Recruiting – “THE LIST”

September 20, 2013 By

The recruiting process can be quite confusing, especially when going through it for the first time.  So many questions will arise.  That is understandable.  Chris Sailer Kicking is here to help you through that process as we have been through it thousands of times.  The key to the recruiting process is education.  We stress this through personal communication and during camp seminars.  The more you know, the better off you will be.  The process is time consuming and filled with many ups and downs.  Remain patient and understand that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  There is a college opportunity out there for you as a kicker and punter as long as you handle the recruiting process properly.  The intention of this blog is to point out that there are NO EASY ANSWERS!

Step 1 before you read on: D1 Colleges Will Recruit You, You Have To Recruit D2 & D3 Colleges

There is no such thing as “THE LIST”.  The question that asked more than any other when it comes to recruiting is, “Can you please send me “THE LIST” of colleges that will be recruiting a kicker/punter this year”?  The answer to this question is, “There is no such things as “THE LIST”.  The list you are referring to consists of 800+ colleges that play college football.  Nearly every college in America will recruit a kicker/punter each and every year.  Whether that be on a Scholarship or Preferred Walk-On basis is yet to be determined.  As mentioned earlier, patience is required.  The answers will not be fully disclosed until the first day of fall camp your freshman year of college.

Step 2: Reread the above blog, D1 Colleges Will Recruit You, You Have To Recruit D2 & D3 Colleges

Every college in America, at every level, recruits every position on the football field, every single year.  They have a recruit board where they list athletes in numerical order that they are recruiting.  When the time comes, they make  offers.  Depending on the year, depending on needs at all positions, depending on scholarship numbers, etc., decisions are made over time in the recruiting process as to whom might get scholarship offers and preferred walk-on offers.  Each program is different.  Get your name on these recruiting boards and options are sure to come your way.

Now Read: Recruiting Tiebreakers

College coaches reach out to Chris Sailer Kicking and ask about potential scholarship specialists nearly every day.  We provide answers to the questions asked.  Example: BCS school calls and says I need the best kicker in America.  The answer is simple and open to the public.  Visit ChrisSailerKicking.com and Click on PLAYER RANKINGS.  If a coach wants to talk about the next best available, we put them in contact with the next best available.  If a coach wants the next best available on the East Coast, we put them in contact with the next best available on the East Coast.  And so on and so forth.  This is how D1 programs will operate.  They want the best, they get the best.  They will recruit you.  Another Example: D3 school calls and says, Player A has reached out to us and used Chris Sailer Kicking as a reference.  Can you give us your opinion on him?  The answer is simple: Player A has many great qualities such as….  He has attended….  He has performed…..  etc. etc.

The recruiting process is like a 3,000 piece jigsaw puzzle.  Your freshman & sophomore season is like trying to find those first two pieces that fit.  Perhaps by the end of your junior season, the frame of the puzzle may be built.  The middle of the puzzle is like your senior year.  Figuring out the middle pieces requires time and a lot of patience.  As pieces begin to fit, it becomes easier and much more clear.  By the end it picks up and eventually the puzzle will be complete (August of your senior year).  Educate yourself, stay proactive, create options and by all means DO NOT ask for the “THE LIST”.  Fish with the biggest net possible and target every college in America.

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Form Letter to Send to a Coach

September 10, 2013 By

As Rubio and I told you about a month ago, (Make sure to follow RubioBlog.com) recruiting would be slow in the month of August and early September. Now, it will begin to pick up just a tad and get really crazy about the time of the Vegas Event (funny how Rubio and I planned that out, huh?)

So, as things have the possibility of heating up with recruiting, you should send a school a simple letter/e-mail to let schools know you are interested and for you to get on their radar/mailing list.

First, make sure you send it to the Special Teams Coach and/or the Recruiting Coordinator. Remember to keep it very simply and to the point. The person reading your letter will almost always be male and they don’t need any fluff. They will want a bottom line and quick points.

