ASK RUBIO – Redshirting in High School? Best Looking on 90210? Potential NFL Long Snappers? Liking Sailer?

Dear Rubio…

1) What are your thoughts about holding back/red shirting a high school student athlete for the sole purposes of giving them an edge athletically against their peers? 2) Also I need your 90210 expertise to settle an argument, Valerie right? (Tiffani Amber Thiessen)
JustStartingOut

-JustStartingOut….
Kelly-Kapowski-Pictures
It would depend on when you hold the athlete back. If it is done sooner in life, I feel that is better. When you get into the high school years, it could really mess with their demeanor as they will be losing a lot of friends at that point. Bottom line, if you are going to do it, do it EARLY.

As for the 90210 question (great one by the way), I have to go with Valerie (Tiffany Amber Theissen). How could I not after her dominant performance as Kelly Kapowski on the hit TV show Saved by the Bell!??!?!? The lady was one of my first crushes (as I have a feeling I speak for millions of other men my age as well that grew up in the 80’s and 90’s)

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Dear Rubio….

You have explained to us how you are able to recognized college long snappers out of high schoolers, but what do you see in college snappers to be potential NFL Long snappers? Also, how can a snapper adjust to be a more appealing prospect?
-BGSU Long Snapper

Christian Yount

–BGSU Long Snapper….
There are a couple differences between a college Long Snapper and an NFL Long Snapper: Size (NFL Long Snappers usually are right around the 240+ range), Accuracy (an NFL Long Snapper might not always be the fastest Long Snapper you have ever seen but they should RARELY, and I mean RARELY miss….think two out of 100) and Blocking. The last point, blocking, is a massive aspect that kills a lot of guys chances at the next level because they either never did it in college (thank you spread formation) and can’t get used to it quickly by the pro day. The speed jump from high school to college is quadrupled from college to the NFL. Not being able to keep up with that jump is what kills hopes and dreams of a college Long Snapper trying to make the NFL.

At the Rubio Long Snapping College as well as the NFL Free Agent Camp, we will work on blocking a ton to make sure each Long Snapper is a more appealing prospect.

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Dear Rubio….

Sailer and Rubio at UCLADid you like Sailer when you guys played together at UCLA?
-WonderingMomma

-WonderingMomma….
Yes, I actually did BECAUSE he never acted like a “kicker” 🙂 He would get back, do his little step thingy and kick the ball. IF he missed, he would never blame me (not that he could, I was throwing pearls back there) and just go to the next kick. He had very much a lineman attitude and, ironically, used to always hang out with me and the lineman.

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Remember, if you would like to ASK RUBIO a question on any topic (honestly, it shouldn’t be on Long Snapping since you can find almost all questions answered on my blog and on RubioLongSnapping.com, just go ahead and send your question(s) to Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com with the subject line: ASK RUBIO.
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ASK RUBIO – Favorite Airline, Mentors, Having Dinner with _______ and Which President Could Snap!

Dear Rubio…

You are a very frequent flyer, What’s the best airline to fly on and why?
-Future Pilot

-Future Pilot….
I live in a very small area with an even smaller airport that only has two airlines available: Alaska and Delta. I fly Delta A LOT and they really do a good job. Only have had two or three issues in the past two years which is impressive (probably around 300 flights). I gotta go with them and I also loved the time I flew on Virgin. It was like a club in the air. Very cool setting.
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Dear Rubio….

Did you have a mentor (outside of family) who influenced your life growing up or even currently ? Also, if you could break pizza ( while washing it down with Jolie’s strawberry shortcake) with 3 people in history ( alive or dead) , who would they be and why ?
-Quinnessential Quinn in Cleveburg

Quinnessential Quinn in Cleveburg….
Not really. I soak a lot in from my friends and family. I tried to take a lot in from them since they are all such great people. I only surround myself with great people so it is easy. If I had to choose one, it would probably be Sailer since he got me going in the Long Snapping business.

