Day One Recap of the 11th Annual Spring Event in Las Vegas

Day one is complete and the talent was overwhelming in Vegas for the 11th Annual National Snapping Event. Well over 120 Long Snappers from all over the country and Canada are in attendance to compete against one another.

Today was devoted simply to instruction with some live snapping. The live snapping was great in showing who was ready for a real national event.

After everything was said and done today, the top performing Long Snappers were….

2013/JC
– Wyatt Smith continues to dominate and look great.
– Jason Diffee looked the best I have seen him and was extremely impressive.
– Cody Block looks very strong and was snapping a consistent ball
– Kevin Fennel looked solid & has a great attitude.
– Andrew MacLean showed that Canadians make excellent Long Snappers.
– Wesley Bertoni was snapping very hard today and looked good.

2014
– Alan Lucy was just outstanding all day. He is snapping with a purpose and it’s awesome to watch.
– Tanner Carew was on fire and snapping with severe speed all day.
– Adam Vaught was using his massive frame very well all day.
– Christian Samarzich was nailing down his spiral and snapping with great confidence.
– Nate Adams looks great and is consistent with his snap. Strong.
– CJ Keller is smooth, consistent and snaps a nice, hard ball.
– Curtis Billen might have the quickest snap in the country.
– Reid Buckingham is built well and houses great form.
– Seth Combs looked confident and snapped hard.
– JC Everett looks to have locked down his spiral. I’m very interested to see him tomorrow.
– Patrick Freeze is massive and has the ability to be dominate.
– Jordan Frese is really coming along nicely. Could dominate tomorrow.
– Garrett Frum continues to improve and just keeps moving on up.
– Justin Garza was very impressive and was just ripping the ball back to the punters.
– Mitchell Hardy looked solid and consistent.
– Nate Hawkins is smooth & the harder he snaps, the better he is.
– Clayton Jackson looked very solid Nd impressed.
– Connor Kelsey caught a groove and really performed extremely well today.
– Joseph Lang has the ability to go very far with his Long Snapping.
– Brandon Locha is accurate and consistent. Speed will be key.
– John Morrison looked comfortable and was snapping the ball very hard all day.
– Kyle Murphy can be dominant once everything clicks. When it does, he will dominate.
– Tommy Sullivan looked great and snapped hard. Impressive.
– Casey Wilson is beyond smooth and just great. Blocking will be the key for him.

2015
– Blake Ferguson is a Long Snapper with great size and oozing confidence.
– AJ Carty is snapping hard and it just great. Blocking and accuracy will be key.
– Liam McCullough is massive and great. Everything is starting to click again. Tomorrow will be big.
– Tyler Douglas is built well and snaps a hard ball.
– Grant Gluhaich REALLY impressed me with the speed of his snap. Watch him tomorrow.
– George Madden looked solid and if he can lock down his spiral, he will dominate.
– Ben Makowski is good…very good. The more he knows that, the better he does.
– Tyler Moore is at his best when he just lets the ball fly out of his hands.
– Ryan Simmons continues to impress me with his drive and consistency.
– Chase Urbach was snapping extremely well and looked great.

2016
– Donald Reiter is thick and was snapping a very solid ball.
– Damon Johnson is still catching his grove, but when he does, he is phenomenal for his age
– Johnny Den Bleyker continues to impress me. Snaps a great ball and is very athletic.
– Conner Kirkegaard snaps the ball hard and handles pressure well.
– John Shannon is excellent for his age. Once he gets really comfortable, he will dominate.

Tomorrow, we will focus on the competition aspect of the camp. Long Snappers will be tested on The Rubio Target, filmed for YouTube, run a 40 yard dash, timed by Rubio and will be live snapping to the punters & kickers.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@TheChrisRubio) and on Facebook (Rubio Long Snapping) for continuous updates tomorrow and in the future.

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Highlight Videos Available Through Rubio Long Snapping

Rubio Long Snapping is happy to announce that Highlight Videos will now be available for purchase at Rubio Long Snapping Camps/Events.  The very first opportunity to purchase a professional quality highlight video will be this weekend at the 11th Annual National Snapping Spring Event in Las Vegas on May 4-5.  This is an incredible opportunity and will only be available to the first 30 Long Snappers, kickers or punters that reserve their video.  They are offering a discounted promotional rate of $100 for Vegas this year.  Here is how it will work:

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

2. You can register for this service in Las Vegas.  However, if 30 others preegister, the service will no longer be available.  If you choose to take this route, you are taking a big risk.