We created a template for you and it should do the trick. Embrace….

Coach __________,

My name is _________________ and I am very interested in becoming a student-athlete for your university.  I am (Kicker, Punter or Combo Player Kicker / Punter).

I currently play at __________________ High School in ____ (put your home state) and will graduate in ________ (month) of 20__.

I attend Chris Sailer Kicking camps and am currently ranked ____ in my class and ____ in my state. You can see my profile, which will have Chris Sailer’s evaluation, my picture and a video of me HERE. (link your profile in the word HERE since it looks cleaner). Please feel free to contact Chris Sailer at either 818-209-8921 or Chris@ChrisSailerKicking.com if you would like more detailed information regarding me and my Kicking/Punting abilities.

You can also view my YouTube channel with more practice and game footage HERE. (Put a hudl link if you must, but immediately start the process of getting everything moved over to YouTube for THESE reasons)

I also noticed you have a home game coming up on Saturday, the ____ of _______________. I was hoping to be put on the recruit list for that game so I can see what game day is like for the _______________ (school mascot name).

Please let me know what the next step in the recruiting process is for me to become a member of your team.

I look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you at one of your games this fall!

Thank you for your time,

John Smith
____________ High School, Class of ______
GPA: ______  ACT: ______ SAT: _________
E-Mail: _______________________________
Cell: _________________________________
Home Mailing Address: _________________________________________ (Street Address, City, State and Zip Code)
Other Honors: ________________________________________________  (Eagle Scout, All-League, MVP, Captain, Etc.)

Best of luck!  Chris Sailer Kicking is here to help you every step along the way.

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Andrew David Commits to Michigan! First in Class of 2015….

June 24, 2013 By

Long time Chris Sailer Kicking student Andrew David picked up an offer from Michigan earlier today, and by this evening he was committed!  Perhaps the greatest part of the news…he is only in the Class of 2015.  David became the first kicker in the class of 2015 to commit on full scholarship.

David works privately with Chris Sailer Kicking Staff Member Chris Nendick on a consistent basis in the Midwest.  He has been attending Chris Sailer Kicking camps since his freshman year.  Over that time he has elevated his game to a whole new level.  He already kicks effortlessly off the ground and his kickoffs are outstanding.  He has a great mental make up and works as hard as anyone out there.

We are very proud to announce the commitment of this very talented young man.   He will go on to do special things as he finishes his high school career and continues his kicking at the next level.  Stay tuned for many updates on Andrew as he continues to train with Chris Nendick and attend Chris Sailer Kicking camps around the world.

Andrew David Sailer

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Day 2 – “TOP 12” Camp Recap

June 22, 2013 By

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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CSK “TOP 12” K/P’s Gaglianone & Newsome Pick Up Major Offers!

June 20, 2013 By

It has been another great start to the week for Chris Sailer Kicking Students.  On the eve of the “TOP 12” & “Event Elite” 2 more Chris Sailer Kicking “TOP 12” Members have picked up major offers.  Rafael Gaglianone picked up his first offer from NC State and Tyler Newsome has picked up his second offer from Notre Dame.  Congratulations as both are well deserved.

To date Chris Sailer Kicking has 9 players committed on full scholarship to major universities along with 4 other holding major offers.

Committed:
Gary Wunderlich – Virginia
Freeman Jones – North Carolina
JK Scott – Alabama
Corbin Daly – Texas
Aaron Medley – Tennesssee
Alex Spence – Clemson
Mike Knoll – Boston College
Logan Cooke – Mississsippi State
Cole Hedlund – Arkansas

Holding Offers:
Rafael Gaglianone – NC State
Tyler Newsome – Notre Dame, Air Force
Michael Santamaria – Virginia Tech
Yanni Routsas – Air Force

Huge weekend coming up in Los Angeles…  Who will be next?
TOP 12 2013 AD

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7 Reasons Why Chris Sailer Kicking

June 17, 2013 By

1. Chris Sailer Kicking means Chris Sailer.  There is a reason why college coaches trust Chris Sailer.  He is the only one who evaluates kickers and punters at his camps.  Since 1999 it has been the same.  Rubio….ditto!