Love the question about breaking pizza with some people. I would choose: my grandfather on my mom’s side because he was so funny in his own way (the man would park by hitting anything in front of him. He insisted that is what bumpers were for), Jesus just so I could ask him a ton of questions and my dad simply to ask him some questions as well (you’ll learn more about him in the movie RUBIO).
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Dear Rubio…

As a history school teacher, which former President would be the best long snapper? I’d say Ford or Nixon, at least they played football. But I can see Washington or Lincoln being fine after a few Rubio camps. Maybe some dark horse, say Millard Fillmore? He was only 5’9″ so maybe not.
Scott

-Scott….
I would have to go with Lincoln. He was built long, had a nice frame and handled extreme pressure well. Yeah, can’t go wrong with Lincoln.
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Remember, if you would like to ASK RUBIO a question on any topic (honestly, it shouldn’t be on Long Snapping since you can find almost all questions answered on my blog and on RubioLongSnapping.com, just go ahead and send your question(s) to Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com with the subject line: ASK RUBIO.Ask Rubio

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ASK RUBIO – Comfort after overeating, my days as a teacher, snapping Damon?!?!?

Dear Rubio….

the holiday season is upon us, and there will  be an abundance of eating. Do you recommend a recliner or a couch after the second helping?
-SoonToBeStuffedLSD

SoonToBeStuffedLSD…

Personally, I have to go with couch. If one really does some damage at the table, a chair (recliner or not) won’t suffice. I like to have the option of leaning right into a full lay to a pass out and a couch is the only thing that can make that happen!
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Dear Rubio…

When did you decide you wanted to be a history school teacher?  After almost 6 years of teaching history was it a difficult decision to stop teaching school?
-East Coast Hair

East Coast Hair…
When I was in the 3rd grade, I knew I would be a teacher. I have many family members that are teachers so it was very familiar to me. I loved teaching (majority of teaching time was with 6th graders) because to me, it was a lot like telling stories. As long as I could get the kids to remember the stories (the history), I would be doing my job. There is a lot about this aspect of my life in the movie RUBIO.

It was VERY hard to leave teaching. VERY, VERY hard. I went from a “sure thing” in teaching to “I really hope this works out” in Long Snapping. I think it worked out well:)
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Dear Rubio…

“Have you ever long snapped Damon Dale Rubio into bed?”
-The Wookie Parent

Wookie Parent…
One simply does not snap Damon. He snaps them. Usually, he is what I would describe as the Tasmanian Devil hopped up on a gallon of Red Bull as we approach bed time. Jolie and I try to get him down and close the door before he starts spinning out of control and takes us out. On that note, if I was to snap Damon, it would be a pearl:)
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Remember, if you would like to ASK RUBIO a question on any topic (honestly, it shouldn’t be on Long Snapping since you can find almost all questions answered on my blog and on RubioLongSnapping.com, just go ahead and send your question(s) to Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com with the subject line: ASK RUBIO.

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ASK RUBIO – The Big Lebowski and Music

Dear Rubio….

In the movie The Big Lebowski. If “the Dude”, Walter, and Donnie were the kicker, Long Snapper, and holder.
Who would do what?
-JJWASTAKEN

Dear JJWASTAKEN….
I have thought long and hard on this question and I believe The Dude would be the Long Snapper, Donnie would be the holder and Walter would be the kicker. Here is my reasoning…A Long Snapper must be calm and collected, and no one is cooler than The Dude. The Holder has to just kinda fit it, hence Donnie. Kickers are usually little angry man with fits of rage….hello Walter (not little, but definite anger issues).
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Dear Rubio…

What are your favorite tunes for workouts, game time, and just listening in general?
– AP in GA

AP in GA….
I listen to A LOT of music. A LOT. Best band for me is Pearl Jam. They are my tops. Next would probably be Michael BublĂ©. Guy is tremendous. Jolie loves concerts so we do a bunch of those when I have time. Best I have seen were Zac Brown Band, Buble, Pink, Garth Brooks and of course, Pearl Jam. I listen to all for all events. Doesn’t matter.
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Remember, if you would like to ASK RUBIO a question on any topic (honestly, it shouldn’t be on Long Snapping since you can find almost all questions answered on my blog and on RubioLongSnapping.com, just go ahead and send your question(s) to Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com with the subject line: ASK RUBIO.

Ask Rubio

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ASK RUBIO – Athleticism, Flexibility & Strength in the Off-Season AND Confidence vs Cockiness

Dear Rubio….

