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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2013 TX Nike Spring Camp Recap

2013 Chris Sailer Kicking TX Nike Spring Camp Recap

Chris Sailer Kicking made its second stop on the Nike Spring Camp Tour in Dallas, TX this past weekend.  Every time we head to Texas, I expect to see as much, if not more talent than anywhere in the country.  As always, specialists traveled in from all over the nation to compete at the highest level.  Take a look at the champions and overall standouts.

Camp Champion
Hunter Morrow (2014 TX): Hunter put on a dominating performance on this day.  He won two of the four major competitions and continued to take care of business in the Finals Round.  He hit multiple 50 plus yard field goals off the ground under intense pressure.  He also won the kickoff competition by hitting a wind aided 83 yard kickoff.  Hunter is proving time and time again that he is worthy of a D1 College Scholarship Offer.

Field Goal Champion
Austin McGehee (2014 AR): Austin had an impressive all around day.  His field goals, kickoffs and punts were all solid.  He won the field goal competition by hitting a 55 yard field goal off the ground.  Austin is proving he is a top player in his class.

Punt Champion
Manuel Meza (2014 JC CA):  Meza was once again the best punter at the camp. Coming off his punt championship last weekend in Los Angeles, he was easily able to win back to back.  Manuel consistently hits 45 plus yard punts, with 4.5 plus second hang times.  He will be one of the very best Junior College Punters in the nation next year without a doubt.

2014 Standouts
Mick Ellis (TX): Mick is simply an outstanding kicker.  The 2-Time Chris Sailer “TOP 12” Member is always on his game.  He is one of the best pure field goal kickers off the ground.  Mick connected from 60 yards on this day.  Kickoffs were also big as he was able to knock a wind aided kick through the uprights from the 35 yard line.  Mick is without a doubt a scholarship level player.

Cameron Gamble (TX):  Cameron is as talented as any kicker in the nation.  He has a huge leg and hits a big time ball.  Cameron always competes at the highest level.  On this day he was by far the most impressive on kickoffs, hitting a wind aided 85 yard, 3.85 second kick.

Yanni Routsas (TX):  Yanni has all the tools to be one of the very best.  A big, tall, strong athlete that shows great potential both as a kicker and punter.  Look for Yanni to have a big spring and summer impressing college coaches nation wide.

Other 2014 Future Stars:  Eric Piccione, Grant Goebel and Kyle Pfau.

2015 Standouts
Andrew Galitz: Andrew had a coming out party in Dallas.  He was solid on field goals, kickoffs and punts.  He has a bright future with continued hard work.

Connor Crow: Crow had one of the strongest overall legs at the camp.  The young kicker showed outstanding potential on field goals and kickoffs.  I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Connor.

Other 2015 Future Stars:  Adam LaManque, Brooks Ralph, Collin Stack, Jon Coppens, Joshua Williams, Luke Beasley, and Ryan Rodriguez.

Chris Sailer Kicking will next visit Chicago IL, Charlotte NC, Atlanta GA and Los Angeles CA before wrapping Spring up with the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas May 4-5.  For more stats, rankings, and information visit www.ChrisSailerKicking.com

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Inside the Kickers Mind

Few would argue that the mental part of the kicking game is far more important than the physical. While preparing yourself physically can be done through diet, exercise, training and practice, that will not provide the mental toughness needed to be the best.

Each individual kicker gains mental toughness from different experiences. The first key for a kicker is perhaps recognizing that the mind can be trained. You can develop and increase the mental muscle necessary to develop a kicker’s mentality.

Some can do it by focusing on how the opposing team’s kicker is performing. This keeps the kicker mentally focused on a one-on-one competition rather than putting the whole weight of his team on his shoulders.

Another way is to focus on success. If a player is kicking in a game situation he certainly has had plenty of success in practice. By getting in a state of mental review, a kicker can remember how it feels to kick successfully, and get his mind focused on that state.

It is all part of the training we do here at Chris Sailer Kicking. We understand the mental aspects of the game and can help a kicker discover the mental toughness within. Being prepared mentally and physically is the focus of Chris Sailer Kicking. Contact us for more details on how we can increase your odds of success.

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Guzman Commits to Hawaii

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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10 Common Questions Regarding the Spring Vegas Event

1. How do I get invited to the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas? You don’t! It is not an invite only camp. It is a first come, first served Event. You register and you are in. 

