LongSnapping – Page 15

A Long Snapping Fairy Tale

July 20, 2011 By Rubio

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away there was a man named Rubio. One Saturday, many moons ago, he was doing his usual which, of course, meant molding a youth or two into modern-day heroes, otherwise known as Long Snappers. As he concluded his session of enlightenment, he meandered off the field and noticed a confused, but eager child. This child, appeared to be around ten years old, was doing something that immediately caught Rubio’s eye. He was playing a good ol’ game of catch with his dad. No big deal? What was odd is that he was playing catch upside down and backward.

Rubio took a double take and couldn’t help but stare. Could there really be a random youth performing the glorious art of Long Snapping on his own just a mere hundred feet or so from the older gladiators o’snapping? Rubio stood and watched and watched and watched (side note: little creepy now that I think about it). The child was doing his best but was definitely beginning to get frustrated. He would drag the ball, launch a ball, wobble a ball. All the while, his father smiling and encouraging. Suddenly, Rubio found himself perusing towards the child. The youngin’ had just launched one over his father’s head and was becoming overwhelmed.

Rubio simply could not take any more of it. If this little rascal was willing and able, then gosh darn it, Rubio would have to make sure he knew what he was doing! There is no need for bad Long Snappers in the world you know.

Rubio got to the child while his father was about 15 yards back, turned around, picking up yet another wayward snap. The kid was flabbergasted with his snapping and a little shy to Rubio (double side note: I am pretty sure I would be too if I rolled up to me out of the blue when I was ten). Rubio explained to him who he was and what his job entailed. Right around this time, the father came back to see what was happening with his child and this random male. The father was a little taken back about the big, bald, man speaking to his son but quickly relaxed once Rubio explained the situation.

Conversation continued for a couple minutes and information was exchanged. Days went by and the father called Rubio to set up a lesson. The first sessions were interesting. The kid was very small, but willing to listen and had a very spunky attitude. Rubio loved his fire. The young Long Snapper was quiet but when he spoke, he sprayed venom. Rubio was enamored with his attitude.

Months passed. Years passed. The young Long Snapper’s form became impeccable. He went from the worst at a lesson, to someone Rubio could use as an example of what to look like to be perfect. He went from the young one, to the old one. He went from quiet and a follower, to vocal and a leader.

He grew. Maturity grabbed his body and threw him into manhood. His Long Snapping became dominant. He worked even harder and harder. He became more and more focused. He never backed down from a challenge and had no problem initiating one to prove his dominance. He was “there” with his Long Snapping.

This frustrated, small, reserved, quiet Long Snapper became one of the most dominant in Rubio Long Snapping history. Who is he?

Click HERE to see who this true story is about…….Will the next fairy tale be about you?

_________________________________________________________________

Rubio 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.

Filed Under: Deep Snapper, High School, Humor, Long Snapper, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: Chris Rubio, Fairy Tale, Long Snapping Story, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

In or Out?

July 13, 2011 By Rubio

When I was just a youngin’, I used to spend a good deal of time at my grandfather’s home during the summer (his antics have been mentioned at the end of this blog). While being “watched” by my grandfather and Macaw (mentioned in this blog), I used to spend a lot of time outside (they have a huge yard). After a bit of time, I would get hungry and thirsty (five mins after I started playing…remember I was large and embraced elastic) and want to roll back in. My grandpa, who was as deaf as you could be, would rage anytime he heard the door re-open.

Grandpa / Big Al

So, after one or two times, he would storm down from his upper living room and meander to the front door. He would stand at the door, looking like Big Al from the Country Bear Jamboree at Disneyland, stare down at me, and say “What the hell, Christopher!!! Either you are in or are you are out!!!” I would mumble a bit and say “Huh, what do you mean Grandpa?” His response was “Enough of all the noise (please remember, a bike could hear better than him). EITHER YOU ARE IN OR OUT!!!” And, right at that moment, I would have to make a decision that would last the rest of my life – or until lunch….Macaw was a softy:) Well, being a young boy and wanting to check out his massive yard (even had a creek!), I would say out. He would not bat an eye, shut the door, turn the knob and click….door was locked. Done. I was out and that was that.

Great story Rubio, but what’s the point? Like my Grandpa said to me at the door, I need to say to you right now. Are you in or are you out? Not necessarily being in regards to a house, but to your Long Snapping. Sit back and really think about yourself and your glorious craft. Are you in or or out with your snapping?

Are you just going through the motions and out? Does this sound familiar: showing up at a camp or two, snapping some average balls, acting like you don’t care if someone beats you in a competition, never doing any drills on your own, waiting for someone to ask you to snap?

Or….are you in? Coming prepared to each camp, snapping some great balls, always doing your drills (come on man, how hard is it…I have given you tons that you can do in an air-conditioned room!), begging people to catch your snaps and really, truly wanting to be the best Long Snapper in the country?

If you fit more into the first category, you might as well stop wasting my time, your time and your parent’s money. Like I always say, if you are going to do something, you might as well go full speed and do it right!

So, what is it? Are you in or out?

_________________________________________________________________

Filed Under: Article Archives, Humor, Long Snapper, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: Chris Rubio, Committed to Long Snapping, Grandparent Story, In or Out with Long Snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

An Open Letter to Parents

July 6, 2011 By Rubio

Been thinking about doing this one for awhile and just needed the right time of the year. Well, that time is upon us and here you go. This blog is going to be an open letter to parents of graduated senior Long Snappers.

Dear Parents,

You did it! You have produced an upstanding young man that also happens to be one of the best Long Snappers in the country. That is quite an accomplishment to say the least. I know the past couple years have been, let’s just say, interesting. Most likely you have gone through the “I don’t want to be seen with you” stage to the “I need to be seen with you for money and to borrow a car” stage to the “I actually don’t mind your presence that much and kinda enjoy hanging out with you” stage. Well done.

Now comes the hard part, letting them go. There is going to be a fine line in letting them really lead their lives to the fullest and being flat out absent. You need to be there for your child but don’t hold his hand. Guide from a distance is the best way to put it. Since you are a parent of a Long Snapper and Long Snappers play football, there is a pretty darn good shot your son is already heavily involved in the “voluntary” summer workouts. Your son will need you only for motivation right now. His life is going to be a cross between really fun (new place and new people) to really bad (summer workouts mean they push them as hard as possible knowing they have a couple months to be healed) and he is going to need a little push every once in awhile. Keep on him and don’t let him miss a workout. You don’t want him pissing the coach off this soon in his career. They are like me, they remember everything.

During season will be simple due to their schedule. They will be so busy, they won’t have time to miss you, their friends or their home-life. That is a good thing. Keep up with the calls and such. Send them a little treat every so often. Gift card, simple note, baked goods. Doesn’t have to be a big thing. Just something that shows them you are behind them and will always be there for them. They will love it and be the envy of others. Trust me.