A sample video (see below) was taken this past weekend at the 11th Annual National Snapping Preparation camp in Los Angeles.  This is a rough cut, so you can imagine how great the finished products will look.  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 Rubio Long Snapping Player Ranking Profile, add the Video to your NCSA Player Profile and add it to your YouTube page.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRDp2xszIt4?rel=0&w=430&h=242]

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You Never Know Who is Watching

This morning, I was sent a link by a Rubio Long Snapping parent with the title “Did you see this?”

Usually, when I get an email like that, I am bit nervous, to say the least, since something bad is coming on the other end of the link.

This was not the case on this particular email.

I clicked on the link and my heart begin to fill as I read about Rubio Long Snapper Ryan Eustace of Arkansas St.

The link sent me to an article from a fan that came across Eustace and described how he treated the author’s child (whom Eustace, I assume, just thought was a random kid).

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This article shows that you never know who is watching. Full embrace to Eustace. Well done!

 UPDATE: Eustace was put on scholarship on August 15, 2014 and I couldn’t be more proud of this great young man!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFV2_tHMIf0?rel=0&w=420&h=236]

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Rubio Long Snapper Connor Johnson Commits to Oregon

Rubio Long Snapper Connor Johnson commits to the Oregon Ducks as a preferred walk-on!

Connor is a large Long Snapper with excellent grades and quick hands that will head into fall camp as a backup to former #1 Rubio Long Snapper Drew Howell from the class of 2010, Drew Howell.

Congratulations to Connor Johnson!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pKN_LKQ5M0?rel=0&w=415&h=233]

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Rubio Long Snapper Mike Zupancic Earns Honor!

Rubio Long Snapper Mike Zupancic of Eastern Michigan has won the Special Team Awards MVP for his team!

That, in itself is impressive enough, being, and I hate to say it yet again, a Long Snapper, but what is really amazing is that this the SECOND time he has won the award for Eastern Michigan!

Look for Zupancic to be picked up as a free agent right after the draft. He has a terrific frame and snaps rockets. Zupancic snapped, on scholarship, all four years at Eastern Michigan.

Congratulations to Zupancic and don’t forget to embrace the plate of cookies he took as well. Well done!

Zupancic

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Pre-Camp Diet, What to Eat?

Preparing for Long Snapping Camps is crucial in getting the most out of your experience. The right food intake can help you beat camp fatigue and get the most out of your time and financial investment.

What are the best foods to eat leading up to camp? A diet strong in carbohydrates will help your stamina and performance. Too many players focus on diets high in meats and they ingest too much fat. Fats can soak up your energy and can lead to indigestion and even cramps.

A solid diet to consider would consist of about 60% carbs, 15% protein and about 25% fats. You should begin to increase your intake of fluids. Drink 16 ounces of water when you awake and drink before, during, and after exercising. In practice you will probably need at least a liter of fluid per practice hour.

It is all about making good choices. Choose toast rather than a donut. Instead of a burger select grilled fish. Instead of greasy French fries have a baked potato. Almonds and other nuts can provide much more energy than chips. Look at food as fuel, not just as something that gives you pleasure.

Your diet is just one way to prepare for your upcoming Camp. You will also need to prepare physically and mentally. The proper fuel can help you do that.

Rubio Long Snapping

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Rubio Long Snapper Jeff Goyette Earns Honor at Bucknell!

Rubio Long Snapper Jeff Goyette of Bucknell was selected to be a Team Captain for the 2013 season!

Anyone being a team captain is great but, and I hate to say it, being a Long Snapper and being honored in that capacity is fantastic!

Goyette is a also a two time Special Teams MVP & Academic Honor Roll. Someone might say he is doing a phenomenal job in college….that someone is me!

Congratulations to Jeff Goyette!

Jeff Goyette

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Happy Ranksgiving to the Class of 2015 Long Snappers from the NC & GA Camps

The rankings are completed for the class of 2015 Long Snappers that participated in the Rubio Long Snapping Spring Nike Camp in NC & GA.

These rankings really moved around after these two camps. The 11th Annual National Spring Event on May 4-5 is going to be even more important.