2. How old do you have to be to attend the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas? All levels of High School through second year of Junior College. I will allow younger if it is pre-approved through me. Seniors should still be attending since we are still in the thick of recruiting.  CLICK HERE

3. Is the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas only for advanced Kicker / Punters? NO, it is open to all levels of Kickers / Punters. The early you go, the better you will be in the long run. Trust me, I have seen it countless times. Don’t be the guy who waits and then blows it because they were too nervous. Go early and get your butterflies knocked out sooner than later. 

4. Will there be small group sessions this spring? Yes! There will be a 4-5 pm and 5-6 pm session. They are one hour blocks meant to knock off the rust, get some last minute fine-tuning in and get used to the fields, brand new football and myself. 

5. Is there a hotel you recommend for the Kickers / Punters and their parents? Yes, we have a group rate with the JW Marriott. It is about one mile from the fields and is superb.

6. When should we book flights? Plan on arriving on Friday and either leaving after 7 pm on Sunday evening (camp will end at 5 pm) or Monday morning.

7. Is there a rental car company you recommend? Yes, for rental cars, follow these steps: Go to www.enterprise.com, Fill in the information as dates and times needed, In the optional area you will add L540231 and then click continue, The next screen will ask for a PIN which is RUB, Choose your car and enjoy the discount.

8. If I have spring ball on Friday, can I arrive on Saturday morning? Yes, but I MUST be notified as early as possible so I can put you in a later group on Saturday. 

9. Why is the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas important? It is a major one for the final recruitment of seniors (look at #2), beyond important for the underclassmen as their recruiting will just be going into high gear and your only chance to be selected to the “EVENT ELITE” (the “EVENT ELITE” will join The TOP 12 at the Invite Only “TOP 12” and “EVENT ELITE” camp this summer in CA)

10. What do I get for attending the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas? The best on Kicking / Punting instruction in the world, a Chris Sailer Kicking shirt, a profile page with Chris Sailer Kicking, a recruiting and nutritional seminar at the hotel, a chance to make the “EVENT ELITE” and the winner of the camp receives one year of free Chris Sailer Kicking camps (accommodations and transportation not included).

Vegas "Event Elite" Pic

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2013 CA Nike Spring Camp Recap

Chris Sailer Kicking 2013 CA Nike Spring Camp Recap

Chris Sailer Kicking kicked off what will be its largest Nike Spring Camp Tour ever with the first stop being Los Angeles, CA.  Coming off a huge Vegas Event in January, athletes from all over the United States were anxious to get back on the field.  An amazing amount of talent was on hand and several specialists stepped up big time.  Take a look at the Champions & Standouts.

Camp Champion
Jordan Dascalo (2013 CA): Jordan was perhaps the most impressive all around specialist on the day.  He was near the top of every field goal, kickoff and punt competition.  He hit a 57 yard field goal off the ground, hit a 73 yard, 3.90 kickoff, and a 50 yard, 5.18 punt.  Jordan is a special athlete who currently holds offers from Alabama A&M and Arkansas Pine Bluff.Field Goal Champion
Levi Weiss (2013 OR): Levi was a newcomer to Chris Sailer Kicking, but fit right in.  Levi just started kicking few months ago and stepped up big on this day.  A natural kicker that has a real shot of taking his game to the college level.

Kickoff Champion
Kenny Smart (2014 CA): Kenny was the most impressive junior all day long.  Both his field goals and kickoffs were impressive.  He won the kickoff competition by hitting a 76 yard, 3.95 kickoff.  Coming off an impressive Vegas showing, Kenny is quickly becoming a well known college prospect.

Punting Champion
Manuel Meza (JC CA): Manuel had another huge day.  The recent 11th Annual National Kicking Event Punt Champion was one of the very best all day long.  He is consistent, has a huge leg, and punts very well under pressure.  Look for Manuel to be perhaps the top punter in Junior College football next year.

Best of the Best
2013 – Ruben Guzman (JC CA): The “TOP 12” Punter won 2 of the 4 major punt competitions.  Recently offered by Wyoming, Ruben proved exactly why once again.  No one has punted more consistently than Ruben over the past year.  Look for Ruben to be a top college punter for years to come.

2014 – Tristan Vizcaino (CA):  Tristan is an incredible all around prospect.  His field goals are clean off the ground, kickoffs are close to college ready, and he also shows excellent punting potential.  A great athlete that will have a big spring and summer.

