Quinn Sharp – Player Profile – Upcoming Draft Status

April 24, 2013 By

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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Profile on Dustin Hopkins: Kicker – Florida State

April 16, 2013 By

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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Indoor vs. Outdoor Stadiums, Good or Bad for Kickers/Punters?

April 12, 2013 By

While every Kicker or Punter is expected to learn to handle different situations, the type of stadium can have an impact on the kick. There is proper technique in various weather conditions that needs to be accounted for by a Kicker and Punter in order to execute properly.

Indoor Stadiums

A key advantage of an indoor stadium is the distinct lack of weather conditions. Kickers do not need to worry about wind, rain, snow or other conditions impacting the kick. It also reduces the risk of slipping and sliding since rain is not a factor. Indoor Stadiums are obviously ideal for Kickers and Punters. Although, one thing to keep in mind is the noise that is generated by fans in an indoor stadium can be defining and a major distraction for Kickers and Punters.

Outdoor Stadiums

An outdoor stadium has a disadvantage when it comes to weather. Finding your footing for a Kicker on a field goal or extra point is always an issue in extreme weather conditions. Punters run the risk of dropping snaps and or staying warm throughout the game. These issues must be addressed by Kickers and Punters in the same way that handle their day-to-day training, they must practice in these types of conditions or at least simulate the best they can, to insure they are prepared.

The type of stadium does impact the game slightly, but it is ultimately a minor issue. A Kicker or Punter with experience is more likely to do well in any conditions due to the greater experience of different weather conditions, but it is usually a minor issue for good Kickers and Punters.

 

–CSK

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CSK Alum Getting Ready for Upcoming NFL Draft

April 5, 2013 By

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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Results…How do I determine them?

March 28, 2013 By

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 NCAA Clearinghouse and What I need to Know?

March 25, 2013 By

Student athletes graduating from high school will be looking toward college as another place where they can play and enjoy their favorite sports. They will be seeking college institutions that have NCAA Division sports. The NCAA is a membership organization that governs intercollegiate sports as every institution wanting to host NCAA teams must follow the rules and regulations of this organization. Each college is placed into three membership divisions (I, II and III) based on their size, the number of sports programs they have and what scholarships they offer.

What Is The NCAA Clearinghouse

The NCAA Clearinghouse, now known as the NCAA Eligibility Center, allows for student athletes to become certified as they are eligible to play in collegiate sports at a NCAA Division I or Division II college institution. Students are reviewed by the NCAA using a set criteria as they must have an acceptable academic record, good SAT/ACT scores and amateur status to qualify.

To become eligible, students must register with the Eligibility Center. This is normally done during their junior year but there is no deadline on when a student athlete can join. Students must register online and have the appropriate registration fee. Students must also send in their high school transcripts that detail at least six semesters of high school courses and their SAT/ACT scores when they take the standardized test. In addition to this, a student will have to send their proof of graduation and final transcripts upon graduating high school.

How To Qualify

Student athletes must take a certain number of core classes and have acceptable SAT/ACT scores to become eligible to play in intercollegiate sports at a NCAA Division I or Division II college. Every high school has a list of acceptable core courses that meet the NCAA guidelines. Students should talk with their counselor for an updated list of college core courses. Also, students must earn a minimum grade in these courses and graduate from high school to participate in the NCAA.

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The Pros and Cons of Early Enrollment for Spring Football

March 15, 2013 By

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?

March 8, 2013 By

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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Guzman Commits to Hawaii

March 1, 2013 By

Longtime Chris Sailer Kicking Punter Ruben Guzman has made his college choice.  He will officially sign with the University of Hawaii today.  Ruben also held an offer from Wyoming, but felt that Hawaii was the right fit.  Hawaii came in with a late offer and Ruben couldn’t pass it up.

Ruben first came to Chris Sailer Kicking as a High School Punter.  He was average at best and received a 3 Star Ranking.  Determined, he headed a Junior College to reach his goal of one day playing college football.  He came back a new young man and impressed our staff.  He would eventually make “Event Elite” and receive a 4.5 Star Ranking.  Still, he had more to prove.  At 5’10” he wasn’t exactly “wowing” college coaches.  He worked as hard, if not harder, than anyone out there.  He finally reached a 5 Star Ranking and top 10 national standing at the 11th Annual National Kicking Event.  The result…. offers from Wyoming and Hawaii.

Ruben is a tremendous young man who will see immediate success in Hawaii.  Hard work still lies ahead, but the future is bright.  Look for Ruben in Vegas this May as he will serve as a student staff member.

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Chris Sailer Kicking Alumni Shine at NFL Combine!

February 23, 2013 By

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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