Day 2 – “TOP 12” Camp Recap

Day 2 of the “TOP 12” Camp has come and gone.  To say that I was impressed would be the understatement of the year.  The best of the best in the nation this year just might be the best that we have seen in years.  The talent and potential is similar, but the character, work ethic, and confidence sets this group apart.  There are dozens of future Saturday Stars and more than a handful of future Sunday Stars.

The focus today was kickoffs and punting.  Alabama commit JK Scott (2014 CO) hit the biggest kickoff of the day, measuring 80 yards with 4.35 second hang time. In the end, Kenny Smart proved to be the most consistent and came out as champion.  Kenny averaged 70 plus yards and over 4.0 second hang time.  Also impressive were Freeman Jones (2014 NC), Hunter Morrow (2014 TX), Logan Cooke (2014 MS), Hayden Lekacz (2014 IL), Mike Knoll (2014 OH), James Sherman (2014 AL) and Jameson Vegas (2015 GA) just to name a few.  The future looks bright for college football.

This punting group might just be the most talented that I have ever seen assembled in one location.  Several different punters won competitions.  Alex Boy (2014 JC CA) came out on top during the most pressure filled situation.  JK Scott was once again the overall most impressive hitting some huge punts including a 50 yard, 5.34 hang time punt.  Others that impressed were Corbin Daly (2014 NC), Logan Cooke (2014 MS), Marc Nolan (2014 GA), Brett Beighton (2014 JC CA), Dylan Seibert (2014 OK JC), Manuel Meza (2014 JC CA), and Matt Stewart (2014 CA) just to name a few.

After a film review session, the afternoon was geared towards a light and fun atmosphere for the participants to get to know each other better.  The traditional belly flop contest kicked things off.  For the first time in 10 years the kickers/punters defeated the long snappers thanks to a truly inspiring performance by James Sherman.  We then headed to Universal Studios City walk for dinner and a movie.  The “TOP 12” camp concludes tomorrow with media day and head to head competitions. Stay tuned for updates.

For more information, visit www.ChrisSailerKicking.com

2013 TOP 12 Commits
Sherman BellyFlop

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Meet the 2013 “TOP 12”

In 2003, Chris Sailer Kicking established the biggest kicking, punting, and long snapping camp the world had ever seen, The National Kicking Competition.  The camp brought in the best of the best from across the nation to compete at one location.  The camp established credible recruiting rankings and evaluations for kickers, punters, and long snappers that college coaches across the country would use for years to come.  The camp, now known as the National Kicking Event, takes place in Las Vegas each year in January.

Every athlete comes with one major goal in common, making the prestigious “TOP 12”.  This is THE exposure list to be on for national exposure.  The twelve best underclassmen in the nation are identified for the Kicking/Punting positions.  The best of the best are then invited to the exclusive, invite only, “TOP 12” camp that following summer.  College coaches take notice, and scholarships are awarded.

To get an idea for what the “TOP 12” is all about, take a look at some of the very best over the years:  David Buehler (USC, Dallas Cowboys & New York Giants), Ryan Succop (South Carolina & Kansas City Chiefs), Thomas Weber (Arizona State, Lou Groza Award Winner, & Cincinnati Bengal), Kai Forbath (UCLA & Lou Groza Award Winner, & Washington Redskin), Dan Bailey (Oklahoma State, Lou Groza Award Winner & Dallas Cowboys), & Randy Bullock (Texas A&M, Lou Groza Awards Winner, & Houston Texan), Bryan Anger (CAL & Jacksonville Jaguar), Blair Walsh (Georgia & Minnesota Viking All-Pro), Justin Tucker (Texas, Baltimore Raven & Super Bowl Champion).  Just to name a few!

So far the “TOP 12” has already made some serious noise.  Gary Wunderlich picked up multiple offers and has committed to Virginia.  Freeman Jones has committed to North Carolina.  JK Scott has picked up an offer from Colorado.  And there is much more to come…


Meet the “TOP 12” Class of 2014!