KEY POINTS:

  • My rankings are NOT done just from the Target
  • My rankings are NOT done from some mathematical formula.
  • My rankings ARE done by me and only me. That is why I am at all my camps.
  • My rankings are based off of this blog I wrote about what makes a Long Snapper great.
  • If you would like anything added to your profile page, simply email me (Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com) the information and consider it done.
  • All Long Snappers are ranked after their first fall camp of their freshman year in high school.

A Long Snapper has the ability to adjust their ranking anytime I see them LIVE, not on video.

For the rankings for the class of 2015, please go HERE
Ranksgiving

 

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Rubio Long Snapper Reid Ferguson of LSU Earns Honor!

Long time Rubio Long Snapper, and TOP 12er, Reid Ferguson of LSU has won the Jerry Stovall Special Team Award….for the second year in a row!

This award is given out after Spring Ball by Head Coach Les Miles and the LSU staff. The award was presented to Reid for his Outstanding Performance in Spring Drills.

Winning once as a Long Snapper is impressive enough, but winning twice is just phenomenal.

Congratulations to Reid Ferguson!

RFerg Award


 

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Rubio Long Snapper Scotty Thompson Receives Honor at NC State!

Long time Rubio Long Snapper Scott Thompson has been chosen to be put on NC State’s on Leadership Council!

This is obviously a huge honor for Scott and I am beyond proud of him. To paraphrase…

“The Leadership Council is a position of respect,” said first-year head coach Dave Doeren.  “It empowers these guys.  This position is not a recognition of athletic ability, but leadership ability. I will go to this group with decisions that I want player input on and if a player wants something brought to a coach they will go to the council and the council will bring it to us.  It gives them a voice.”

Scott has been with Rubio Long Snapping since his 8th grade year out in Southern California. He ended up a TOP 12er,  #2 in his graduating class, received a full scholarship to NC State and will be the starter for the third year in a row!

Congratulations once again to Scotty Thompson!

NC State's Long Snapper Scott Thompson and Rubio Long Snapping

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Rubio Long Snapper Jay Angelici-Walsh Commits to Hiram College

Rubio Long Snapper Jay Angelici-Walsh (CA, ’13) has committed to Hiram College in Ohio on scholarship!

Jay is a good athlete  and a great person that has really come along nicely with his Long Snapping. He uses his strong body to create good speed and makes sure the his whole frame is involved in the snapping process.

Congratulations once again to Jay Angelici-Walsh!

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Rubio Long Snapper Matt Boggs (LA, ’13) Commits to TCU!

Rubio Long Snapper and TOP 12er Matt Boggs (LA, ’13) has committed to TCU as a preferred walk-on! This was his dream school for as long as he can remember so this was an easy decision for him.

Boggs is a tremendous Long Snapper and person. He is extremely smooth with his overall form and motion. He is definitely one of those Long Snapper that makes it look effortless. High academics and an all around student make him a great pick for TCU.

Boggs told me “Words cannot express how much I appreciate everything you have done for me.  I would never have gotten this far without your help!” Love to hear things like that from my Long Snappers.

Congratulations once again to Matt Boggs!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwA802XDvr4?rel=0&w=420&h=236]

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Happy Ranksgiving to the Class of 2014 Long Snappers from the NC & GA camps

The rankings are completed for the class of 2014 Long Snappers that participated in the Rubio Long Snapping Spring Nike Camp in NC & GA.

Be ready to see a new 5 Star Rubio Long Snapper…

KEY POINTS:

  • My rankings are NOT done just from the Target
  • My rankings are NOT done from some mathematical formula.
  • My rankings ARE done by me and only me. That is why I am at all my camps.
  • My rankings are based off of this blog I wrote about what makes a Long Snapper great.
  • If you would like anything added to your profile page, simply email me (Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com) the information and consider it done.
  • All Long Snappers are ranked after their first fall camp of their freshman year in high school.

A Long Snapper has the ability to adjust their ranking anytime I see them LIVE, not on video.

For the rankings for the class of 2014, please go HERE
Ranksgiving

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Rubio Long Snapper Kyle Renning (AZ, ’13) Commits to Northern Arizona!

Long time Rubio Long Snapper Kyle Renning has committed as a preferred walk-on to Northern Arizona!