What are your recommendations for improving athleticism, flexibility, and strength during the off season, which is normally coupled with spring football workouts,
-Sincerely, don’t think just snap!

Dear Don’t Think Just Snap….
YOGA, YOGA, then more YOGA…make sure you are in the back row. You’ll thank me later.
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Dear Rubio….

You always say you love when you have an extremely confident long snapper and tell us all to show off our ranking and be very confident no matter who you’re up against and to be a good snapper you have to be very confident.  In snapping and in life where do you draw the line between self pride/confidence and cockiness?
– Puzzled Long Snapper

Puzzled Long Snapper….
It is a VERY, VERY fine line and you have to know what it is. It is actually for every person. I want my Long Snappers to be toeing that line and have the killer instinct of a shark. When you go head to head with another Long Snapper, you should almost feel bad for them since you know you are going to crush them. Confidence is backing what you say up without being an idiot about the whole thing. Cockiness is bragging about what you are doing while being an idiot about the whole thing.
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Remember, if you would like to ASK RUBIO a question on any topic (honestly, it shouldn’t be on Long Snapping since you can find almost all questions answered on my blog and on RubioLongSnapping.com, just go ahead and send your question(s) to Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com with the subject line: ASK RUBIO.Ask Rubio

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ASK RUBIO – What foods do you love & hate AND Favorite Character on Rudolph

Dear Rubio…

What are some foods that you like and dislike?
-Curious in the Midwest

 

-Curious in the Midwest
Here are the ones I love….
– I am huge fan of pizza. Love it. I could eat it every single day, every meal, hot or cold. Love it. Best pizza I have ever had is Southway in Lewiston, ID. My standard is: stuffed crust, pepperoni, sausage, extra cheese, extra jalapenos, ranch and extra pizza sauce on the side.
– I am also a massive fan of desserts. The richer, the better. My favorite might be some sort of strawberry shortcake monstrosity Jolie makes that is in a tower jar thingy. I tend to black out eating it. It’s phenomenal.
– S’mores. Love them. Go to the Melting Point at some point in your life and get the S’Mores fondue chocolate thing. I have yet to have that and not burn my mouth on it cause I refuse to let it cool. So worth it.
Franks Red Hot Sauce. I tend to put it on anything. Try it on salads, you’re welcome.
– Bacon, duh. Best I have had is up at Coeur d’Alene Resort. It has some sort of maple party going on within it. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth.

Here are the ones I absolutely loathe….
– shredded anything. Disgusting. Who in the hell wants to floss while they eat? I’m out. Meat in a crock pot left so long that it starts to shred on it’s own is like Fear Factor to me. I would rather have dental surgery in a porta potty after a weekend chili cookoff than be forced to eat shredded anything. Was I clear enough:)
– olives. Gross. To me, eating an olive would be the same as chewing on a killer whale. Black, salty and rubbery. I’m out. Disgusting.
– mushrooms. Not sure, I just don’t like them…on anything.
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Dear Rubio….

Who is your favorite character in the movie Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and why?  My personal favorite is the Abominable Snowman aka The Bumble..a very misunderstood character, not unlike a Long Snapper.
– #43Mom

#43Mom….
I would have to agree. Anything that large and hairy is a sure fire win for me. Bless his heart.
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Remember, if you would like to ASK RUBIO a question on any topic (honestly, it shouldn’t be on Long Snapping since you can find almost all questions answered on my blog and on RubioLongSnapping.com, just go ahead and send your question(s) to Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com with the subject line: ASK RUBIO.Ask Rubio

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ASK RUBIO – Off-Season Visits, Coach vs Mom, Is Senior Year Too Late?

Dear Rubio….

Hi Rubio. I wanted to take an unofficial visit this year but with my dad’s work schedule and my football schedule I couldn’t find the time to schedule one. I want to know if there is anyway to take a visit once football is out of season and how does one go about doing this?
-Big Headed Snapper

Big Headed Snapper….
The same exact way you would before….just call the football office and tell them you would like to visit. Need a refresher on how to get an UNOFFICIAL recruiting trip? Click HERE
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Dear Rubio….