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Graduating Class of: 2014
State: MS
Position: Kicker / Punter
Current National CSK Kicker Ranking: #11
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #5
Height: 6’5
Weight: 200
GPA: 3.5
Top 5 College Choices: 1. LSU 2. Mississippi State 3. Alabama 4. Tennessee 5. Southern Miss
Hobbies: 1. Sports 2. Hunting 3. Fishing
Logan says: ” I have God given talent, a good work ethic, I’m coachable, and my height gives me more potential.   I am a Christian with strong moral values and I’m the Vice – President of my high school’s FCA .”
Chris Sailer says: “Logan is a tremendous punting prospect. He is tall, strong, and athletic.  Has the perfect frame to dominate at the D1 level.  Also a great kicker.  Logan is one of the most talented all around players in the Class of 2014.  Look for him to turn head and land multiple offer.  A fine young man with an excellent attitude and work ethic.  OFFER NOW!!!”
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Graduating Class: 2014
State: TN
Position: Kicker / Punter
Current National CSK Ranking: #1
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #9
Commitment: Virginia
Height: 6’0
Weight: 170
GPA: 4.1
Hobbies: 1. Golf 2. Watching Sports
Gary says: “My power and consistency make me the best kicker in the nation.  I try to outwork everyone every day.  I could also play wide receiver!”
Chris Sailer says: “Gary is a tremendous kicker.  He has perhaps the strongest leg in the nation.  Hits a true ball off the ground with great consistency.  Kickoffs are dominant.  Also shows outstanding punting potential.  Kicks well under pressure.  Gary is a big time D1 prospect without a doubt.  #1 Kicker in the nation. Has a great attitude and work ethic.”
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Graduating Class: 2014
State: NC
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #2
Commitment: North Carolina
Height: 6’0
Weight: 185
GPA: 4.0/3.5
Hobbies: 1. Fishing 2. Golf 3. Baseball
Freeman says: “I have more confidence than any one I kick against and make sure that I don’t leave the field till everyone knows my name. I come off as cocky to some people but in reality I’m extremely confident but in my mind I criticize myself more than anyone and think what I’m doing wrong and how to do it right.”
Chris Sailer says: “Freeman Jones is an outstanding kicker.  A very smooth and accurate kicker off the ground.  Kickoffs are near the top of his class.  Kicks very well under pressure.  A great athlete with a bright future. Has all the tools to earn a scholarship in the near future.  A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic.  Has all the tools to dominate the D1 level. Huge pickup for UNC!”
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Graduating Class: 2014
State: TN
Position: Kicker / Punter
Current National CSK Kicker Ranking: #8
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #8
Height: 6’2
Weight: 165
GPA: 3.86
Top 5 College Choices: 1. Tennessee 2. Ohio State 3. LSU 4. Southern Mississippi 5. Alabama
Hobbies: 1. Piano 2. Other sports such as bowling or billiards 3. Being Outdoors
Aaron says: “My work ethic and consistency make me the best kicker in the country.  I always try to outwork everyone else.  Ironically, off the field I am always the guy trying to make everyone laugh!”
Chris Sailer says: “Aaron is a outstanding kicker.  A great looking athlete with a strong leg.  Very smooth and accurate off the ground.  Kickoffs are big time.  Also shows excellent punting potential. Aaron will challenge for the top combo prospect in the nation.  A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic.  Has all the tools to be the very best.  Big time D1 prospect.”

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Graduating Class: 2014
State: CA
Position: Punter
Current National CSK Ranking: #6
Height: 6’4
Weight: 225
GPA: 3.3
Top 5 College Choices: 1. Texas A&M 2. Oklahoma 3. Florida State 4. Texas 5. USC
Hobbies: 1.Football 2. Longboarding 3. Reading
Matt says: “I am a very hard working and extremely dedicated punter. I’m obsessed with punting. I practice 5 to 6 days a week. I can kick the ball as high and as far as anyone I’ve ever seen. Off the field, I love to read and write!”
Chris Sailer says: “Matt is a tremendous punting prospect.  A big, tall, strong athlete.  He has as much natural talent as anyone in the country.  He hits a huge ball and has only scratched the surface of what he is capable of.  Matt has the tools to be the top high school punter in the nation.  Look for Matt to turn heads this summer.  Big time college prospect.”

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Graduating Class: 2014
State: TN
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #5
Height: 6’0
Weight: 220
GPA:
Top 5 College Choices: 1. USC 2. LSU 3. Miami 4. Tennessee 5. ASU
Hobbies: 1. Eat at good restaurants 2. Playing indoor soccer 3. Traveling
Rafael says: “I have more desire, dedication and determination than any other kicker / punter out there. I also am a very supportive teammate and always push others to be their best”
Chris Sailer says: “Rafael is an outstanding kicker.  He has a big leg and kicks with excellent consistency off the ground.  Field goals are perhaps the very best in the nation. His ball is pure and very true.  Kickoffs are also near the top of his class.  A great competitor who kicks well under pressure.  A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic.  Big time prospect.”