2015 – Ben Kreitenberg (CA): Ben continues to be the top player in his class. He has a big leg, already kicks with consistency off the ground, and does extremely well under pressure.  Although his competition is creeping up on him, Ben still stands alone at the top.

Other Standouts
2013: Bret Miller, Joe Pierik
2014: Casey Sublette, Jackson Koonce, Jake Ambrose, Lucas Alfonso, Tim Strader, Tyler Duncan, Jonathan Weilbacher
2015: Adam Walter, Brandon Hong, Cameron Coe, Cristian Bianchi, Ethan Erickson, Gage Wilson

Chris Sailer Kicking will next travel to Dallas, TX (March 3), Chicago, IL (March 17), Charlotte, NC (April 13), Atlanta, GA (April 14) all culminating with the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas May 4-5 in Las Vegas, NV.

Visit www.ChrisSailerKicking.com for more results, player rankings, and future camp listings.

To view this story on Scout.com – CLICK HERE

CA Spring Campions

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What Does a Graduating Kicker / Punter Do?

Say you are one of the lucky ones that will be playing football next year for a four year university, what do you do now?

You get better! You don’t rest on your laurels. You make sure you are as prepared as possible when entering college so the coaches know you are serious and ready to take over the reigns for the next two to four years of your life. Nothing will upset a coach more than a recruited athlete coming in unprepared. That is essentially your first impression to the new staff at your new school and that can easily set you up, in the wrong way, for years to come. Don’t be that guy!

Yes, you are allowed to, and could be attending my Kicking / Punting Camps from now until you report to camp for your school….and you should. Going to a camp right before you head off will polish off the rough edges, fine tune you and build your confidence.

You want a more advanced camp with only college level Kicker / Punters? You can attend the College Camp for Kickers / Punters on July 19-21 in CA. It will be structured just like the TOP 12 and EVENT ELITE camp but with no current HS players. All participants will be either 2013/JC heading to a four year university or a current college Kicker / Punters already doing what you believe, think and hope you are ready for in a couple short months.

Regardless, be prepared and don’t just sit. You got into college, but you have done nothing there….yet. See you soon!

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CSK Class of 2014 #1 Kicker Wunderlich Offered!

It didn’t take long.  After a dominating performance in Las Vegas in January and subsequent #1 ranking and “TOP 12” announcement, Chris Sailer Kicking Class of 2014 prospect Gary Wunderlich has picked up his first offer from Virginia.  Gary excels at the kicking position, but also impresses as a punter.  A great athlete that should dominate at the next level.  This should be the first of many more offers to come.  Expect a busy off season with plenty of updates for Wunderlich.  Which “TOP 12” Member will be offered next?

Visit www.ChrisSailerKicking.com from more information….

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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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The Value of Exposure

The Definition of Exposure is: the condition of being presented to view or to be made known.

This definition couldn’t be more relevant to the ultra-competitive landscape of High School Football and College Recruiting. It is more important now than ever to expose your talents to various Universities looking for top-level talent. Obviously, there are many ways to do this especially with the rise of various technologies like YouTube, Social Media and recruiting websites. However, this is not enough, you need to surround yourself with camps, organizations and people who are connected to these various Universities and whose opinions and recommendations are taken into the highest of consideration.

Chris Sailer Kicking is this Organization. CSK offers the MOST exposure in the country for high school Kickers and Punters. When a College Football Program is looking for a top level Kicker or Punter CSK is its first stop. Chris Sailer Kicking covers all aspects of exposure for its players including; Camps, National Events, Online Media, Player Rankings, Player Profiles, Social Media and probably the most important is the relationships CSK has with major College Football programs.

This has never been more evident than the recent story of Nicolas O’Toole. O’Toole was a virtually unknown Punter at Fullerton JC in Southern California. That all changed in a matter of days after attending the Chris Sailer Kicking National Event last month, where O’Toole performed at a very high level. This performance landed him a Top 12 ranking by Chris Sailer. Major College Football programs wait for this covenant list to come out after every one of CSK’s National Events to see who is ranked where and which players are still available. O’Toole was snatched up immediately by West Virginia University and was offered a fullide scholarship as a Punter.  Click Here to read more about O’Toole.

Exposure: the condition of being presented to view or to be made known.

Chris Sailer Kicking

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