and Chris Sailer Kicking for life.

Are you one of them? Time to decide. Prove to me, and the rest of the world, that you belong.

Or don’t. THE CHOICE IS YOURS…..

TOP 12 Camp Alumni…
Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens)
Ka’imi Fairbairn (Houston Texans)
Bryan Anger (Houston Texans)
Kai Forbath (Dallas Cowboys)
Dan Bailey (Minnesota Vikings)
Tress Way (Washington Redskins)
Dustin Hopkins (Redskins)
Nick Folk (New England Patriots)
JK Scott (Green Bay Packers)
Logan Cooke (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Randy Bullock (Cincinnati Bengals)
Ty Long (San Diego Chargers)
Cody Parkey (Tennessee Titans)
Ryan Succop (Tennessee Titans)
Bradley Pinion (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
To name a few….

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TOP 12 Camp Invitees Announced

Congratulations to the following 40 Kickers/Punters who have been selected to attend the TOP 12 CAMP.

Vegas 30 (May 13-14, 2017) – 20 Invitees (in alphabetical order)
Adam Krause  (2018, IL)
Alex Felkins (2019, OK)
Cade Pollard (2018, TX)
Caleb Griffin (2018, IL)
Cameron Dicker (2018, TX)
Campbell Geddes (2018, CA)
Cole Hanna (2018, GA)
Clayton Stewart (2018, TX)
Derek Ng (2018, NV)
Dylan Brady (2018, CA)
Dylan Williams (2018, CA)
Gabe Boring (2018, TN)
George Triplett (2018, WV)
John Mayers (2018, TX)
Michael Cooney (2018, IL)
Michael Lantz (2019, GA)
Porter Wilson (2019, OH)
Prominence Akubuo-Onwuemeka (JC, CA)
Scott Lees (2018, WA)
Thomas Burks (2018, TN)

Vegas XXIX (January 14-15, 2017) – 20 Invitees (in alphabetical order)
Ajay Culhane (2018, CA)
Anthony Mosharrafa (2018, AZ)
Brayden Narveson (2018, AZ)
BT Potter (2018, SC)
Camden Lewis (2019, NC)
Camden Wise (2018, VA)
Charles Campbell (2018, TN)
Chris Dunn (2018, NC)
Chris Kessler (2018, TX)
Chris Van Eekeran (2019, IN)
Cole Talley (2018, TX)
Evan McPherson (2018, AL)
Isaac Power (2018, CO)
Jake Camarda (2018, GA)
Jonah Lipel (2018, CA)
Quentin Wallace (2018, IL)
Matthew Brust (2018, FL)
Matthew Jaeger (2018, MN)
Massimo Biscardi (2018, PA)
Nicolas Sciba (2018, SC)

5 Wild Cards will be chosen to join these specialists in the coming weeks.

The TOP 12 Camp will take place in Tampa, FL from July 17-19, 2017.

These specialists will compete to make the official 2017 TOP 12. The competition, both physically and mentally, will be like no other camp. The entire process will be captured in a web series (TOP 12 Camp Series). The web series will capture everything from the the behind the scenes moments, to the on field competitions, to the mentally challenging interviews, to the ups and downs of the the entire TOP 12 selection process. Get ready for the next greatest thing that will elevate exposure for specialists to a whole new level.

“Vegas” was created in 2003 as the very first national exposure event of its kind for kickers, punters and long snappers.  Just over 100 specialists attended the first camp.  Now well over 1000 specialists travel to Vegas each year.   The goal has always been to get the world’s best instruction, competition and exposure.  TOP 12 and Event Elite have been the 2 most credible exposure lists to be on in the world for specialists.  Take a look at the 12 most famous Kicker/Punter TOP 12 Members of all time. 

Dan Bailey (Cowboys)
Justin Tucker (Ravens)
Bryan Anger (Buccaneers)
Blair Walsh (Seahawks)
Jeff Locke (Colts)
Brad Nortman (Jaguars)
Nick Folk (Bucs)
Tress Way (Redskins)
Bradley Pinion (49ers)
Drew Kaser (Chargers)
Ryan Allen (Patriots)
Ryan Succop (Titans)
Dustin Hopkins (Redskins)
Cody Parkey (Browns)
Kai Forbath (Vikings)
Matt Darr (Dolphins)
Colton Schmidt (Bills)
Randy Bullock (Bengals)
Ka’imi Fairbairn (Texans)
Ross Martin (Jets)
Kenny Allen (Ravens)
Will Monday (Chiefs)

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Why Vegas, Reason Number…..

