So You Didn’t Make TOP 12, Now What?

February 25, 2020 By

For the past few weeks, you have been waiting anxiously to see if you were going to be selected to the TOP 12 Camp. When the first 20 selections were announced, 20 Kickers / Punters were ecstatic. Hundreds of others were upset, frustrated, angry, etc…. rightfully so. As athletes and competitors the desire to succeed should run deep.

2021 TOP 12 (1st 20) *in alphabetical order
Bert Auburn (TX)
Cole Becker (CA)
Daniel Bethel (TN)
Josh Bryan (CA)
Caden Costa (LA)
Matthew Dennis (NC)
Tommy Doman (MI)
Kade Hensley (TN)
Michael Hughes (WV)
David Kemp (FL)
Cameron Little (OK)
Jake Marion (NC)
John McConnell (WV)
Joseph McFadden (TX)
Marshall Nichols (GA)
Graham Nicholson (OH)
Brenden Segovia (CA)
Zane Smith (SC)
Logan Ward (OK)
Jeff Yurk (NC)

Couple ways to look at it….

You can be upset with me for not selecting you. You can be upset with yourself for not performing when it counted. You can even find a way to blame others, but, it is ultimately on you. The only thing you can control is how hard and smart you work moving forward. Everyone in Vegas is competing for the same spots. Don’t let anybody outwork you and you will see different results.

You need to use this as motivation to make sure you perform better. This is all up to you. The choice is yours.

If you are a Kicker / Punter that strives to be the best, you want to be at that TOP 12 camp this summer. Any single athlete that has been there (scholarship Kickers / Punters, All-Americans, NFL players) will tell you that it is, by far, the best camp they have ever been to in their life. What you need to do is get back on the horse. Work smarter and harder. Your opportunity is waiting for you in the form of VEGAS XXXVI.

At Vegas XXXVI, I will choose 20 additional TOP 12 Camp Invitees.  They will join the first 20 selected at the Invite Only TOP 12 Camp this summer.   This is a true invite only camp. I do NOT just hand out invites to get people to come to it. That would give me no credibility. I select the best because they are the best. They will represent the TOP 12 fraternity and Chris Sailer Kicking for life.

Are you one of them? Time to decide. Prove to me, and the rest of the world, that you belong.

Or don’t. THE CHOICE IS YOURS…..

TOP 12 Camp Alumni…
Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens)
Ka’imi Fairbairn (Houston Texans)
Bryan Anger (Houston Texans)
Kai Forbath (Dallas Cowboys)
Dan Bailey (Minnesota Vikings)
Tress Way (Washington Redskins)
Dustin Hopkins (Redskins)
Nick Folk (New England Patriots)
JK Scott (Green Bay Packers)
Logan Cooke (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Randy Bullock (Cincinnati Bengals)
Ty Long (San Diego Chargers)
Cody Parkey (Tennessee Titans)
Ryan Succop (Tennessee Titans)
Bradley Pinion (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
To name a few….

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NLOI (National Letter of Intent) Day!

January 31, 2017 By

Tomorrow, high school football players around the country will be signing on the dotted line to play for their respective schools. It is a great time of the year for all involved. It is NLOI (National Letter of Intent) Signing Day. It is covered by major sports affiliates and it begins the process of which college will dominate tomorrow with the stellar high school athletes of today.

With all the hoopla, comes questions….allow me clear some things up for everyone. These are all from questions I have received over the years.

Eddy Pineiro Signs with Florida last year.

Is Signing Day the only day an athlete can sign with a college?
Absolutely not. It is just the first official day for the seniors to make their commitment official. A scholarship athlete can sign anytime on or after that day. You can literally sign the day you get on campus if you are a late pick-up for a school. The whole Signing Day Event is a celebration day that the media has turned it into a major event.

Do Preferred Walk-Ons sign on Signing Day?
No, they do not officially sign anything. However, many schools and parents like to have a simple ceremony that represents signing. A preferred walk-on, although verbally committed to a school is NOT locked into that respective school. They have the option to change their mind to another school at any point if a scholarship comes their way. Not exactly the most kosher thing to do to a coach/program but they would most likely understand. I look at it like this, an athlete not taking a scholarship would be similar to a person not taking a free car and opting to pay for the same car.

