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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Vegas – May

April 12, 2013 By

The 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event – Sponsored by Nike is less than a month away.  While many specialists are taking this time of year off, those that seriously want to play in college and know what it takes are working harder than ever.  Those hard workers will be in Las Vegas May 4-5, 2013 ready to impress and gain the most valuable national exposure in the nation.  Here is some useful information for those attending and those that are still considering attending.

  • Event Date: May 4-5, 2013
  • Arrive Friday May 3rd.  The earlier that you arrive, the more well rested you will be for the weekend.
  • Plan on being at camp until 5PM Sunday May 5th.  There is no way of knowing if you will make the Finals Round Sunday until you and all other participants have completed the initial round of charting Sunday morning.  Whether you make the Finals Round or not, you should plan on staying on watching the Finals Round.  Get the full experience from the camp!
  • Friday Small Group Sessions (4:00 – 5:00 & 5:00 – 6:00) are OPTIONAL.  These were designed to knock some rust off, get rid of jet lag legs, and gain confidence heading into Saturday.  If you can make it, I highly recommend you attend. CLICK HERE
  • Location: Las Vegas Outdoor Soccer 1400 N. Rampart Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89128
  • There is no bleacher seating.  Bring chairs or buy some cheap chairs if you would like to sit while you watch.
  • Why May? May is also known as “Evaluation Period” for college coaches.  This is a very HOT time for recruiting for all classes.  May offers maximum exposure.  Chris Rubio and myself will be handing 100’s of calls after this event.  Recruiting Boards will be set based on results and our evaluations.  Want to be offered a scholarship at those college camps this summer?  Attending this camp is how they will know about you!
  • The 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event gives you a chance to make the “Event Elite”.  There is NO set number of specialists that will be selected.  The number selected is based on the number of participants that can compete at that VERY HIGHEST LEVEL.  Usually 15-20 are selected to join the “TOP 12” at the most prestigious Invite Only Camp in the world.  CLICK HERE
  • Think you are good enough to make the “Event Elite” – CLICK HERE to see who you are competing with and to get a little history about the “TOP 12” & “Event Elite”
  • It is no surprise that from the 11th Annual National Kicking Event in January that the #1 and #2 CSK kickers in the nation are already committed to Virginia and North Carolina and the #1 CSK punter already has an offer from Colorado.  The Spring Event will determine who is next.
  • The Spring Event in NOT an Invite Only Camp.  This camp offers a great experience to kickers, punters, and long snappers of all levels.  Expect a wide range of talent from beginners to the best of the best from around the world in the Classes of 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, Junior Colleges and 4-Year Transfer Students.  The best of the best, The “Event Elite”, selected from the Spring Event will be invited to attend the “TOP 12” and “Event Elite” Camp in June.
  • Come prepared to enjoy your experience.  Do NOT put to much pressure on yourself.  Come with open eyes and ears.  Learn from your instructors and your peers.  Look around and take it all in.  Watch other groups.  Watch the college and pro demo.  Attend the Meetings.  There are so many things to learn and that you can and will benefit from if you take advantage.  Leave the camp with goals and a motivation to work harder than ever!
  • Saturday – Instructional Day.  You will get plenty of reps.  Pace yourself.  Saturday ends with a Chris Sailer Kicking Original Last Man Standing Competition. Your group numbers will be emailed to you about a week prior to camp.
  • Sunday – Competition Day.  You will be charted.  You can compete in 1, 2, or all 3 skills.  This is up to you.  Your competition start time will be assigned to you at Check-In Saturday.
  • Those that just punt – you are automatically in Group #2.
  • Class of 2016, 2015, and 2014 – You may use tees up to 2″ for both Field Goal and Kickoffs.  The choice is yours.  Class of 2013, JC, and Transfers you must kick off the ground for Field Goals and use a 1″ tee for Kickoffs.
  • Saturday Meetings are the the Group Rate Hotel – JW Marriott.  I highly advise that participants and their parents attend. Meetings are from 6:30 – 7:30.  Get there early and enjoy.
  • What makes Chris Sailer Kicking the best in the business?  1st National Camp Ever for Specialists.  1st Kicking Company to ever to rank Kickers, Punters, and Long Snappers on a true national scale.  Chris Sailer is physically at EVERY camp associated with Chris Sailer Kicking.  Chris Sailer is the ONLY one that handles the evaluations and rankings for the Kickers and Punters.  Same holds true for Chris Rubio with the Long Snappers.  Talk to any college coach in America or any kicker or punter that has been to multiple camps and will see that Chris Sailer Kicking is the place to be for the best possible instruction and exposure.  Our advertising is word of mouth.  Come see for yourself!  See you in May!

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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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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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Inside the Kickers Mind

March 5, 2013 By

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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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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The Value of Exposure

February 22, 2013 By

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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