Why Vegas, Reason Number…..

The Lou Groza Award was established in 1992 to recognize the top place kicker in college football each year.  In 1997, I was myself fortunate enough to be a part of the festivities.  As one of the three finalists I was invited to West Palm Beach, FL.  I witnessed first hand the professionalism surrounding the prestigious award.  I made it a goal, even then, to one day help other athletes experience what I was able to.  Fast forward six years and Vegas was created.

Vegas was created in 2003 to establish credible rating standards for high school kickers/punters. Vegas provided the ultimate exposure, which in turn created opportunity for thousands to follow.  Some of the goals/objectives that I had written down then were: exposure, national rankings, college opportunity, scholarships, Lou Groza Award winners, NFL Draftees, larger NFL contracts, etc.  Fast forward to 2016 and …… mission accomplished.  There is still a ways to go, but progress has been made each and every year thanks to Vegas.

Since 2003, six Vegas participants have gone on to win the Lou Groza Award.  Even more impressive, six of the past nine Lou Groza Award Winners were Vegas participants.  Take a look:

Dan Bailey

2007 – Thomas Weber (Arizona State)
2009 – Kai Forbath (UCLA)
2010 – Dan Bailey (Oklahoma State)
2011 – Randy Bullock (Texas A&M)
2014 – Brad Craddock (Maryland)
2015 – Ka’imi Fairbairn (UCLA)

Of course, the hard work doesn’t stop upon graduation from High School.  Chris Sailer Kicking continues to work with these and all athletes throughout college and on the NFL.  Just one more reason to attend Vegas XXIX January 14-15!  Register Here

 

 Ka'imi Fairbairn, 2015 Lou Groza Award Winner

Ka’imi Fairbairn, 2015 Lou Groza Award Winner

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Big News, Vegas & The New TOP 12!

“Vegas” was created in 2003 as the very first national exposure event of its kind for kickers, punters and long snappers.  Just over 100 specialists attended the first camp.  Now well over 1000 specialists travel to Vegas each year.   The goal has always been to get the world’s best instruction, competition and exposure.  TOP 12 and Event Elite have been the 2 most credible exposure lists to be on in the world for specialists.  Take a look at the 12 most famous Kicker/Punter TOP 12 Members of all time. 

Dan Bailey (Cowboys) – Highest Field Goal Percentage in NFL history
Justin Tucker (Ravens) – Super Bowl Champion
Bryan Anger (Buccaneers) – Drafted in the 3rd Round of the NFL Draft
Blair Walsh (Viking) – Pro Bowl Kicker
Brad Nortman (Jaguars) – Punted in the Super Bowl last year
Bradley Pinion (49ers) – Highest drafted specialist in 2015, left college as a junior
Drew Kaser (Chargers) – Highest drafted specialist in 2016
Ryan Allen (Patriots) – Super Bowl Champion
Ryan Succop (Titans) – 8 Year NFL Veteran
Cody Parkey (Eagles) – Pro Bowl Kicker
Kai Forbath (Saints) – Lou Groza Award Winner
Matt Darr (Dolphins) – Ranked 3rd in the NFL in Punt Average last year

How it was….

TOP 12
The 12 very best kickers & punters were selected in Las Vegas each year in January.

Event Elite
Approximately 25 of the next best kickers & punters were selected in Las Vegas each May.

TOP 12 & Event Elite Camp
The TOP 12 & Event Elite trained together that summer amongst the very best.

As always, Chris Sailer Kicking and Rubio Long Snapping continue to lead the way when it comes to innovative ideas that help young specialists get the necessary exposure to land college scholarships.  Here is our newest addition. 

How it will be from now on…

Vegas will remain Vegas as always.  Every January and May the world’s best will converge in Nevada. Instruction, competition, evaluation and national rankings. 

Vegas January
Chris Sailer will select 20 underclassmen athletes (juniors or below).  These 20 athletes will be the first to get their invitation to the TOP 12 Camp. 

*The TOP 12 Seniors will be selected per usual

Vegas May
Chris Sailer will select 20 additional underclassmen athletes (juniors or below). These could be second chance athletes that failed to qualify in January or they could be new athletes that did not attend Vegas in January.  These 20 athletes will get their invitation to the TOP 12 Camp.