 

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Graduating Class: 2014
State: OH
Position: Kicker / Punter
Current National CSK Kicker Ranking: #4
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #7
Height: 6’1
Weight: 200
GPA: 3.7
Top 5 College Choices: 1. Ohio State 2. Stanford 3. Indiana 4. Boston College 5. Tennessee
Hobbies: 1. Basketball 2. Golf 3. Listening to music
Mike says: “Everyone talks about their work ethic, but for me kicking and punting every day is not work because I love it. It is my life.  Also, a random fact about me is I won the 12 year old baseball, Cooperstown All Star Village home run derby, out of 300 kids from teams from around the nation.”
Chris Sailer says: “Michael is an extremely talented lefty kicker.  Has a strong leg and shows huge range on field goals.  Field goals are excellent off the ground and kickoffs are near the very top of his class.  His punting is also outstanding.  A sure fire top combo player in the nation for his class.  A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic.  A big time overall prospect.  Look for Mike to earn a scholarship in the near future.”

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Graduating Class: 2014
State: TX
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #10
Height: 5’11
Weight: 175
GPA: 4.04/3.3
Top 5 College Choices: 1. LSU 2. Missouri 3. Ohio State 4. TCU 5. USC
Hobbies: 1. Drawing 2. Playing sports 3. Hanging out with friends
Cameron says: “I have a strong powerful leg.  I am athletic, accurate and can perform in large crowds in the clutch.  Besides football, one thing about me is that I am a very abstract artist. One of my drawings last year won a national art contest.”
Chris Sailer says: “Cameron is an outstanding kicker.  He has a big leg and hits a great ball off the ground.  His best ball is as good as anyone in the nation.  Kickoffs are near the very top of his class.  He has outstanding potential and continues to improve each time we see him.  He has become a top national college prospect.  Look for Cameron to have a huge summer and pick up D1 offers.  A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic.  Excellent prospect.”

IMG_2883

Graduating Class: 2014
State: TX
Position: Punter
Current National CSK Ranking: #2
Height: 6’3
Weight: 180
GPA: 3.2
Top 5 College Choices: 1. South Carolina 2. Clemson 3. Georgia 4. Ohio State 5. Texas
Hobbies: 1. Hanging out with friends 2. Kicking 3. Fishing
Corbin says: “My work ethic and the way I train make me the best punter in the nation. Also, most people do not know that I am a type 1 diabetic.”
Chris Sailer says: “Corbin is a phenomenal punting punting prospect.  He is big, tall, strong and athletic.  He has the ideal size and frame to be a dominating D1 punter.  Already hits a ball with excellent hang time and distance.  Corbin has as much potential as anyone in the nation.  Has all the tools to be the very best.  Look for Corbin to have a huge summer and land multiple offers.”

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Graduating Class: 2014
State: TX
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Ranking: #3
Height: 5’9
Weight: 185
GPA: 3.86
Top 5 College Choices:
Hobbies:
Mick says:
Chris Sailer says: “Mick is an outstanding kicker.  He has one of the biggest legs in his class and kicks with great consistency off the ground.  Field goals are D1 ready right now.  He is also big on kickoffs.  Kicks very well under pressure.  A focused and mentally ready kicker.  Mick is a fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic.  He should have a huge spring and summer and pick up offers soon.  Excellent  D1 prospect. Offer Now!!!”

JK SCOTT

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Graduating Class: 2014
State: CO
Position: PUNTER / KICKER
Current National CSK Punter Ranking: #1
Current National CSK Kicker Ranking: #7
Height: 6’5
Weight: 190
GPA: 3.3
Top 5 College Choices:
Hobbies: 1. Working Out 2. Water Skiing and Wakeboarding 3. Fishing
JK says: “I have such a strong passion for doing well in everything that I do and I am always trying to improve my skill.  My dedication to the sport shows in my workouts and in the weight room.  I am very knowledgable when it comes to training and staying healthy by eating right.  My physique helps:  I am a great athlete and my long legs as well as my explosive quick twitch muscle help me to generate a lot of force into the ball.  Hard work and desire leads to greater success.
Chris Sailer says: “JK is one of the most gifted natural punters that we have ever seen.  He has the size, strength, and talent to be a great college punter.  He reminds me a lot of former #1 High School Punter Bryan Anger as a young high school punter.  The sky is the limit.  Also a big time kicker.  JK is a phenomenal combo prospect.  OFFER NOW!!!”