Off-season is going to be very rough for them. They have no football (except conditioning – think summer time but worse since you have even more time to heal) so they will have a lot of free time on their hands. The free time is when they get into trouble with their thinking (too much of it which equals woe is me attitude and wishing for familiarity of home and past friends) and girls (too many of them and one will try to lock on…why wouldn’t they, your son is a Long Snapper!). Between January and May is the time when I would highly suggest a family trip out to the school if possible. He will need some family at this time, even if he doesn’t admit. Also, at this point, he should be acclimated enough to actually show you around and not look like a completely lost moron. Get him through this part of his first year and you should pretty safe the rest of the time. The rest of the time at school will be his second, third and fourth time through the process. This first year is the toughest. If you get to June and he is solid, you are sitting pretty.Do not let them transfer. It rarely works out. If they bring it up, shoot it down immediately. Do not let them fall behind on their grades, it is a rough road to get back on track. Do not let them come home every weekend, they need to spread their wings and learn to survive on their own. I don’t care how much they beg, don’t let them do it.

When it really starts to hit the fan, remember this and feel free to pass this along as it works for the parents and the kids: You are not the first person to go through this process and you definitely won’t be the last. If others can do it, so can you! I have used this phrase a ton in my life and I hope it can help you as well.

Rubio

_________________________________________________________________

Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Deep Snapper, Graduating, Graduation, High School, Long Snapper, Maturity, Parenting, Relationships Tagged With: Chris Rubio, Graduating Long Snappers, Graduation, Letting your Long Snapper Go, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Open Letter to Parents, parenting, Parents of Long Snappers, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Seniors

College Football Recruiting: Are You Dating, Engaged or Married?

June 29, 2011 By Rubio

Anyone that has even been a top tier athlete or involved with one, knows that recruiting is a wild ride. I have taken to this blog and described how recruiting basically occurs in waves and now I want to explain what happens when you actually do get recruited. The fact that you are reading this means that you are ahead of the game so I say well done to you. I decided to break it down in a pretty easy fashion so it is clear to anyone whether you are an athlete or just a casual observer. To me, when you are getting recruited, it is very similar to….

DATING – When you start getting recruited you are essentially just dating. When dating, you are not really locked down to one person and can play the field. Same with schools and coaches. You are not locked into them and they are not locked into you. You will look at other schools and they will look at other athletes. You would be ignorant not to and so would they. “Dating” in recruiting is when you really get to know the other person/coach/school. This is the time to ask a ton of questions, check out the environment and see if it is right for you. If the person/coach/school is right for you, than it is time to move onto getting…….

ENGAGED – You have found the one for you and you are ready to take it to the next level. You are ready to lock yourself in by verbally committing to a person/coach/school. When you verbally commit to a school before signing day you are essentially engaged to them. You are telling them I want you and only you just like a normal engagement to a person. And, just like a normal engagement, you do have an out. You have not signed on the dotted line (National Letter of Intent) and, therefore, are still not truly committed to them. You can back out of your engagement and, just like in real life, the other party will not be happy if you choose to do so. Committing and de-committing over and over is heavily frowned upon by schools, me and writers. It shows a lack of character at times and is not a good way to make yourself look like a stable human being. So, when you are really, really ready to take the next step you get……

MARRIED – You have dated, you have been engaged and now you want to commit…to the fullest extent. You are going to officially lock yourself into the person/coach/school by signing on the dotted line. Once you sign your National Letter of Intent, you are married. No pulling back now. You are committed to them and they are committed to you. Don’t even think about getting divorced/transferring as it is an uphill battle that rarely works out for the athlete. You lose a year of eligibility and many schools won’t take a chance on an athlete that has left somewhere else. Think about it, the school will immediately wonder why you left? are you a bad person? did you not get along with the coaches? did they not get along with you? why did it not work out for you? They will most likely contact the program you left to see what the deal was. Can you even imagine if new husbands or wives did that to ex’s….wow. That would get extremely ugly and it can for athletes and coaches as well.

Get married to your school and stay there. If you went through the process of dating, being engaged and did all your homework, your decision will suit you well for the future of your academic and athletic career.

_________________________________________________________________

102

Filed Under: Article Archives, Athlete, College, Deep Snapper, Recruiting Tagged With: Chris Rubio, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Recruiting Stages, Recruiting Waves, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

You’re a Long Snapper? That’s Not Even a Position!!!

June 22, 2011 By Rubio

If you are a Long Snapper or connected to one somehow (side note: if you aren’t, I double embrace you for reading this blog) you have undoubtedly heard a statement like the title or even worse before in your glorious upside down and backwards life. Imagine my world when I try to explain my job to someone….you know how many times I have heard, “Oh, I thought the center just did that”

The issue arises in how to deal with these people. The above person is just ignorant and just doesn’t grab the whole football concept. They should be simply dealt with by providing a quick explanation so they are enlightened and can now live a full life.

Those that are just plain mean and degrading should be dealt with differently. I like to handle them in two ways that I have found work well for me.

IGNORE THEM. Give a slight little you-are-a-moron-and-you-know-it smirk and a possible nod so they realize how lame they really are at this point in their life. This usually upsets them since they are not getting a rise out of you. If they continue and aren’t grasping the fact that they need help, I will let out a big, fake, over the top chuckle. Sometimes, I even throw in a good “woooo” while losing my breath and a knee slap to really lay it on thick.This person is very similar to the old elementary school scenario where the little boy likes the little girl so he hits her. He doesn’t know better and is simply looking for a response. No response equals him spreading out and moving onto the next person he likes/wants to harass. If the person continues to bother you, it is time to move onto the second option.
PLAY CATCH. I used to do this a good amount in college when the guys would give me a rough time (for some reason they were a little salty that my practice was only five minutes. Hey, not my fault Sailer and I could master our skill so darn quickly). Tell the joker to catch a snap if it is such a lame position. Play it up a bit, “Come on, if anyone can snap, than surely anyone should be able to catch a snap.” Now, put them at 8-10 yards. They will say it is too close. You say you aren’t warm. Focus on every single thing I have ever taught you and LET IT RAIN! If done properly, you should knock the wind out of them:) This is where they will try to do it and look like a idiot. Game over.

My grandpa (the stories I could tell you about this man would be amazing and have to be on cable) gave me some good advice for situations like this. Little background on him for reference:

Passed away almost 20 years ago.
Lived across the street from a golf course. Still drove there so people could see his monstrous Cadillac.
Cadillac, sans seat-belts in back, would have so much Armor All on seats that sitting in the back would be like being in a pinball machine since you would slide back and forth to crash into sides. Don’t worry, at least he would yell at you to stay still while you careened back and forth.
His method of parking was idling until he hit whatever was in front of him “That’s what bumpers are for you _______”
He taught me how to twirl spaghetti only three times on my fork….Me, “Why only three times grandpa?” Grandpa, “any more than that and you are an _______.” Appreciate the detailed explanation.

He said, “Christopher, when you find out that someone doesn’t like you it is one of the greatest days of your life.” Given, I asked why and he responded with “because as soon as you know someone doesn’t like you, you no longer have to be nice to that ________ and can move onto better people that are worth your time.” What great spray and advice that I have used countless times in my life.

Be proud of being a Long Snapper. Very few people in the world can actually do it and do it right. If anyone attempts to mock you with a comment such as…You are not athletic, It is not a real position, It doesn’t take talent, Anyone can do it, You’re technically not on the team, You are not a real football player, You don’t even matter…. realize they are just jealous and ignore them. Of course, if that doesn’t work, grab a ball and simply play a nice, little game of catch:)

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 14 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 1,000 Long Snappers earning full scholarships and preferred walk-on opportunities to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

1396

Filed Under: Article Archives, Humor, Long Snapper, Motivation Tagged With: Chris Rubio, Dealing with people that don't think Long Snapper is a real position, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

Are You Helping or Hindering Your Athlete?