*The term Event Elite will be officially retired.

Wild Card
Chris Sailer will select a maximum of 5 additional underclassmen athletes (juniors or below) at any time throughout the year.  These 5 athletes will get their invitation to attend the TOP 12 Camp. 

TOP 12 Camp
45 total kickers/punters will attend the TOP 12 Camp which will take place that summer.  This camp will be the most competitive and exposure filled camp of all time.  All players will still receive the coveted TOP 12 Camp Shirt. Take a look at what else to expect.

– testing / charting
– competitions
– interviews
– character building outings
– live social media feeds of all camp aspects

– professional 20-30 minute show will be created from all camp footage to be launched on YouTube and more!

Chris Sailer will conduct the most in depth search to identify and name the TOP 12.  The TOP 12 will be announced at the end of camp.  These 12 athletes will get exclusive TOP 12 gear created just for them (shirt, shorts, hat, sweat outfit, etc).  They will get the most exposure ever leading up to the college camps that summer where college coaches will being offering scholarships.  This will be the first true TOP 12!

This new format will begin in January of 2017.  The above information may be still be altered and/or added to based on findings in the next few months.  Get ready for greatness!  Do you have what it takes to make the TOP 12? We will find out for real in 2017.  Register today!

Sailer top 12 Camp

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2016 Chris Sailer Kicking NFL Season Is Here!

Tonight the 2016 NFL Football Season begins.  This is always a very exciting time of the year.  After 16 years of running Chris Sailer Kicking, I am honored to watch 19 Kickers/Punters start this weekend that have attended Chris Sailer Kicking training and/or camps.  Many are also current Chris Sailer Kicking staff members.  We wish the following players the best in their quest to reach the Super Bowl and earn All-Pro Honors.

Kickers (in alphabetical order):

Dan Bailey
(Dallas Cowboys) – The former “TOP 12” Member enters the season as the most accurate kicker in NFL history.  He has been selected to play in the Pro Bowl.

Randy Bullock (New York Giants) – The former “Event Elite” Member is entering his 5th year in the NFL. He was drafted by the Houston Texans and has also spent time with the New York Jets.  Randy is a former Lou Groza Award Winner.

Chandler Catanzaro (Arizona Cardinals) – He enters his 3rd season as one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL.  He tied the NFL record of connecting on his first 17 field goals attempts as a rookie in 2014 (tied fellow Chris Sailer Kicking Kicker Kai Forbath).

Ka’imi Fairbairn (Houston Texans) – The former “Event Elite” Member enters the season on Injured Reserve.  He is a former Lou Groza Award Winner.

Nick Folk (New York Jets) – Chris Sailer Kicking’s very first student enters his 10th season in the NFL.  He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboy in 2007 and has been selected to play in a Pro Bowl.

Andrew Franks – (Miami Dolphins) – Andrew was an underdog to make the Miami Dolphins roster last season.  He won the job and is now entering his second season in the NFL.

Dustin Hopkins (Washington Redskins) – The former #1 Chris Sailer Kicking Kicker and 2-Time “TOP 12” Member enters his second season as the starter for the Redskins.  The Buffalo Bills draft pick is primed for his best season yet.

Ryan Succop (Tennessee Titans) – The former “TOP 12” Member enters his 8th season in the NFL.  He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs as “Mr. Irrelevant” in 2009.  He has been a steady performer and looks to have another dominating season.

Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens) – The former 2-Time “TOP 12” Member is one of the most entertaining kickers in the NFL.  The Ravens used the franchise tag on him this year and secured his services for a few more years.  The Super Bowl champion is one of the best in the league.

Blair Walsh (Minnesota Vikings) – The former 2-Time “TOP 12” Member enters his 5th season in the NFL, all with the Vikings.  The 6th round draft pick was selected to play in the Pro Bowl in 2013.  Blair is one of Chris Sailer Kicking’s most popular staff members.

Punters (in alphabetical order):

Ryan Allen (New England Patriots) – The former “TOP 12” Member enters his 4th season in the NFL.  He is a former Vegas champion and 2-Time Ray Guy Award Winner.  He has won a Super Bowl enjoyed great success in the NFL.

Bryan Anger (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – The former “TOP 12” Member and #1 ranked Chris Sailer Kicking Punter in the nation is one of the NFL’s best.  He was a 3rd Round Draft Pick in 2013 Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Bryan is a fan favorite at Chris Sailer Kicking Camps.