2. Chris Sailer is the best instructor in the world.  There is no such thing as a ranking camp.  Every camp is based on instruction.  Rankings are a byproduct of the instruction and evaluation.

3. Chris Sailer Kicking was the 1st to ever rank kickers and punters.  And still is the only one trusted by every coach in the U.S. Rubio….ditto!

4. Best partner in the world.  Rubio Long Snapping is the only real long snapping camp in the country. He sees, and actually trains, more long snappers than anyone else in the world. No one else even compares.

5.  Vegas, “TOP 12”, “Underclassmen” = Exposure.  It was created at ChrisSailerKicking.com  1st National Camp / International Camp & 1st and still the only REAL Invite Camps in the world. Vegas, “TOP 12”, Yellow Shirt = Kicking/Punting/Long Snapping/Scholarship.  READ MORE

6. Hired by Major BCS Universities year in and out.  National Champions hire Chris Sailer Kicking.  National Champions sign #1 ranked Chris Sailer Kicking prospects.  Rubio….ditto!

7. Youth, to High School, to College, to NFL.  Chris Sailer Kicking is proven.  100’s of youth players, 1000’s of high school players, 1000 college players, 30+ NFL players.  Training, Exposure, Connections.

www.ChrisSailerKicking.com

www.RubioLongSnapping.com

Started it all, continues it all, will finish it all……

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Scholarship, Preferred Walk On, Walk On

June 12, 2013 By

One of the most common questions that I get asked is, “What is the difference between a scholarship, a preferred walk on, and a walk on athlete?” It is also the most misunderstood statement from coach to family when it comes to the proposed scenarios.  I have written blogs and tweeted on this topic several times.  No matter how often I do so, unfortunately, my point will probably never be understood….until after the fact.  I speak on behalf of experience.  If you want honesty, here it is in it’s briefest form.

Scholarship = No Risk….. at least for 1 semester

Preferred Walk on = High Risk…. but at least you are on the team and in school

Walk on = Try out…. they really don’t want you and probably won’t help you get into school

There are little to zero guarantees when it comes to the opportunity to play college football.  I cannot stress enough that football WILL get you into a college / university that you would not have otherwise gotten into on academics alone.  And, WHEN you take advantage of this opportunity, you will graduate and have a degree that will last for the rest of your life.  So, no matter what, you win, if you are smart and understand that all of this is about education, not football.

Scholarship Specialist
If you truly want to PLAY college football, a scholarship will guarantee you an opportunity to see the field.  Not only will you be awarded financial aid, but you will be given the opportunity to win the job.  The job is yours to lose.  When a school makes an investment in you, they want to see the investment pay off.  College coaches have big egos.  They want to look good when it comes to proving that they made great investments.

Advantages
When you walk onto campus you will have the respect of your teammates and coaches from Day 1.  Coming in on scholarship is a huge confidence booster.

School is paid for (from a partial to full scholarship depending on the level and individual school).  Every penny counts.  Talk to graduates who had / have student loans (Rubio – Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com).

Scholarships are renewable at each quarter/semester.  Most coaches will honor that renewal based on your character and academic performance, not your athletic performance.  Most coaches get it.  Most coaches have a family and kids as well.  They will honor the promise made to you.  It is rare that a scholarship is not seen all the way through to graduation unless you fail in the classroom or off the field.  In short…  be smart and the degree is yours for free or at a discounted price.

You will have every opportunity to see the field.  If you are as good as or even slightly inferior to a walk on, you will play.  Coaches want to see their investment pay off.  Alumni want to see the athletes with “A NAME”.