May 24, 2011 By Rubio

There is a very simple, tiny little factor that can make a terrific athlete (Long Snapper in this case) an absolute disaster. It isn’t something you can touch, buy or even give to someone. It is a feeling and it is often brought about by a person that loves the athlete the most. The feeling is TENSION and the person(s) often inflicting it are the PARENTS.

Athletes can be tense from self inflicted pressure (rarely) or, more often than not, from an outside source (parent/guardian).

An athlete that is working, truly working (camps, lessons, doing drills on their own, watching film, etc) to become the best KNOWS what rides with each “step” they take in life. They know the implications, they know the ramifications and they know the factors that will enable them to reach their goals within their sport. They got it. Trust me, they know. They do need a little motivation now and again (notice I say motivation which means being positive and not negative) but they do not need to be harassed.

When a parent rides an athlete and nags them, they will make them tense. Very tense. Being tense is not the same as pressure. Pressure is something that every athlete, and person, will have to deal with in life. It is a given. Whether it is a game winning snap, a public speech, a deadline or making your paycheck stretch, you will experience some sort of pressure….so why would you want to add on to that pressure for your son/daughter with tension?

So, how do you know if your athlete is tense? How do you know if your athlete is really into his/her sport and doing it because THEY want to or because YOU want them to? Here are the two biggest ways I have noticed…..
1. Sit back and see who approaches who to get some practice in to get better. Are you asking THEM to get some work in or are they asking YOU? If you find yourself pressing the issue, you might want to pull back a bit. Odds are they are doing it for you, are stressed out and are filled with tension.
2. After each particular key play (a snap in this case) do they focus on what they are doing or do the immediately look up to see your reaction? If an athlete tends to look up immediately for approval from a parent, they are usually running very tense and will never be fully happy or succeed to their fullest extent.

So, what should you (a parent) do? Watch your kid in sports, let them see you NODDING in approval, let them hear you giving them PRAISE and being POSITIVE.

Or don’t.

The choice is yours.

I have been working with top athletes for over a decade and I have NEVER seen one perform better when they are tense. If you simply don’t have the ability to nod (side note: you seriously might want to work on that) I recommend just staying back a bit. Definitely come and support your child but just keep a good distance. Instead of watching from the sideline, watch from the top of the bleachers. Don’t even let your kid know where you are sitting. Spread out. You’ll still be able to see what is happening and relay back to them what you saw.

An athlete will ALWAYS excel at a higher level when they are confident and relaxed. There is enough pressure on them at the camps, competitions, events and games without someone else adding tension to the equation. Be supportive, not suffocating and watch the results skyrocket. No matter how independent a non-adult athlete feels they are, they will always follow your lead and feed off of you. Be worth following.

_________________________________________________________________

125

Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Deep Snapper, Football, High School, Long Snapper, Maturity, Motivation, Parenting, Recruiting, Relationships Tagged With: Chris Rubio, deep snap, deep snapper, deep snapping, deepsnap, deepsnapper, deepsnapping, Helping your Long Snapper, Hindering your Long Snapper, Long Snap, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnap, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, national recruits, nationally ranked long snapper, overbearing, parenting, Parents, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Tension

Rubio, Can You Give Me Some Pointers?

May 11, 2011 By Rubio

That is probably the most common question I receive through email, phone, Twitter and Facebook and the answer is, of course, YES!

But, I don’t.

Why? Cause life doesn’t work that way. Do you simply want an answer or do you want the right answer? Confused? Let me explain.

I could easily give you some cookie-cutter, plain Jane answer to appease you, but what good does that really do? If you want me to give you a specific answer and one that actually works, I need to see exactly what I am dealing with.

Think of it this way, would you call your mechanic and spray him about how bad your car is and how it needs to be fixed but then NOT bring it into them? No. You would get the car to them so they could see it, decipher the problem and rectify the situation.

The same goes with me. As soon as I see you live (video’s fine, but it is harder for me to explain unless you are right next to me. At that point, I know you’ll get it), I can fix your issues within a matter of seconds. Don’t get me wrong, I can easily give you some generic answer to make you feel better but it won’t make you better. Side note: those that give you a quick answer right off the bat, most likely don’t know what they are talking about and are just trying to make it look like they do.

I can fix any single problem you have with Long Snapping and I can do it quick. This is my job and I take it very, very seriously. You want to be more accurate, more consistent, snap faster, block better, etc? Check, check, check and check. No problem at all, but let me see you first. I want to make sure you are getting a correct answer the first time (as I am sure you do too).

Remember, there are no shortcuts to greatness. Rarely does someone just have an immediate knack for Long Snapping. Every single one of my top kids started the same way….not knowing what they are doing. They began slow, worked hard on their form, their mental attitude and Bam!, they now know what they are doing with their Long Snapping. They worked smart and not just hard. You can spend all day pushing on a door to get out of a room but if it says to pull you might want to re-evaluate your methods.

Kind of funny how Long Snapping is just like life, huh?

_________________________________________________________________

105

Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, Long Snapper Tagged With: Advice, Chris Rubio, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Pointers, Rubio long snapping

Rubio Long Snapper Reid Ferguson Receives Full Ride Offer

May 7, 2011 By Rubio

Long time Rubio Long Snapper Reid Ferguson (2012, GA) has been offered a full scholarship from San Diego St! Reid started his career with Rubio Long Snapping at the beginning of his freshman year in high school and has been dominating ever since.

Reid is someone that has worked extremely hard for what he has earned within his football career. His form is darn near flawless and his large frame enables him to snap an absolute rocket. He plays for a powerhouse in Georgia so he is used to the spotlight and definitely seems to be his best when the pressure is on. Here is a clip of him at the 9th Annual Event in Las Vegas:

If Reid decides on San Diego St. he would be taking over for former #1 Rubio Long Snapper Aaron Brewer and would be coached by Tony White who is a former teammate of Rubio from UCLA back in the day.

Congratulations again to Reid Ferguson!UPDATE: Reid has also earned offers from Tennessee and LSU!

NEW UPDATE 6/20: Reid has committed to LSU!

_________________________________________________________________

Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Deep Snapper, Exposure, Long Snapper, Motivation, Recruiting, scholarship Tagged With: Chris Rubio, Full Ride, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, LSU, Reid Ferguson, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, San Diego State, Scholarship, Tennessee

The People I See on My Travels – 5

May 6, 2011 By Rubio

If you are a regular reader of my blog (well done by the way), you have to be a little bit excited by this post simply by the title. You know that I am about to report on one of the “humans” that I encounter on my travels. This post will be different. I will not be mocking someone that clearly deserves it. Side note: don’t judge me for judging…you know darn well all those people deserved what they got. I will actually be completely embracing someone. Seriously, I will. And, after this post, I bet you do too.