Matt Darr (Miami Dolphins) – The former “TOP 12” Member and #1 ranked Chris Sailer Kicking Punter enters his second season with the Dolphins.  He looks to build on last years success with an even stronger 2016.

Drew Kaser (San Diego Chargers) – The former “Event Elite” Member enters the 2016 season after being drafted in the 6th round.  He is ready to dominate in San Diego.

Jeff Locke (Minnesota Vikings) – The former 2-Time “TOP 12” Member enters his fourth year in the NFL, all with the Vikings.  The UCLA standout has been excellent for Minnesota.  Jeff is one of the most popular Chris Sailer Kicking staff members.

Brad Nortman (Jacksonville Jaguars) – The former “TOP 12” Member and #1 Chris Sailer Kicking Punter in the nation enters his first year with the Jaguars.  He has spent the past 4 season with the Carolina Panthers, including last year’s Super Bowl team. The 6th round draft pick is one of the league’s best.

Bradley Pinion (San Francisco 49ers) – The former 2-Time “TOP 12” Member enters his second season with the 49ers.  He was drafted in the 5th round of the 2015 NFL Draft after declaring for the draft as a junior.

Colton Schmidt (Buffalo Bills) – The former “TOP 12” Member enters his 3rd season with the Bills.  He spent time with the 49ers and Browns prior to landing with the Bills.  He is one of the very best in the league.

Tress Way (Washington Redskins) – The former 2-Time “TOP 12” Member enters his third season with the Redskins.  He was voted the team’s special team captain.  Tress is one of the best punters in the NFL.

Also look for NFL Veterans and current Free Agents Kai Forbath, Cody ParkeyTravis Coons to land with an NFL team this year sooner than later.  Drew Basil (Ohio State) is also a kicker to be considered.

Make sure to tune in and support Chris Sailer Kicking’s best starting tonight.  It is time!  Let’s get the 2016 season started.

Blair Walsh & Jeff Locke of the Vikings in a 2016 preseason game.

Blair Walsh & Jeff Locke of the Vikings in a 2016 preseason game.

 

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Dan Bailey – The OT Clincher

Playing currently for the Dallas Cowboys, Chris Sailer trained kicker Dan Bailey is making people raise their eyebrows with his performance on the field. Signed up as a free agent last year, Bailey originally made his name playing college ball at Oklahoma State. Prior to that, local folks watched Bailey play in high school at Mustang High School in the same state. In those early years Bailey was awarded an all-state and conference ranking for his position as kicker, and he was also awarded all-city ranking as well. Bailey still holds his high school record of 50 yards for the longest scoring field goal.

Fast forward to current times, and Dallas has little complaint about their kicker pick with Bailey. He seems to have a knack for pulling teams through to a win when games go into overtime, which is the highest pressure situation for any kicker. San Francisco felt this impact when Bailey placed a 48 yard field goal against them in OT in 2011. This year, Bailey has pulled the same rabbit out of his hat three times against the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals, and the latest victim, the Pittsburg Steelers on December 16, 2012. All the effort has kept Dallas alive for the 2012 NFL Post Season play rather than an early Christmas dismissal.

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Dan Bailey Hits Game Winning Field Goal to Beat Bengals!

In an emotional filled game, due to the tragic loss of teammate Jerry Brown the day before, Chris Sailer Kicking Alum Dan Bailey hit a game winning 40 yd. field goal as time ran out to seal the victory for the Cowboys over the Bengals Sunday

Dan Bailey is a 2006 alum of Chris Sailer Kicking. He was a member of the Top 12 and assumed the starting place kicker role for Oklahoma State University in 2007 upon his graduation from kicking camp. After graduating from OSU, Bailey was signed as an undrafted free agent to the Dallas Cowboys in July 2011. Bailey’s first season with the Cowboys was stated to be one of the most successful kicking seasons by a rookie in both the Dallas Cowboys franchise history and NFL league history.

For the 2012 NFL season, Bailey is still at his best. His field goal stats are 100% for field goals attempted between 20 and 49 yards. While he’s only at 50% for field goals of more than 50 yards, his overall field goal average is 92%. While his first year was amazing and left little room for improvement in this area, he’s actually managed to improve by about 4%.

Bailey is an excellent player and an asset for the Cowboys and we will definitely see more good things from him in the future.

 

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