This is a great moment for Kyle and his family as he will join his brother, Hayden (a Rubio Long Snapper who was Big Sky Conference All-Academic Team), at Northern Arizona. Also, both parents are alums of the school! To say they have  a history with the school might be just a tad of an understatement.

Kyle has come a long way with his snapping. He has transformed his body, his confidence and his form to truly be ready for the next level.

I am very proud of him. Congratulations to Kyle Renning!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4fNdWvlwng?rel=0&w=420&h=236]

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Happy Ranksgiving to the Class of 2013 Long Snappers from the NC & GA Camps

The rankings are completed for the class of 2013 Long Snappers that participated in the Rubio Long Snapping Spring Nike Camp in NC & GA.

Be ready to see a new 5 Star Rubio Long Snapper…

KEY POINTS:

  • My rankings are NOT done just from the Target
  • My rankings are NOT done from some mathematical formula.
  • My rankings ARE done by me and only me. That is why I am at all my camps.
  • My rankings are based off of this blog I wrote about what makes a Long Snapper great.
  • If you would like anything added to your profile page, simply email me (Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com) the information and consider it done.
  • All Long Snappers are ranked after their first fall camp of their freshman year in high school.

A Long Snapper has the ability to adjust their ranking anytime I see them LIVE, not on video.

For the rankings for the class of 2013, please go HERE
Ranksgiving

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Rubio Long Snapper Michael Morovick Earns Scholarship!

Long time Rubio Long Snapper Michael Morovick has been put on full scholarship at Oregon St.!

Michael is the second Morovick to come through the Rubio Long Snapping ranks to earn a full scholarship. His older brother, Danny, was the Long Snapper for the Washington Huskies from 2006-2009.

Morovick, a junior at Oregon St., is known for being quite possibly the most athletic Long Snapper in the Pac 12.

Congratulations once again to Michael Morovick!

Who’s next?

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Free Agent vs. Draft Pick, Does it Really Matter?

When players in the National Football League, join a team, many are signed as part of the draft. A draft pick occurs when NFL teams evaluate college players and offer them a position on the team within the 7 rounds of the Draft. Although it is the most known solution, it is not the only option and sometimes a team will decide to sign a player as a free agent.

Free agents are the players who are not drafted in the Draft to a specific team and have the freedom to sign a contract with any team. In many cases, the free agent is a player whose contract has expired or who has not yet signed a contract. Long Snappers in general are signed as free agents, either coming out of college or during their NFL career. Most specialists are signed as free agent, although it is becoming more common as of late to be drafted.

So, what’s better being a draft pick or a free agent?  When you look at it with a large lens there isn’t really a difference, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Just because a player is drafted, doesn’t guarantee them a spot on the 53 man roster. Most mid to late round draft picks definitely do not have much of an advantage over free agents. These players are evaluated throughout mini camps, off-season workouts and training camp in which they have equal chances to showcase their talents to make the team.

Every team is different in what they are looking for and will strategically draft and sign players accordingly. In the world of Long Snapping most Long Snappers are taken as free agents after the draft. This obviously doesn’t make a difference in regards the Long Snapper, because they make the team regardless if they have the talent to do so.

Keep an eye out after the Draft later this month to see which Rubio Long Snappers were signed as free agents.

#FullEmbrace

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Key Questions to Ask a College Coach

I have been getting a lot of emails, texts and calls about what to say to a college coach once you get a hold of them or they of you.  Some pretty basic questions to ask, but, I have to warn you, you might not like the “answers.”

Question you should ask but WON’T get a straight answer:

Player – Coach, are you recruiting anyone else at my position?

This is a great question but more likely than not, the coach will lie to you and say no one else. And, they have no reason to tell you. Think about it, would you be completely honest with a girl if you asked her to prom and she asked if there was anyone else you were considering asking? Didn’t think so.

Questions you should ask and NEED to get a straight answer: 

Player – Coach, if I am preferred walk-on, when exactly will I report to camp, does this include my admission to school and when exactly when will I be put on scholarship?

Major questions to ask and you definitely need to find out the answers. You want to be brought in asap and if you aren’t, you need to find out why. Most likely they have another guy they didn’t tell you about and this could be an issue moving forward. Next, you want to make sure it is very clear when you will be put on scholarship. Is it going to be right after your first start? Is it going to be a semester after your first start? Is it going to be when the senior graduates? Is it going to be one year after you start? Use the word exactly and find out the specifics with the coach. Don’t let them fluff an answer.