Let me introduce you to Mr-I-Am-The-Coolest-Cat-This-Year-And-The-Past-Eighty…(face not blurred because I am hoping someone knows this guy to high five him)

Please let the R on the bag mean he is a long lost Rubio

I saw this gentleman (given, he gets that title right off the bat from me) on a flight from Salt Lake to Dallas. We were both in first class. I was upgraded due to the ridiculous amount of flights I embark on and he was undoubtedly begged by the airlines to fly with them due to his coolness. He sits down a row in front and to my left. I stared. I stared some more. Here is what I saw:

A pink/salmon/peach blazer (with matching tie) that was pressed to the highest extent possible. A naval Sargent would have been happy with the smoothness on this thing.
Enough jewelry to make Liberace and Mr. T drool. Somehow, he made it look classy and not gaudy. Fantastic.
Some sort of shiny alligator type shoe that was so polished you could easily see your reflection.
Matching his shoes, of course, an alligator type briefcase that was equally as shiny. My assumption is four bottles of Armor All were used daily on that baby.
A monogram on his sleeve that read “God’s Gift.” I am not even kidding. What a soldier. One has to believe that is a label many a lady has bestowed upon him and that it’s simply his title now.
A fedora. Do I really even need to talk about how cool you are if you are sporting a fedora? Indiana Jones and this guy. Done.

He never made eye contact with me on the three hour flight or I would have made conversation. I would’ve had to spray him to simply tell him just how cool he was.

He strolled off the plane, given he didn’t walk like an average person, and stayed just long enough for me to catch him in action. As you can tell, he is looking right me and probably not even shocked that someone was taking his photo. God knows it is probably a daily occurrence for this cat.

RUBIO

_________________________________________________________________

Filed Under: Article Archives, Humor Tagged With: Airport, Chris Rubio, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, traveling with Rubio, Travels

You

May 3, 2011 By Rubio

Why you? Why not you? Do you think you can do it or do you doubt yourself?

There are many reasons the best athletes are the best. One of the key factors is that they know they are. Nothing stops them. Tell them they can’t do something and they will go out of their way to prove you wrong.

How many times has someone told you that you can’t do something?

You are too small.
You are too heavy.
You are too slow.
You can’t get a scholarship.
You can’t snap in the .7s.
You can’t be accurate.
You can’t snap AND block.
You can’t go to college.
You can’t make the pros.
You don’t have the drive.
You don’t have the flexibility.

You don’t have the grades.
You don’t have the ability.
You don’t have “it”

Or do you?

Prove the world wrong today. Prove….them….wrong. Go out, with confidence, and dominate others. Control your future and do it now.

I KNOW you can do it………………Do you?

_________________________________________________________________

Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, Long Snapper, Motivation Tagged With: Chris Rubio, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Why Not You, Why You, You

The Parent Trap….

April 27, 2011 By Rubio

How much should parents be involved with their son and his Long Snapping career is a very touchy issue and I am going to tread lightly. A lot of it depends on the relationship between the kid and the parent. If you are laughing right now as a parent or the Long Snapper and asking, “What relationship?” let me reassure you of this….

For the Long Snappers – your parents actually were teenagers at one point in their life. They actually have gone through some of the same things you have encountered. True, it may not have been Long Snapping, but other situations can correlate to give them a very similar experience. Your parent(s) just want to be treated with respect and like an adult.

For the Parents – your kid(s) will get through this. It/They can be trying, but it is what it is. Like I always say, you have one teenager and I have hundreds. I see a a lot of teenagers per year. I see them all over the country and they are all pretty similar. Your kid(s) just want to be treated with respect and like an adult.

As for how a parent should handle the issue of dealing with college coaches, here is the best way to think about it so you can relate…..

When you were dating your future husband/wife, did you want to go out with their parents or with them?

You wanted to go out with your date and not their parents. Same with the coaches. They want to deal with the Long Snapper and not you. Sure you can assist (similar to a parent giving their kid a couple bucks for a date or advising them of a solid restaurant to go to) but let the Long Snapper take the lead. They speak to coaches, not you. The coach will be with the kid for the next four years and need to see their personality and not yours. Trust me when I tell you, an overbearing parent can crush a young man’s chances with a school.

Hope this helps.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 32162805_1690368751039248_6661371560290418688_o.jpg

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 15 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 1,000 Long Snappers earning full scholarships and preferred walk-on opportunities to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

314

Filed Under: Article Archives, Athlete, Coaches, College, Parenting Tagged With: long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Parents, Parents involvement with football players, Relationships, Rubio long snapping

10 Steps to Making a Great Highlight Tape for a Long Snapper

April 22, 2011 By Rubio

One of the most common questions I get is always about extended highlight tapes. Everyone wants to know about content, length, set up and delivery. Here is my answer in a quick and easy format.

Please note: you could easily just use the highlight tapes that I make for you at all Rubio Long Snapping camps as well if you’d like. Benefit: they are verified by me.

1. Your highlight tape should be available online on YouTube.

Reason: YouTube NEVER goes down. It is able to be seen on EVERYTHING (computer, cell, tablet). I know many schools use Hudl but Hudl doesn’t always work on all devices.

2. Your highlight tape should have an intro (you spraying the basics – name, school, contact info, my contact info) and printed contact info on a screen or two.

Reason: A coach will want to make sure you are not a moron. Blunt, but completely true. You don’t have to recite a soliloquy but they should be able to tell you have a pulse. They will also want to know who to contact (you, your email, possible cell, my name and info, school, HS coach and his info). That is it. No need to put other nonsense (speeds, maxes and such as you are probably just lying anyway). You will want to put my info so they can you use me as a credible source. Some randoms info is going to be worthless to you as a coach won’t trust them. They will want someone that will be dead honest with them….hint, hint: me.

3. Your highlight tape should be a heavy majority of punts and NOT pats.

Reason: A monkey can do a pat. They aren’t that big a deal. The speed of the punt is what they are going to want to see. Ratio should be about 95% punts & the views should be from a front/side angle and total side view. They will want to see if there is an arch (arch = usually needs more speed). Please note: put your best snaps first!!! If you don’t catch their interest right off the bat, you are done.

4. Your highlight tape should show live snaps and practice footage.

Reason: Game footage is obvious and I always recommend to have some practice snaps because it lets them see your body without pads. Also, it will allow them to see your form and you blocking (yes, you need to put those) a bit clearer and, if you can do it, you can put running tape on of some snaps. That is a huge win. Plus, if you have been to some quality camps, you are most likely better now than you were during the season. Improvement is a good thing.

5. Your highlight tape should be between three and ten minutes.

Reason: Your audience will be males. Males lose focus quickly. You don’t grab their attention pretty quick and you are going to have a huge loss on your plate. The only way I approve of a longer highlight tape if it is just ridiculously good (you’ll see what I mean at the end of this blog).

6. Your highlight tape should have no sound after you speak. NO MUSIC or RANDOM SPRAY

Reason: It is incredibly annoying and it just gets muted anyway. Trust me, I see hundreds per year and none of them have had the volume turned up. Please note: no one has actually had the guts to put on some silky smooth sounds of Lou Rawls or Teddy P so that might be the reason for immediate muting.
Reason: No one wants to hear a mom yelling, dad cheering, grandma hitting someone with her cane (sorry, flashback) or any words written (.71 for 15 yards!). They, a coach, won’t even look at it and will just end up calling someone they can trust to get a time.

7. Your highlight tape does NOT need to be done by world class professionals. A couple of the best ones I have viewed were done on pretty cheap standard video cameras.