If I sign with a college on scholarship, can I adjust after?
Sure, BUT you will lose a year of eligibility. Once you sign, you are locked in. Don’t even think about transferring as it rarely works out and is an uphill battle to say the least. Think about it, why would a coach want an athlete that could not fit in at their first stop? A transfer athlete always brings up red flags…why is it going to work this time, why did he not get along with players and coaches at the first school, it is a homesick issue, is he a problem case, schooling? All are questions that a new coach is going to want to know about you. Bottom line, make your decision and stick with it.

How do the schools get the athletes signatures? 
Most athletes sign in the early morning and then fax them in to their new home (school).

Why have a Signing Day? 
It is the day your verbal commitment becomes official.

Can a junior that is offered a scholarship sign early?
Nope. They must wait just like the others within his graduating class. All of this waiting around gives way to all the committing and de-committing which coaches and sports writers absolutely love (dripping with sarcasm).

Is it true that scholarships have to be renewed every year by the school?
Yes. This is one of those things that not a lot of people know about but it is true. Every single year, the staff has to renew your scholarship for the next year. Therefore, if you are not producing as an athlete, student or person, your scholarship can not be renewed. It is not very common for it to happen, but I have witnessed it occur. Usually, a social issue is the final straw in saying bye bye to your education being paid for by the school.

All in all, Signing Day is a great thing that should be cherished by all but definitely don’t feel as though it is the end all be all. No matter when you sign, you are still going to be on full scholarship with your school paid for, and that is the most important thing.

 

Chris Sailer Kicking – NLOI Day (2016)

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D1 Colleges Will Recruit You, You Have To Recruit D2 & D3 Coaches!

September 20, 2016 By

Recruiting can be the most challenging, yet exciting, time consuming, yet ego boosting, frustrating yet rewarding challenges that an athlete and that athlete’s family will face. In the end, when approached and tackled properly, it will all pay off. The key is finding the correct fit for every athlete. And that is not an easy challenge. Over the years I have given many speeches and written many blogs about the recruitment of kickers, punters, and long snappers. The goal each time to is to educate athletes and their families one step at time. Here is one more piece of that educational process.

D1 Colleges Will Recruit You. When Alabama, Ohio State, UCLA, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, etc. need to recruit a specialist, they will find the very best one and usually have them committed within days. Everyone wants to go to these schools and would jump on that opportunity. They also have a huge recruiting budget, the best resources, and the ultimate product to sell. Here is how the conversation goes when a coach from a D1 school calls me, Chris: “I need a list of the best kickers /punters in the nation.” Me: “Sure we have Kicker A ranked #1, Kicker B ranked #2, Kicker C Ranked #3 and so on.” Within hours those athletes are in contact with the coach. Within days the coach has visited the school and done character and academic background checks. Within weeks the athlete and the family are on campus visiting. Sign, sealed, delivered.

Your job when if comes to D1 programs:

Get exposure. Go to Chris Sailer Kicking Camps and get nationally ranked. We are the most trusted specialist resource in the world for college coaches. Make sure to keep your rank current. An evaluation and ranking over time holds much more weight than a single evaluation 1 or 2 years ago. Keep your character intact. Be aware that a college coach will visit with anyone and everyone to make sure that you are a great fit for that program in every way. Get your grades and test scores as high as absolutely possible. Get to college camps in between your junior and senior seasons. This is when most college coaches will ultimately pull the trigger. If you are good enough, Chris Sailer Kicking will get you the exposure to get signed by a D1 program. D1 programs will find and sign the very best. The best programs get the best specialists. The next best programs get the next best specialists. And so on….

D2, D3, NAIA, etc. need you to recruit them. When Azusa Pacific, Colgate, William & Mary, Wesleyan, Nicholls State etc. need to recruit a specialist, they wait to see who the D1 programs are not able to sign and try to land some of the leftover pieces. Not everyone wants to go to these schools, so they aren’t able to be as selective. They do not have a huge recruiting budget, the same resources, nor the ultimate product to sell. Here is how the conversation goes when a coach from a D3 school calls me, Chris: “I recently got some film from Kicker A. He also recently visited the school and has been showing great interest in our program. What do you think Chris?” Me: “Kicker A is a great kicker. He has been to several camps over the years and has really impressed us. He continues to get better and stronger each time that we see him. He shows great D3 talent and potential.” Over the course of the next several months, depending on the time of this call a relationship between coach and player is formed. Perhaps after that player doesn’t get any D1 offers, he may sign with the program. The financials take much longer to figure out at this level. However, there are many great financial packages available.