Question you want to ask but SHOULDN’T EVEN BOTHER expecting a straight answer:
Player – Coach, will you be there all four/five years I am in school?

The coach will answer YES but there is no way he is being completely honest with you. If something better coaching wise comes up, they are gone (and they should be…this is their job and their livelihood). Remember, never, ever choose a college based on the coach.

Authorities

 

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Do You Need Long Snapping Lessons?

EASILY, one of the most common questions I get is “Does my son need to come see you for a lesson?”

My answer is always it is completely up to you.

But, to clarify, let me explain it is like this: Let’s say you wash your car every couple weeks.  You will still want to have your car detailed once or twice a year to really, really get your ride in perfect condition.

Now adjust car to person and wash to snapping. Cleared up for you?

That is what I do, I get you (or your son) all polished up and ready for the world. And, when I do lessons, it is just as much, if not more, for the parents/guardians, as it is for the actual Long Snapper.

A private lesson with me is very much for the mental aspect of a Long Snapper. You would be surprised at how much a private lesson can benefit someone’s confidence and mentality.

For more information on lessons with me, email me at Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com

For more information on lessons with a Rubio Long Snapping staff member, possibly in your area, email Samantha@RubioLongSnapping.com

League of their Own

_________________________________________________________________

Chris-Rubio-2Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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So, You Didn’t Make the Underclassmen Invite Event Cut….Now What?

As you know, Chris Sailer and I sent out the invites to the Underclassmen Invite Event in CA yesterday. Many woke up happy today, while many were left wondering what happened.

The world is not ending. If you did not get invited, you can still prove yourself to us either at the remaining spring camps (NC, GA and even CA Prep) and, more importantly, at the 11th Annual National Snapping Spring Event in Las Vegas on May 4-5, 2013. Sailer and I will be choosing a couple deserving athletes from these locations.

Therefore, if you feel that you are deserving of being invited, prove it to us in either NC, GA, CA and/or VEGAS!

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Confused as to what this camp really is all about? Here you go:

Underclassmen Invite Event –
Date: June 29-30, 2013

Location: Sherman Oaks Notre Dame HS, CA

Description: This two day event is the first time that Chris Sailer Kicking and Rubio Long Snapping will be completely gearing a camps towards the athletes and their parents/guardians.  This camp is meant to not only get the athletes headed in the right direction in the beginning of their high school careers, but also the parents as well.  It will provide information regarding nutrition, social media, recruiting, film, education and, of course, on field instruction. This event is just as much for the parents/guardians as it is the athletes!

There will be formal meetings/classroom sessions on individual topics such as….

1. Training (what level is right for the underclassmen athlete, how often, proper techniques)

2. Nutrition and Lifting (Good habits, bad habits)

3. Social Media (Setting up and using the proper social media outlets – this has become a must)

4. Filming (proper angles, techniques, times, set up)

5. Education (the importance of it, standards, year by year plan)

College recruiting for Kickers, Punters and Long Snappers is finally getting where it needs to be.  Scholarships are being offered earlier and earlier each year.  Early exposure is necessary these days.  The Chris Sailer Kicking and Rubio Long Snapping Nike Underclassmen “Invite Only” Event is the perfect opportunity to make a name for yourself and solidify your national ranking at the perfect time.  The middle of the summer is now the time college coaches build their underclassmen lists.  You want to be on that list.  This camp will get you there.  It is also your first opportunity to prove that you are a “TOP 12” candidate in your class.  The camp is set for early July for a reason, college coaches asked us to do this.  They want the inside track early.  Don’t be surprised to see more and more underclassmen offered during the season in the near future.  

Camp Includes:
Instruction, Video Analysis, Recruiting Meeting, Parent Meetings, Competition, YouTube recruiting video, a Chris Sailer Kicking / Rubio Long Snapping shirt and a chance to be ranked with Chris Sailer Kicking / Rubio Long Snapping.

Who can attend: 
Kickers, Punters and Long Snappers that will be entering the 9th, 10th or 11th grade. This is an INVITE ONLY EVENT. You must be invited by Chris Sailer or Chris Rubio to attend.

How do you get invited:
1: Chris Rubio evaluation that shows you have college potential and/or commitment.
2: Recommendation  
3: Invitations will begin being sent out starting April 8   

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