Disadvantages
None

Preferred Walk On Specialist
Every coach in America will make this option seem like the best option on earth.  Why?  Because they get you for FREE (It is like being hired as an intern vs. being hired as the CEO).  13 years ago when I started my business this is all that kickers, punters, and long snappers were worth.  That is why I started my business.  From approximately 5 D1 scholarships in 1995 to 60+ per year (Low estimate) in 2013.  www.ChrisSailerKicking.com

Things have changed.  I changed them.  Yes, I will take credit.  Vegas, the first ever REAL kicker/punter rankings, and the introduction to long snapping as a position (Rubio – Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com) have forever changed the way that specialists are treated.  To accept a preferred walk on over a scholarship is like warping back in time.  You are taking a HUGE risk.

Advantages
None

Disadvantages
If I had the space and time I could write you a 200 page novel filled with just quotes from specialists and their parents with complaints about the LIES and unfulfilled promises that a college coach told them and/or made to them.  They are not lying, they are recruiting.

The day you walk on campus, you are 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th string.  Everything that the coach promised you goes out the window.  He may not even say hello to you as you walk by.

You have to put in your time and EARN the respect of your teammates and coaches.

You have to be much better than (not equal to or even better than) the scholarship athlete that the coach invested in.

Regarding the timeline that you were promised – Add 2 years to it on average.  Be ready to pay for your education.

Walk On Specialist
This option is nearly non existent in todays day and age.  With the introduction to the internet and 3rd party evaluations (Sailer / Rubio) a walk on is basically a thing of the past.  This means the coach will allow you to try out for the team.  He is basically telling you that you are not good enough.  He is trying to end the communication and get you off the phone.  This works out hardly ever.  No need to go into the advantages and disadvantages.  Is it possible to make a team this way…yes.  It is likely…no.

This blog is not intended to scare you.  It is intended to help you understand that recruiting is exactly that.  Don’t believe everything that you hear.  Each family is different.  Each situation is different.  I have 4 young children (12, 10, 7, and 5).  If they are fortunate enough to become athletes, I am fortunate enough to understand recruiting based on my experiences with thousands of athletes and their families.  Based on what you are looking for, heed my advice and make YOUR choice.  And remember in the end its about that degree.  So no matter what, you will win.

Percentages (My estimate)
Scholarship Specialist: 400 out of 500 see the field
Preferred Walk On Specialist: 100 out of 500 see the field
Walk On: 5 out of 100 make the team
College Degree: 100% up to you no matter how you are recruited.  Once you are in, you are in.

There are many success stories of walk ons and preferred walk ons enjoying success (Your recruiting coach will tell you every one of them).  But for every success story there are 10 stories of failure (Your recruiting coach will not tell you these stories).

One final thought.

Chris Sailer: UCLA, Cut by the San Francisco 49ers
Adam Vinatieri: South Dakota State, NFL All-Pro

The path you choose is up to you.  Depending on what you are looking for and what your ultimate goals are, take the content of this blog into consideration before making your college choice.

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Nike Summer Camp in TX – RECAP

June 10, 2013 By

Chris Sailer Kicking Kickers and Punters came out to TX on Sunday, June 9th from all over the country to get the best instruction and exposure in the country for Kickers and Punters. The talent level at this camp was off the charts. Easily, the best I have seen in one location. The overall winner of the camp was Sam Wyand (2015 TX).  Wyand was extremely smooth and consistent all day long. He handled the pressure of the competition very well! Other Kickers and Punters that were exceptional throughout the day were…

Sam Wyand (TX 2015)

Champion: Sam Wyand (TX 2015)

Competition Winners:

Top 2014 Prospects:

 

  • Cole Hedlund: Top 10 national kicking prospect. Field goals are near the top in the country. Kickoffs are exceptional and consistent. D1 Scholarship Pick.
  • Trent Manuel:  D1 written all over him. A great athlete that has natural talent. Has a bright future.
Ben Sweet

Ben Sweet

  • Ben Sweet:  A great punting talent. Has great ability and punts with excellent consistency. Could be special.