You job when it come to D2 & D3 programs:

Get exposure (The same holds true for everything said above). You need to see the big picture. Everyone is not a D1 scholarship kicker or punter. In fact, very few are. Most will fall into this category. There are 700+ Universities and Colleges that offer football. There is a great fit out there for you. In fact, there are most likely several. But YOU have to find them. YOU have to recruit them. Do not wait for them to come calling you. Make calls, send emails, take unofficial visits, go to practices, go to games, follow up, etc. Sign up with NCSA for help! Arrange a date to kick or punt for them live. Your sincere interest will land you several college opportunities. These programs can offer partial/full athletic and/or academic scholarships. The more that they want you, the harder they will work to get you money somehow, someway. Believe me.

Never put all of your eggs in one basket. First and foremost always apply as a student first. Football may not work out due to injury or just lack of talent. If you are a legit D1 specialist, focus on D1 but make sure that you have D2, D3, etc. backups in place. If you are D2/D3 specialist, focus on those levels, but don’t be afraid to reach for the stars (you may improve in your final years). There is a home for everyone. Chris Sailer Kicking sees more specialists than anyone in the world and we still cannot find 700+ college level specialists per year to fill needs at every school. If you approach recruiting with a the correct plan in place you will find a home. Anticipate the ups and downs of recruiting and enjoy the ride. Remember you can make the NFL coming from any college. Take a look at NFL rosters and where the specialists played their college ball. The key is finding the right fit where you can continue to develop your skill. And ultimately, whether you make the NFL or not, the reward at the end will be a college degree from a great school that you most likely would not have received without football.

Chris Sailer Kicking Add

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NLOI (National Letter of Intent) Day!

February 3, 2016 By

Tomorrow, high school football players around the country will be signing on the dotted line to play for their respective schools. It is a great time of the year for all involved. It is NLOI (National Letter of Intent) Signing Day. It is covered by major sports affiliates and it begins the process of which college will dominate tomorrow with the stellar high school athletes of today.

With all the hoopla, comes questions….allow me clear some things up for everyone. These are all from questions I have received over the years.

Is Signing Day the only day an athlete can sign with a college?
Absolutely not. It is just the first official day for the seniors to make their commitment official. A scholarship athlete can sign anytime on or after that day. You can literally sign the day you get on campus if you are a late pick-up for a school. The whole Signing Day is just a lot of pomp and circumstance that the media has turned it into an event.

Do Preferred Walk-Ons sign on Signing Day?
No, they do not officially sign anything. However, many schools and parents like to have a simple ceremony that represents signing. A preferred walk-on, although verbally committed to a school is NOT locked into that respective school. They have the option to change their mind to another school at any point if a scholarship comes their way. Not exactly the most kosher thing to do to a coach/program but they would most likely understand. I look at it like this, an athlete not taking a scholarship would be similar to a person not taking a free car and opting to pay for the same car.

If I sign with a college on scholarship, can I adjust after?
Sure, BUT you will lose a year of eligibility. Once you sign, you are done. Don’t even think about transferring as it rarely works out and is an uphill battle to say the least. Think about it, why would a coach want an athlete that could not fit in at their first stop? A transfer athlete always brings up red flags…why is it going to work this time, why did he not get along with players and coaches at the first school, it is a homesick issue, is he a problem case, schooling? All are questions that a new coach is going to want to know about you. Bottom line, make your decision and stick with it.

How do the schools get the athletes signatures? 
Most athletes sign in the early morning and then fax them in to their new home (school).

Why have a Signing Day? 
It is the day your verbal commitment becomes official.

Can a junior that is offered a scholarship sign early?
Nope. They must wait just like the others within his graduating class. All of this waiting around gives way to all the committing and de-committing which coaches and sports writers absolutely love (dripping with sarcasm).

Is it true that scholarships have to be renewed every year by the school?
Yes. This is one of those things that not a lot of people know about but it is true. Every single year, the staff has to renew your scholarship for the next year. Therefore, if you are not producing as an athlete, student or person, your scholarship can not be renewed. It is not very common for it to happen, but I have witnessed it occur. Usually, a social issue is the final straw in saying bye bye to your education being paid for by the school.

All in all, Signing Day is a great thing that should be cherished by all but definitely don’t feel as though it is the end all be all. No matter when you sign, you are still going to be on full scholarship with your school paid for, and that is the most important thing.

NLOI

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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 – [email protected]).

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 – [email protected]) 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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