Ever since off season my coach has put me on the task to gain more weight. He has his own little  weight gain regiment, which consist of PB & J sandwiches , more portions during meals, and whole milk. I love it, iv gained about 6 or 7 pounds. My lifts have gone up, everything is going great. My mom does not love it. Last night she pointed at out that I look a little pudgy. She has been against this regiment since day one, she offered me an alternative. She would make me her own little diet for me, that would consist of more sleep, vitamins and other hocus pocus Doctor stuff that she says will help me gain weight, and a smaller waistline. What should I do?
-Snapper Swag

Snapper Swag…
Since it is working, I would continue with what your coach has going for you….BUT…..I would also listen to your mother, throw in some vitamins and increase your cardio to trim off the baby fat. You don’t want to look sloppy. Like I always say, put on some really tight white underwear and look at yourself in the mirror. If you feel like you want to throw up while looking at yourself, you might want to adjust the ol’ eating and training regimen.
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Dear Rubio….

I have just finished my junior season of high school football and have dreams of playing college ball, as a long snapper. I picked up the craft 3/4 into the season and fell in love with it and have used videos from you and other coaches as my own source of coaching. Will the fact that I have only done the position for a few months affect how different colleges of different levels recruit me? Is the senior season too late? Could going to only two camps help me with exposure assuming I perform well? ( money is a little tight at the moment)
-AspiringSnapper

AspiringSnapper….
It might have a bit of an impact on your recruiting but not much. They want to know what you are doing now, not ten years ago. I have had several Long Snappers get full rides that never snapped in a high school game for one reason or another. I would highly recommend to get you the right exposure and not just smoke and mirrors. The senior season is in NO way too late. Read THIS blog on the waves of recruiting.
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 Remember, if you would like to ASK RUBIO a question on any topic, just go ahead and send your question(s) to Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com with the subject line: ASK RUBIO.

Ask Rubio

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ASK RUBIO “How do you tell a coach”, “Where does an Inexperienced player begin”, “Heavy footballs?”

Dear Rubio….

How do you tell a coach that you are de-committing from his college to go to another college? How do you approach him and what tone do you use?
Signed, Confused

Confused….
You need to be up front with them and make it quick. If you are leaving a preferred walk-on for a scholarship, they will completely understand. If they argue with you, they are lying. No one would offer to pay for a car (tuition) if someone was giving them a car (tuition) for free.

If it is a preferred walk-on to a walk-on or scholarship to scholarship, explain your reasoning and be prepared to be swayed back so be strong. BE PREPARED and BE POLITE. That exact coach might be your coach in the near future since they never stay at the same location too long.

If it is a full scholarship to a preferred walk-on, you need your head examined.
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Dear Rubio….

Where does an inexperienced player begin to make it as a “Starter” on their high school varsity football team? Where do you begin?  What advice would you give to an inexperienced player?  Suggestions to go from JV to Varsity to college scouts looking at you
-#JV2Varsity

#JV2Varsity…
This is a great question and I would say it all starts with showing dedication to your craft and your sport. You don’t need to be the loudest talker on the team, you just need to be the smartest and hardest worker…the coaches WILL notice. My advice would be to show up early, bust your butt, do what your told and keep your mouth shut. If a player is ALWAYS hustling and moving, while not being afraid to make a mistake, that will move them up quickly.

Coaches understand a player will make a mistake…it happens. They just want you to make the mistake at 100 mph and learn from it. If a player doesn’t learn from the mistake, he is showing ignorance and the coach won’t have confidence to move them up and put them in the game. Once you are in the game, that is where all your works comes in and the scouts will notice and the coaches will make them notice. If they don’t, I will:)
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Dear Rubio….

What is your opinion on a Long Snapper using a heavy ball?
-K Dad

K Dad….
I am a big fan of the weighted footballs (best one I have seen is from WizardKicking and is the Baden 30 oz model) for warming up, laydown drill and some shorter snaps (less than ten yards) BUT I only like them for Long Snappers that have exceptional form. If a Long Snapper does NOT have exquisite form and uses a heavy ball, it will create more bad habits (think little kid shooting from the three point line in basketball…they push the ball instead of having really nice form like they would in close).
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Remember, if you would like to ASK RUBIO a question on any topic (honestly, it shouldn’t be on Long Snapping since you can find almost all questions answered on my blog and on RubioLongSnapping.com, just go ahead and send your question(s) to Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com with the subject line: ASK RUBIO.