 

Top 2015 Prospects:

  • Andrew Galitz:  Shows great potential as a kicker and a punter. Longtime Chris Sailer Kicking student who continues to rise to the top of his class.
  • Connor Crow: One of the most naturally young kickers in the nation.  He has a huge leg and hits a big ball.
  • Damon Foncham: Very talented young punting prospect. Shows amazing ability and punts with great consistency for his age. Also solid kickoff guy.
  • Jack Gonsoulin:  Jack is a special talent. He has one of the strongest legs in the nation. Could be special.
  • Jon Coppens:  Jon stepped up big time. Makes kicks and competes at a high level. Is going to be a great college kicker one day.

Class of 2016 Prospects:

img_2796Butch Hampton: Has all the tools. I love his attitude, work ethic & overall ability. Fine young man and great future prospect.

 

 

 

Others of note:

Josh King

Josh King

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Sailer Kicking will continues it’s summer tour with stops at UCLA (6/10, University of Oregon (6/15), University of Washington (6/17), The TOP 12 and EVENT ELITE Camp (6/21-23), The Underclassmen Invite Event (6/29-30), CA (7/11), LSU (7/13), NC (7/15), GA (7/17), The College Camp (7/19-21), MA (7/25), IL (7/27) and CA (7/29)

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Meet Mick Ellis

June 5, 2013 By

Mick Ellis is an 18 year old Texas native who grew up surrounded by football.  However, he didn’t always know he was going to be a kicker, an excellent kicker at that.  He was first thrown into the world of kicking when the football team he was playing for had an open position no one wanted to fill, Ellis stepped in.

“I was the only guy on the team that had played soccer so I gave it a try and ended up being good at it, so I stuck with it” said Ellis.

Wanting to improve his kicking skills Ellis began working with the professionals at Chris Sailer Kicking.  “The technique he teaches at all his camps I have used for all of my kicking” said Ellis of his experience at Chris Sailer Kicking.

In addition to great technique, Ellis found the atmosphere of camp to be beneficial to his football career, “how you go from practice to game [is important] and we practice like it is a game situation.”

Ellis spent last fall playing for Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas; but he doesn’t plan on ending his football career there.  He hopes to continue on to college football, with his top choices being Stanford, Ohio State, OSU, LSU, and Arkansas.  Along with his incredible leg, Ellis plans on taking everything he has learned at Chris Sailer Kicking with him to the college level.

“We practice with a lot of pressure and when you go to college there are 100 times more fans than you are used to, and it’s the exact same situation at all the camps” said Ellis.

His most recent accomplishments include: 2013 Vegas Event Class of 2014 FG Last Man Standing Champion, 2013 NC Nike Spring Camp Overall Champion, 2013 NC Nike Spring Camp Field Goal Champion, 2013 NC Nike Spring Camp Kickoff Champion and 2013 Vegas Spring Event Co-Kickoff Champion.

To find out more about Chris Sailer Kicking, and players like Mick Ellis, contact Chris Sailer Kicking today.

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Highlight Videos Avaliable in Dallas June 9th!

May 29, 2013 By

Chris Sailer Kicking is happy to announce that Highlight Videos will now be available for purchase at the Chris Sailer Kicking 1-Day Nike Camp in Dallas TX on June 9, 2013.  This is an incredible opportunity and will only be available to the first 30 kickers, punters or long snappers that reserve their video.  They are offering a rate of $125 for the Dallas camp.  Here is how it will work:

1. You can preegister for this service by emailing info@varsitytape.com.  In the subject line type: “TX Chris Sailer Kicking Video”.  The staff will get back to you with further instructions.

2. Thy are taking a LIMITED number of kickers, punter and long snappers. If you are interested, email them immediately.

Below is an example of the videos. I am very impressed with the company and their services. If you choose to purchase a highlight video, the video will be yours to use as you see fit.  My recommendation: Email the video to coaches, add the video to your Chris Sailer KIcking Player Ranking Profile, add the Video to your NCSA Player Profile and add it to your YouTube page.

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