IMG_2859

Graduating Class: 2014
State: IL
Position: Kicker
Current National CSK Rank: #12
Height: 6’1
Weight: 185
GPA: 4.3
Top 5 College Choices: 1. Stanford 2. USC 3. Harvard 4. Duke 5. Notre Dame
Hobbies: 1. Kicking 2. Golf 3. Piano/Guitar
Hayden says: “Plain and simple, my work ethic combined with my natural athletic abilities make me the best. I truly believe they are unmatched by anyone in the nation. I take all the necessary actions everyday in all aspects of life to become the best kicker in the nation. That is why I know I am the best. Also, I manage my time perfectly so I am never in over my head. From school work to social actions, I always know what has to be done and when it should be accomplished. This is why I am always in control of the various aspects of my life. It goes unnoticed because I go out about my business quietly, lead by example, and then let the results speak for themselves. ”
Chris Sailer says: “Hayden is an outstanding kicking prospect.  He has one of the strongest legs in his class and shows big time potential.  Hits a huge ball at times.  Kickoffs are his current strength.  Field goals are coming along nicely.  A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic.  Has the potential to be one of the very best in this class.  Looking forward to a great year ahead.  He should have a big offseason and impress college coaches nation wide.”

How can you join this prestigious group?  Make the “Event Elite” May 4-5, 2013 in las Vegas at the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event.

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2013 IL Nike Spring Camp Recap

Chris Sailer Kicking made its third stop on the Nike Spring Camp Tour in Chicago, IL March 17th.  Specialists from over a dozen states were on hand at perhaps the most talented camp yet.  The results in 30 degree temperatures were impressive.  Take a look at who stepped up the most.

Camp Champion:
Mike Knoll (2014 OH) – Mike had an impressive day from start to finish.  The 2-Time Chris Sailer Kicking “TOP 12” Member won two of the four major competitions. He came out on top in the punt competition, field goals competition and head to head finals round competition.  Mike continues to prove he is one of the very best kicking and punting prospects in the nation.  Look for Mike to pick up D1 offers in the near future.

Field Goal Champion:
Hayden Lekacz (2014 IL) – Hayden was once again one of the very best on this day.  The “TOP 12” Member finished near the top in every competition.  He won the field goal competition by nailing a 55-yarder with a stiff cross wind.  His kickoffs were also outstanding.  Hayden is a big time D1 prospect.
Kickoff Champion: 
Rafael Gaglianone (2014 TN) – The recent overall Vegas Event Champion continued to roll in Chicago.  On this day, the “TOP 12” Member won the kickoff competition by hitting a 70 yard, 4.05 kickoff with a stiff cross wind.  He was equally impressive on field goals.  Rafael is one of the purest kickers in the nation.  Look for him to have multiple offer by summers end.

Class of 2013 Standouts:
Luke Nelson (IL) – Luke is a big time punting talent.  He has now proven himself at several Chris Sailer Kicking Events.  Luke punts for excellent hang time and distance.  He has all the tools to develop into a dominating D1 punter.

Thomas Finucane (IL) – The longtime Chris Sailer Kicking punter has shown tremendous improvement over the years.  He had a great all around day proving that he has what it takes to punt at the college level.   The lefty should find a college home in the near future.

Donny Mann (MN) – The transfer kicker proved himself right away.  Donny has a big leg and kicks with excellent consistency.  Has all the tools to compete at any college level.  Look for Donny to find a new college home this upcoming year and provide immediate help.  He has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

Class of 2014 Standouts:
John Duvic (IL) – John is simply a fantastic kicker.  A great athlete that shows all the signs to have a great college career.  He has all the tools to take his game to the next level.  Look for John to challenge for an “Event Elite” spot this May at the upcoming 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas.

Michael Farkas (IN) – Michael is a top combo prospect in the nation.  He shows outstanding talent as both a kicker and punter.  He is consistent off the ground and kickoffs are nearing college ready.  His biggest plus may just be his punting potential.  At 6 foot, 4 inches he has the tools to be a great punter at the next level.  Michael is a fine college prospect.

Other 2014 standouts:
Justin Cole and Ryan Graf

Class of 2015 Standout:
Tristan Cunha

Read more at www.scout.com

Chris Sailer Kicking will make its next stop in Charlotte, NC on April 13th and Atlanta, GA on April 14th.  The Spring will wrap up with camp in Los Angeles, CA on April 28th and finally the huge National Spring Event in Las Vegas May 4-5.  For more information visit ChrisSailerKicking.com

Mike Knoll in action!

2-Time “TOP 12” Member Mike Knoll in action!

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