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ASK RUBIO “My coach just….”

Dear Rubio….

My coach just took another job at a bigger school. What do I do now?
-Angry Long Snapper

Angry Long Snapper…
I have actually answered this question a couple times recently due to coaches leaving or being fired. Bottom line, just go out and do your job. It most likely will happen again in other positions. The coaching change will not impact how you snap the ball. That is what is most important: how you snap the ball to enable your team to win. You chose the school, not the coach. If you did choose the school based on the coach, you have obviously NOT been paying attention to what Sailer and I have been saying for years.
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Dear Rubio….

I have recently committed to snap for a coach that could possibly be leaving the University after this season. He wants to take me with him to the bigger college and snap over there. The problem is that although the current school is a HBCU I feel like I would feel more at home and do better with my studies there instead of the bigger school.

-Snapper From the Deep South

Snapper From the Deep South….
Stay with your commitment. The coach wants you to go to make his job easier. If you go with him, he won’t have to start from scratch and recruit another Long Snapper. He knows you are good and will do a solid job…that is why he recruited you.

I always say, pick a school that you can see yourself being happy at IF you weren’t playing football. You will have a lot of downtime in the off-season and if you aren’t happy, you will want to transfer and that RARELY works out. Stay with the smaller school.
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ASK RUBIO “I have been dating this girl for a year and….”

Dear Rubio….

I have been dating this girl for a year and I think I am done with it all. Big issue is she gets along with my family and they get along with her. Plus, she is really pretty. Any advice?
– Southern Long Snapper

 

Southern Long Snapper…

GET RID OF HER. She probably feels the same way you do so you’ll be doing both of you a favor. You will just be the brave one that actually steps up to the plate and does something about it. Plus, your parents have been there, done that and most likely can tell you two don’t like each other. Seriously, focus up… in case you forgot, they (your parents) were once teenagers as well. They know a tad more than you think. Odds are they know what you are thinking before the thought even starts to formulate in your head.

Listen, I have no problem with my Long Snappers having girlfriends but you have to really grasp the bottom line with these type of things. If you are done with the whole process, get out while you can. October through March is a real game changer in a relationship. You do not want to be with someone during that time unless you are really dedicated to them. Here is what I have been telling my Long Snappers for the last decade during this time of the year: If you are going to get out, get out now. You don’t want to have to fake it through a ton of holidays in the next couple of months. Think about it: Thanksgiving (filled with family time that you have to be at with her), Christmas (tons of time and you have to get her a gift), New Year’s Eve (the inevitable party with friends where odds are you would rather hang with your buddies) and, gulp, Valentine’s Day (always gotta be creative AND it will cost you some substantial coin). Be free and solo until around March. No major holidays for awhile then and if you want an out after awhile, you can always blame the summer time since you will be busy with camps.
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ASK RUBIO

Starting tomorrow, I will begin an “ASK RUBIO” column within this blog.

It will be very similar to a Ann Landers or Dear Abby column you would see in your local paper or online. If you don’t know who they are, find a newspaper and look in it…or just click on the links:)

Bottom line, you ask me a question, any question, and I will answer it…..

BUT, I will do it my own way and in my own words (think Rubio turned up to level 10+).

These columns do NOT have to deal only with Long Snapping and, to be honest, I would prefer they not. Seriously, 99.9% of the Long Snapping questions you have can be EASILY answered on RubioLongSnapping.com or on RubiosBlog.com

So, feel free to pepper me with any questions you have on any topic you would like me to cover. This is open to all…grandparents, parents, Long Snappers, lady friends, etc. Just go ahead and send your question(s) to Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com with the subject line: ASK RUBIO.

All names will remain private. Just sign it with a creative title (Northwest Long Snapper, Confused in Cali, Sir Snaps A Lot, etc.)

FYI: First one will come out tomorrow at 10:00 am pst and will deal with a Long Snapper and his girlfriend. Be ready….
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