Reason: audience is males and they want a bottom line. It doesn’t have to be Avatar.

8. Your highlight tape should focus on Long Snapping. Sounds basic enough, but you’d be surprised.

Reason: You want them to know how great a Long Snapper you are first and foremost. If you are going to show them highlights of another position or sport, they better be just that…HIGHLIGHTS. You want them to see something extraordinary, not just ordinary and it should be placed after your Long Snapping portion.

9. Your highlight tape should be edited well. Meaning, not a lot of wasted time on it. Example: waiting for thirty seconds on each snap while the punter remembers when to move his hands to be ready for your glorious snap or watching the returner run for a touchdown.

Reason: Again, your audience is males and they have short attention sp…..hey, look at that bird….just kidding, but you get my point…I hope.

10. Your highlight tape should be reviewed by someone who knows what the college coaches will want.

Reason: Simple, you want them to be pleased right off the bat and not wanting more or less.

Here are examples of a couple great ones….

Hope this helps and I look forward to a plethora of great highlight tapes….finally:)
_________________________________________________________________

699

Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, High School, Long Snapper, Motivation, Recruiting Tagged With: Bryce Haynes, highlight tape, Highlight Tape format, Highlight Tapes, Highlight Videos, long snapper, long snapping, Long Snapping Camp, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Making a Highlight Tape, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Scott Thompson

Rubio Long Snapper Daly Commits!

April 16, 2011 By Rubio

Rubio Long Snapper Scott Daly (2012, IL) has made his decision and committed to Notre Dame! He was offered this morning by Notre Dame Head Coach Kelly before ND’s Spring Game. Scott committed immediately as Notre Dame has always been his dream school. He was previously offered immediately after the 9th Annual National Event in Las Vegas by Northwestern.

Scott is the youngest Long Snapper to ever be offered (January of his junior year in high school) and commit (April of his junior year in high school). The previous record holder was Christian Yount of UCLA/NFL and Chase Gorham of Arizona who both were offered in May of their junior years.

Scott is a unique story as he originally came out to a Rubio Long Snapping camp as a baseball player that just wanted to sample Long Snapping. After his first camp, I advised him and his mother to trust me and focus on Long Snapping. He had the tools but just had no idea what he was doing. If he was willing to work, he could make a name for himself. Love it when I am right and a kid with potential WORKS his tail off. Daly is a great person, Long Snapper and his success is well deserved.

_________________________________________________________________

Filed Under: Article Archives, Athlete, College, Deep Snapper, Football, Long Snapper, Motivation, Recruiting Tagged With: Chris Rubio, Commitment, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Notre Dame, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Scott Daly

Meet the “TOP 12” Long Snappers!

April 14, 2011 By Rubio

Going to Vegas in January for underclassmen Long Snappers means several things: seeing what all of the commotion is about, doing your absolute best, getting your ranking solidified, watching in awe at the top seniors that you have read so much about and, of course, making the exclusive TOP 12 list! The TOP 12 is chosen from underclassmen in January and they are simply the best of the best in January. They are the ones that snap the hardest, the most accurate, have the best blocking and are able to handle the pressure of the entire weekend. You make this list and you are on way to greatness….if you keep working as hard as you did to make it. The TOP 12 Long Snappers of January will be listed below and get the most exposure possible. They are invited to exclusive TOP 12 and EVENT ELITE camp this summer. You are only allowed to attend this camp if you prove yourself at one of our Vegas Events (January or May). Therefore, in May, I will be choosing the EVENT ELITE. They will be the best of the best in May and combine with the TOP 12 during the summer for the invite only camp. Some simply aren’t ready for January Vegas and need May to make a name for themselves. This happens. I know it. One particular instance would be Jonathan Weeks. He came in January, was not ready, worked his tail off and came back to dominate May. FYI: Jonathan Weeks in now doing this for his job. Side note: after reading his bio on that page, try to figure out what special teams camp the coach found out about him:) Think about this….come this summer…will you be reading daily about the TOP 12 and EVENT ELITE camp this summer or will you be participating? MAKE IT HAPPEN. ENOUGH EXCUSES. See you in May. PROVE YOURSELF!!! With no further adieu, here are your TOP 12 Long Snappers of 2011….. All information in this article is current as of April, 2011. Click on each individual players names for more information. Chris Fitzpatrick High School: Anderson County

State: KY

Graduating Class: 2012

Position: Long Snapper Current National Rubio Long Snapping Ranking: #5

Height: 6-1

Weight: 235

GPA: 3.5

SAT / ACT:

Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. LSU 2. Purdue 3. Boston College 4. Northwestern 5. Western Kentucky

Hobbies: 1. Weightlifting 2. Fishing 3. Cooking

Chris Says: “My dedication of always trying to improve my long snapping abilities makes me the best Long Snapper in the country.” Chris Rubio Says: “Fitzpatrick has grown a great deal with his body and his Long Snapping. Has transformed into one of the top Long Snappers in the country. Very, very solid speed that dips into .7s quite often. Very accurate and moves well for being so big. At this pace, he might be a five star by May Vegas. Keep a very close eye on this long time Rubio Long Snapper.” Cory Cheadle High School: Hilton Head Christian Academy

State: SC

Graduating Class: 2012

Position: Long Snapper Current National Rubio Long Snapping Ranking: #4

Height: 6-3.5

Weight: 255

GPA: 2.85

SAT / ACT: 1360

Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Clemson 2. Auburn 3. Alabama 4. Tennessee 5. Maryland

Hobbies: 1. Fishing 2. Gofing 3. Boating

Cory Says: “My ability to snap well under extreme pressure is what makes me the best Long Snapper in the country. ” Chris Rubio Says: “Cheadle continues to impress me. Blocks very well, incredible flexibilty, solid personality and body, and he has the ability to snap the ball rocket fast. Cheadle continues to woo me with his overall snapping ability. Even under a bit of pain, he is doing well. Watch this one. I fully expect May Vegas to be his welcome party into the 5 star club.”Grant Meersand High School: Mira Costa

State: CA

Graduating Class: 2012

Position: Long Snapper Current National Rubio Long Snapping Ranking: #3

Height: 6-1

Weight: 218 GPA: 3.3

SAT / ACT:

Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Colorado 2. UCLA 3. Northwestern 4. Arizona St 5. LSU

Hobbies: 1. Playing football 2. Paddle Boarding 3. Hanging at the beach with friends

Grant Says: “I am the most consistent and can handle pressure better than any other person in the country and that makes me the best Long Snapper in the country. ” Chris Rubio Says: “Grant handles pressure as well as anyone in the country. The bigger and stronger he gets, the better he is. Easily one of the best forms around on a Long Snapper. Darn near flawless and picture perfect. Blocking is very solid. Speed improves every week. Very, very solid Long Snapper right now.”Jeff Overbaugh

High School: Service

State: AK

Graduating Class: 2012

Position: Long Snapper Current National Rubio Long Snapping Ranking: #6

Height: 6-1

Weight: 235 GPA: 3.5

SAT / ACT:

Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Michigan 2. UNLV 3. WSU 4. Oregon St 5. LSU

Hobbies: 1. Downhill Skiing 2. Sea Kayaking 3. River Rafting

Jeff Says: “My proven ability to snap fast and accurately and block well in two Play Off/State Championships as well as the Tanoa Bowl Classic (Alaska vs Washington) makes me the best Long Snapper in the country.”

Chris Rubio Says: “Overbaugh is very fluid and smooth. Starting to look effortless. Very strong. Blocking and speed of the ball will really bump him up the rankings board. Love his confidence. Definitely looked like a man on a mission in Vegas. Once he stops thinking and really lets the ball go he will be amazing.” Kyle Ashby

High School: Brazoswood

State: TX

Graduating Class: 2012

Position: Long Snapper Current National Rubio Long Snapping Ranking: #8

Height: 6-0

Weight: 240 GPA: 3.7

SAT / ACT:

Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Oklahoma 2. Missouri 3. Stanford 4. Texas A&M 5. La Tech

Hobbies: 1. Activiites with Church youth people 2. Hunting/Fishing 3. Working out on Long Snapping

Kyle Says: “My Accuracy, Consistency, Smooth, Tight Spiral, and the best work ethic of anyone in the country makes me the best Long Snapper in the country.”

Chris Rubio Says: “Ashby is really coming into his own. He has turned himself into a terrific young Long Snapper. Very, very smooth. Love to catch his snaps. Almost fall into your hands. Great spiral and his frame is terrific. One of the most accurate within his class. Once he gets his body really involved and trusts his form, he will be top 5 and move closer to the elusive 5 star rating. Very solid Long Snapper.” Matt Cincotta

High School: Charlotte Catholic

State: NC

Graduating Class: 2012

Position: Long Snapper Current National Rubio Long Snapping Ranking: #14

Height: 6-1

Weight: 195 GPA: 3.74

SAT / ACT: 1090

Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Notre Dame 2. Duke 3. Wake Forest 4. Va Tech 5. Virginia

Hobbies: 1. Target Shooting 2. Basketball 3. Golf

Matt Says: “I am the best Long Snapping in the country because I offer the combination of a consistent long snapper with the quickness, speed, and athleticism of a linebacker.”

Chris Rubio Says: “Cincotta is making the turn to greatness. Ball has always been fast and on target but he had an issue with his spiral. Left hand used to move a tad which caused the spiral to disappear. Well that problem is almost completely gone which is great for him and terrible for the other Long Snappers ahead of him. The more size and muscle he gets, the better he will be. Watch this one!” Patrick Gerrits

High School: Wellington

State: FL

Graduating Class: 2012

Position: Long Snapper Current National Rubio Long Snapping Ranking: #9

Height: 6-2

Weight: 222 GPA: 3.3

SAT / ACT:

Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Villanova 2. Tennessee 3. Va Tech 4. La Tech 5. Purdue

Hobbies: 1. Building Robotics 2. Traveling 3. Collecting historical swords

Patrick Says: “I am the best Long Snapping in the country because I am consist, accurate, focused, and always improving are four words that I feel describe myself best. In the last two years I have consistently snapped over 100 times without a single blocked punt in a game. Under the most pressure situations I stay consistent, accurate and focused. Every day I try to find ways to improve, and every year I find that I Improve in some way, for example my blocking and snapping speed have increased significantly over the past year.”

Chris Rubio Says: “Patrick is one of the smoothest Long Snappers in the country. Does well under pressure and RARELY misses. The bigger and stronger he gets, the better he will be. Almost looks like he is not even trying when he snaps he is so fluid. Pretty soon he is going to realize how good he and his form are and he is going to just let the ball go and then watch! Great kid and personality. Blocking continues to improve.” Reid Ferguson

High School: Buford

State: GA

Graduating Class: 2012

Position: Long Snapper Current National Rubio Long Snapping Ranking: #2

Height: 6-2

Weight: 240 GPA: 3.7

SAT / ACT: 1550

Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. LSU 2. Tennessee 3. North Carolina 4. Florida St. 5. South Florida

Hobbies: 1. Playing football (preferably Long Snapping) 2. Spending quality time with friends and family 3. Watching movies and eating

Reid Says: “The attribute about me that makes me the best Long Snapper in the Country in my work ethic. I am willing to do anything to be the best at what I do. Especially if you give me a challenge, I will go above and beyond to try and reach that goal.”

Chris Rubio Says: “Reid is ready right now for the next level. Terrific frame, speed and accuracy. Blocks very well. Can’t say enough good things about him. Been a true student of Long Snapping for quite some time and it has paid off.” Scott Daly High School: Downers Grove South

State: IL

Graduating Class: 2012

Position: Long Snapper Current National Rubio Long Snapping Ranking: #1

Height: 6-3

Weight: 235 GPA: 3.0

SAT / ACT:

Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Northwestern 2. Notre Dame 3. Stanford 4. Michigan St. 5. Iowa

Hobbies: 1. Working out 2. Golfing 3. Traveling with my family

Scott Says: “I am the best Long Snapper in the country because I have a phenomenal work ethic. I’m teachable and I never feel I have learned enough. I always strive to become better and I prepare myself so that I can only get better.”

Chris Rubio Says: “Daly is a machine. Went from average with potential to the most dominant Long Snapper in his class in one year. Works like a horse and built like one too. Kid is beyond smooth and fast. He is a no brainer scholarship Long Snapper. Continues to dominate. Ball explodes out of his hands. Beyond fast. Almost shocking. Very, very smooth Long Snapper. Body is excellent. Very athletic.” Scott Sypniewski

High School: Marquette Academy

State: IL

Graduating Class: 2013

Position: Long Snapper Current National Rubio Long Snapping Ranking: #2

Height: 6-1

Weight: 215 GPA: 3.4

SAT / ACT:

Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Michigan 2. Western Michigan 3. Nebraska 4. Illinois 5. Oregon

Hobbies: 1. Working out and becoming better 2. Hanging with friends 3. Playing sports

Scott Says: “I am the best Long Snapper in the country because I dont let anyone out work me.”

Chris Rubio Says: “Sypniewski is growing with his body and snapping. This Long Snapper is just flat out great…..ALREADY! Very, very smooth and accurate. Needs a tad more pop to really pick up his speed (which is already excellent for his age). Great snapper and person. ” Trent Frix

High School: Calhoun

State: GA

Graduating Class: 2012

Position: Long Snapper Current National Rubio Long Snapping Ranking: #7

Height: 6-0

Weight: 190 GPA: 4.0

SAT / ACT: 1030

Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. LSU 2. Tennesee 3. Georgia 4. UAB 5. Alabama

Hobbies: 1. Hunting 2. Fishing 3. Hiking

Trent Says: “I believe I am one of the best long snapper in the nation because I have been the starting long snapper on my varsity high school team for the three years I have been in high school. I also started at outside linebacker this past year and have also played receiver and running back during my high school career. During the time I have been in high school we have went to the Georgia state championship three years in a row and have an overall record of 40-4. I have also started the past two years at center field on our baseball team which won the state championship in 2010. I have also been practicing on my long snapping and competing in camps since I was in the 6th grade. I think that my overall athleticism, experience, and work ethic separates me from the other long snappers and makes me one of the best in the nation.”

Chris Rubio Says: “Frix is going to be great. He already is beyond good. VERY athletic and strong. Hands are like rockets. Body is solid and getting better by the day. Form needs a couple quick tweeks but looks as though he is definitely headed in the right direction. Blocks well and runs even better. Watch this one.” William Eads

High School: Hoover

State: AL

Graduating Class: 2012

Position: Long Snapper Current National Rubio Long Snapping Ranking: #13

Height: 6-0

Weight: 202 GPA: 3.65

SAT / ACT: 23

Top 5 Colleges Choices: 1. Alabama 2. Ole Miss 3. Mississippi St 4. Wake Forest 5. Florida St

Hobbies: 1. Fishing 2. Golfing 3. Hanging out with friends

William Says: “I believe I am one of the best long snapper in the nation because I have experience blocking in games and I came through for my team in many clutch situations throughout the last season.”

Chris Rubio Says: “Eads has really grown into his body. Oozing confidence, which I love, and is snapping is benefiting. Body is getting bigger and stronger and his snaps are quick. Blocking is coming along. His form is absolutely fantastic. When he gets all the way back and lets it go, he is amazing. The bigger he gets, the better he is going to be simply because his form is so darn solid.”

Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Rubio has been featured in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the USA Today, Deadspin and countless other publications. 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 14 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 1,000 Long Snappers earning full scholarships and preferred walk-on opportunities to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

Filed Under: Article Archives, Athlete, Deep Snapper, Exposure, High School, Long Snapper, Motivation, TOP 12 Tagged With: Chris Fitzpatrick, Chris Rubio, Corey Cheadle, Grant Meersand, Jeff Overbaugh, Kyle Ashby, long snapper, long snapping, Long Snapping Camps, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Matt Cincotta, Patrick Gerrits, Reid Ferguson, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Scott Daly, Scott Sypniewski, TOP 12, TOP 12 Camp, Trent Frix, William Eads

How Can Twitter Benefit You?

April 11, 2011 By Rubio

Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a big advocate of Twitter. I was hesitant at first (most are since it is a relatively new concept out in the world) but I have jumped in with two feet and I am wholeheartedly behind it. I see major benefits for everyone involved and I even created a step-by-step basic instruction manual to set up your own account (come back to this later when you set yours up). The benefits are immense, but the basics you need to embrace are….. Mass Text Messaging – That is pretty much all Twitter is….if done correctly. People are always asking me to send a certain message to their son:

an inspirational quote (Good morning. #QOTD! “For success, attitude is equally as important as ability”)
a blog
a picture of perfect form
a personal video clip of a Long Snapper
a funny message (You know your wife is 8 months pregnant when….she says, w/ a straight face, “yeah, I think I’m just gonna have Samoas for dinner tonight”)
my protest of the day (#ProtestOTD! Guy at gym w/ full on massive stereo headphones. Ease down buddy. You are going to tip over & u look like Princess Leia)

With Twitter, it is simple. You can actually set up yours and their cell phone to follow me and receive a text message when I put out a message (that link I provided about 18 lines up will show you how to do this).

Searching Topics – On the Twitter site, you can easily search any topic you want (hint, hint: Long Snapper) and find out any time someone has mentioned that particular subject. This can be huge for finding articles about topics that interest you (hint, hint: Long Snapping).


Example of my Twitter page. Notice search option on bottom right corner

Information – You can follow anyone that has a Twitter account and see the stuff they want you to see. This is a great for a Long Snapper that wants to know about a certain school, conference, coach, player. Most, if not all, of them will have a Twitter account and will post inside info about news, camps, pictures, etc. For instance, I follow @JeremyCrabtree (ESPN), @BrandonHuffman (Scout.com) for breaking news on recruits (by breaking, I mean the instant it happens…with Twitter, if set up correctly, yet again, refer to my step-by-step sheet, you will know the second it gets posted without having to check Google). Personalities – This is a great advantage of Twitter for me. I get to follow certain people (hint, hint: Rubio Long Snappers….there are many with an account), see what they are like in the real world and even have met some interesting cats. Coaches will want a Long Snapper that has a personality. As one D1 Coach told me, “Rubio, I’m going to have to spend a lot of time with this guy, so he better not just be a robot.” Two people that I would reference would be The Purdue Long Snappers. @FinchMachine and @Ballinger.

@FinchMachine Twitter Bio: I can’t dance but I can longsnap. Who am I kidding? Of course I can dance.

@Ballinger (great stache) Twitter Bio: just your average joe who also happens to long snap trying to make it and stuff

These are two guys that I never would have known without Twitter. Here is how our relationship started….a Twitter fairytale if you will…..

They had heard of me through long time Chris Sailer Kicking student Carson Wiggs (he is Purdue’s kicker and, let’s be honest, basically only does well because his snappers are so solid and because he knows Sailer).
They started following me on Twitter to see what I would say next. Word is they were a tad shocked at some of my spray. Embrace.
Sprayed me a message or two (easily done on Twitter)
I checked them out on Twitter and found out they were very funny (please note: they are in college so their stuff does toe the line a bit but it shows their personality and I embrace)
Done

Bottom line, as a Rubio Long Snapping parent told me, everyone should have a Twitter account and follow @RubioSnapping for these reasons: 1. Keeps me informed as a parent what is going on with all things related to long snapping…your camps, current events, recruiting, etc. 2. Fun to track what you are doing and what is going on with my sons’ peers. 3. Good educational information on long snapping…

Looking forward to receiving an email from Twitter letting me know you are following me:)

Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world, Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, Exposure, Long Snapper, Maturity, Recruiting, Twitter Tagged With: Benefits of Twitter, Chris Rubio, Guide to Twitter, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Social Media, Twitter

Only So Many Days….

April 5, 2011 By Rubio

You only have so many seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years to make things happen in your life. Whether it’s traveling the world, writing a book, finding that right job or even meeting that perfect someone…your time is limited. If you are looking to be an elite athlete, Long Snapper of course, you’re time frame has just dropped significantly. Your window is considerably less and the time needs to be taken much more seriously. In the drive of life, you will be rolling by that window of opportunity at 100 mph and you need to make sure you open your eyes, heart and mind fully to take full advantage of it. Today is a day. A Tuesday to be exact. Just like many others. But I have to ask…..

How are you going to make it different?

How are you going to improve?

How are you going to show the coach there is NO DOUBT you deserve that starting spot in the Fall?

How are you going to separate yourself from those clawing at your heels in the rankings?

How are you going to improve to catch that Long Snapper ahead of you that you think you are better than BUT have not proven it to me yet? How are you getting ready for the Spring Event in Vegas this May? How are you getting mentally ready for the challenges of Vegas to ensure you grab a TOP 12/EVENT ELITE spot? Please notice how I have used the word you so frequently. This piece is about you getting up and making yourself better. Not mommy or daddy. Not your coach. Not your tutor. Not even me. YOU need to pick yourself up and get the work done. Like I always say, you will be the one snapping the ball. Focus up and let’s go. Now pause. I want you to picture yourself getting better, making yourself better, leaving no doubt…dominating. Now make it happen.

Filed Under: Article Archives, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: Chris Rubio, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Time, Time Management

What is Grayshirting?

April 4, 2011 By Rubio

It pains me to say this, but it is true so I must. Long Snappers are usually the last to get recruited. Please take a moment to catch your breath and pick up all of the things you just threw in rage.

Since we are often so late to the dinner table of scholarship winners (of course, there are your exceptions that dominate early) coaches will often do whatever they can to get us a seat. This is where gray shirting comes in. According to NCAA.org, grayshirting is:

“Gray shirting” is a term used in the recruiting process to describe situations in which a student-athlete delays initial enrollment in a collegiate institution to the winter or spring term after the traditional academic year begins. Students who “gray shirt” often use the fall to take classes part time or choose not to enroll in college at all. “Gray shirting” is not a formal designation by the NCAA or the National Letter of Intent program. If you are interested in “gray shirting” and signing a National Letter of Intent, it is important to review the applicable NLI provisions and to be aware of the informal nature of this commitment.

Let me bottom line it for you, a school will want you to gray shirt if they have filled up all of their spots for their current recruiting class. That way they can bump you to the next class of recruits.Still hazy? Let me use an example. Say your uber athletic son is a Long Snapper (given) and he is in the class of 2012. He is outstanding and being heavily recruited because he has been coached well. All of a sudden a certain school makes a big move on him (trips, handwritten letters, phone calls from special teams coach and/or head coach). They want your son and they want to sign him on the dotted line (actually cant do that until Feb of his senior year, but work with me). The problem is they have already offered eleventeen position players (qbs, receivers, running backs, etc) and they are out of scholarships. What to do, what to do? Simple: gray shirt. They will now ask if this is something you are interested in. Your son would now, essentially, be their first recruit for the class of 2013. He would graduate like normal for his senior year (May/June) but wouldn’t report to his college until January (most report right after graduation if on scholarship to get some extra classes in and to do the “volunteer” workouts over the summer). I have had a couple of my kids (kids = my Long Snappers) do this and it does work…..with the right person. One of the more notable ones is Christian Yount of UCLA/Pro. He decided to gray shirt, instead of take the normal route, because UCLA really, really wanted him (well done) and he wanted to go there (as he should). It worked for both parties. There are some definite advantages and disadvantages. Here they are, in my opinion:

DISADVANTAGES:

Time off. Your son may think it is the best thing in the world that he will technically have off from graduation until he reports. That could be a nightmare for him and you. Imagine a six month long summer where he has no responsibility. Exactly.
Emotions. Many kids that do this have a tough time being the top dog (recruitment, newspapers, etc) to someone who is forgot about for six months. No football for some for that long of a time can be very difficult.
Staying in the groove of school. How many times have you heard someone say I am just going to take a semester off to get refreshed and then I am coming back full speed? I think we know the ending of that story nine times out of ten. School and football are usually a good thing for a kid since it gives them a routine. Get them off that routine and oh man.
Identity. Sometimes it takes some time for a Long Snapper to adapt to which class he essentially is in when he does report. Is he with his original class of 2012’s (all his age and grad year) or is he with the class he will be signed with (2013, younger but will do all the meetings with)?

ADVANTAGES:

Time off. It can be a good thing to let your body heal and really get ready for when you report. The coaches will expect you to be perfect (as they do with any Long Snapper of mine they are bringing in mind you….focus up). High School football can take a major toll on the body. Some coaches are just insane with their lengths of practices and that can be taxing on the old chassis.
Socially. You will have to adapt to being able not be a full on football player right off the bat. After speaking with Christian, he said this was huge for him as it forced him to socialize with non-football players while the team was traveling (hint, hint: girls)
School. If you do this and have some money available, the best thing is to actually enroll in classes (can’t be a full load) at the school you will be attending. This way you can get a major jump on the rest of the kids in your class (2013 at this point) and you should EASILY be able to graduate on time, and if worked correctly, should be able to get your Masters on their dime. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
School again. Say the money is not obtainable, you can still take JC classes local to you as long as it is not a full load. More units for you to walk into college with. Win.
School again again. Getting there a bit early and not having to deal with football right off the bat, can really make a difference in getting comfortable with the workload. Anyone that has played a sport and gone to school at the same time can tell you it can be quite daunting. Doing a gray shirt gives you training wheels for the first quarter or two since you don’t have football to get in your way.
Maturity. You will have to get into the mature groove very quickly with the schooling system. You won’t have the football program to help you here. You will have to set up your classes and you usually won’t have tutors at your side until you are officially with the team (January)
Injury. Say you do get injured, you still have your redshirt year in your back pocket. Side note, if you gray shirt and redshirt, you better get your Masters or I won’t talk to you ever again…especially since they are paying for it!
Coaches. They will love you even more if you actually do end up doing this and going in early (basically with the rest of the 2012 class) but just don’t do any activities with them as a team. You would have to be very self-motivated and responsible (welcome to being an adult, suck it up!). You would be able to work out and be on the field with the guys…..just not at the exact official times as the team. For instance, the team works out from 4-6 pm and you would have to work out from 2-4. Coaches love this dedication and trust me they notice.

Bottom line, gray shirting is something that can work IF done by the right person. It can definitely be brought up to a coach as another way for you to become a player on their team and become another dominant Rubio Long Snapper in college.

117

Filed Under: Article Archives, Coaches, College, Eligibility, Freshman, Graduating, Graduation, Recruiting Tagged With: Chris Rubio, Grayshirting, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, recruiting, Recruitment, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

Hand Placement for Long Snapping

March 29, 2011 By Rubio

There is an age-old argument in regards to Long Snappers and where their hands should be placed on the ball.

“You have to hold it like this!”

“You have to cup the football with your dominant hand”

“Your thumb and index finger need to be almost touching”

“Your non-dominant hand needs to form an L”

“You need to have all of your dominant fingers touching”

“Your thumb needs to be on the seam”

“Your non-dominant index finger needs to be on the seam”

“Blah blah blah”

Cue Charlie Brown teacher again.

Let me ask you a couple quick questions just to crush all of the above statements….

1) If every Long Snapper’s hands had to be the EXACT same way to be a great snap, then how is it possible that every Long Snapper in high school, college and the pro does not have the exact same grip? (Rubio comes out swinging baby!) Answer: they don’t.

2) How is it possible to have all Long Snappers have the same grip on the football when everyone’s hands are not the exact same dimensions nor hold the same character traits? For instance, my hands are huge with very long fingers that spread extremely wide (think 180 degrees from thumb to pinky…..go ahead and try it….I will pause). Should I force someone with tiny paws to have the same grip? Answers: It isn’t and nope.

My paw on the bottom and a Rubio Long Snapper’s (2013) on top.

At this point, you are either embracing and are having an epiphany (what a great word) or are upset with me since I just demolished your theory. Either way, you are probably saying, “Ok Rubio, so what’s the proper way to hold the ball when snapping? My answer: there really isn’t one.

I pulled up some pictures of several very dominant college and pro Long Snappers. Look hard at them. I want you to notice one thing: not one of them has exactly the same grip and they were all instructed by me at some point. The closer you look, the more you will notice the little differences.

You might see them and say “Come on Rubio, there is barely any difference!” But let me remind you that being a Long Snapper means dealing with a very small surface area (football), any slight adjustment or variation on that area conveys a completely different feel and will result in a completely different outcome (ball trajectory, spiral, placement, etc). Compare it to a car and it’s “area”….just the slightest movement within it and everything feels different (imagine driving from the passenger seat…you could do it, but man would it be different). