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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Chris Sailer Kicking – 15 Sign With NFL Teams

It has been another tremendous year in the NFL for Chris Sailer Kicking alumni.  Over the past 16 years Chris Sailer Kicking has trained and mentored thousands of specialists from the youth through professional levels.  The ultimate goal and dream for every specialist is to one day make it to the NFL level.  This past year 16 Chris Sailer Kicking Alumni started in the NFL.  From record breakers to All-Pros, the success stories are all time.  Now 15 more Chris Sailer Kicking Alumni will join this talented group hoping to stick with an NFL Teams.  Take a look at who has singed so far.  More to come….

Travis Coons – Cleveland Browns

Kyle Martens – Washington Redskins

Andrew Furney – New York Jets

Dustin Hopkins – New Orleans Saints

Carey Spear – Cleveland Browns

Giorgio Tavecchio – Oakland Raiders

Cody Mandell – Green Bay Packers

Bradley Pinion – San Francisco 49ers

Andy Wilder – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Spencer Roth – Buffalo Bills

Corey Acosta – Washington Redskins

Ty Long – Washington Redskins

Will Jonnson – Houston Texans

Matt Darr – Miami Dolphins

Kip Smith – Philadelphia Eagles

Long NFL

Ty Long signs with the Washington Redskins

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Dustin Hopkins Pinned as a Top Late Round Pick Up in Last Weeks NFL Draft!

Well, the 2013 NFL Draft has come to a close and there were certainly some surprises. It was reasonably evident NFL teams were not in the mood to over-pay for some position players, and many high picks dropped deeply.

Former Chris Sailer Kicking Alum Dustin Hopkins was one of the steals in the draft. That is not just our opinion but that of Elliot Harrison, analyst for NFL .com and the NFL network. Harrison says Hopkins was his favorite lateounder pick. Hopkins was selected at the 177th overall in the draft, in the sixth round by the Buffalo Bills.

It is with good reason too. Dustin hit on a Florida State record 145 straight PATs placing him 6th on the all-time NCAA PAT streak list. Dustin was an All-American for 2012 and earned All-ACC recognition in 2011.

In his senior year Hopkins set the NCAA Division I record for points ever scored by a kicker. His record stands at an astounding 448 points.

Prior to the draft, Bleacher Report said that Dustin could become a ten-year kicker in the league. At Chris Sailer Kicking, we couldn’t be prouder to see him get his chance. Congrats to alumni Dustin Hopkins.

Dustin Hopkins

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Dustin Hopkins Selected 177th Overall by Buffalo Bills…

Chris Sailer Kicking and Florida State alum Dustin Hopkins has been selected today by the Buffalo Bills  in the 6th round of  the 2013 NFL Draft. The 6’2″ Hopkins was considered the top rated Kicker in the Draft and will be a stable and reliable addition to the Buffalo Bills.

 

Congratulations Dustin from your CSK Family we wish you a long and successful career in the NFL!

 

Dustin Hopkins

Dustin Hopkins in action at FSU

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Chris Sailer Kicking Keeping a Close Eye on Potential Draft Picks this Weekend…

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!

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Dustin Hopkins, K

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Jeff Locke, P

Quinn Sharp, K

Quinn Sharp, K

Ryan Allen, K

Ryan Allen, K

Scott Kovanda, K

Scott Kovanda, K

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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!

-CSK

 

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Profile on Dustin Hopkins: Kicker – Florida State

Former Chris Sailer Kicking alum Dustin Hopkins is about to enter the NFL draft following a record breaking, outstanding career at Florida State.

Hopkins’ legend at FSU started when, as a freshman, he nailed a 55 yard field goal to win the game against Clemson. The pressure packed kick came with 3 seconds remaining and the score tied.

In 2011, Dustin set a new record for FSU kickers when he connected on 109 straight PATs. He wouldn’t stop there however, going on to kick an amazing 145 straight, making it the 6th longest streak in NCAA history. In his senior year Hopkins set the NCAA Division I record for points ever scored by a kicker. His record stands at an amazing 448 points.

Now, he is entering the NFL draft as the number 1 kicking prospect in the country. Bleacher Report says this about Hopkins: “Strong and consistent fundamentals allow Hopkins to possess NFLeady kick power, both on field goals and kickoffs.” They go one to predict he could become a 10 year kicker in the league.

At Chris Sailer Kicking, we are proud of our alumni and wish him well in the draft. Chris is an exceptional athlete and his focus on fundamentals has, and will continue to, pay off. Congratulations to Dustin Hopkins. The NFL Draft begins Thursday April 25 and ends on April 27th. We’ll be watching!

-CSK

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CSK Alum Getting Ready for Upcoming NFL Draft

Chris Sailer Kicking has produced its share of current and past NFL kickers and that trend will continue at this month’s NFL Draft on April, 25th in New York. CSK has a number of alumni who will potentially be taken in the Draft this year. This obviously is an impressive accomplishment due to the sheer fact that NFL teams rarely take Specialists in the draft, although it is becoming more popular as of late.

We will be watching closely as these former CSK Alums look to get drafted:

Dustin Hopkins, Kicker, Florida State (6-2, 190 lbs.)

In his senior season, Hopkins made 25-of-30 field goal attempts and became the NCAA FBS all-time leading kick scorer. Strong on kickoffs as well, he could be the first kicker selected.

Quinn Sharp, Punter/Kicker, Oklahoma State (6-1, 205 lbs.) 

Serving as Oklahoma State’s kicker and punter, Sharp has a big leg, as evidenced by punts with 5.0-plus seconds of hangtime and 70 percent of his kickoffs going for touchbacks. He might initially be a kickoff specialist but could develop into an NFL-caliber kicker or punter.

Others include:

Ryan Allen, Punter, Louisiana Tech (6-2, 215 lbs.)
Jeff Locke, Punter, UCLA (6-1, 203 lbs.)
Scott Kovanda, Punter, Ball State (6-3, 205 lbs.)

NFL CSK

Hopkins, Locke, Kovanda, Sharp, Allen at this year’s NFL Combine

Wishing these guys the all the best in this year’s upcoming NFL Draft. Stay Tuned…

Chris Sailer Kicking

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Chris Sailer Kicking Alumni Shine at NFL Combine!

Day 1 is complete at the 2013 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Today showcased the top specialists, lineman and tight ends in the country. Included in the specialist group were 5 Chris Sailer Kicking Alumni;

Dustin Hopkins (FSU)

Jeff Locke (UCLA)

Scott Kovanda (BSU)

Quinn Sharp (OSU)

Ryan Allen (LT)

Dustin Hopkins was the top performer running the forty in 4.74 and had vertical jump of 33.5. Who says Kickers aren’t athletic! NFL Scouts are reporting all 5 CSK alum performed very well and expect a few to get drafted in April’s NFL Draft. Stay tuned to see what NFL Rosters these 5 CSK alum end up on!

Chris Sailer Kicking #Next Level

 

Chris Sailer Kicking K/P’s at the NFL Combine: Dustin Hopkins, Jeff Locke, Scott Kovanda, Quinn Sharp, & Ryan Allen.

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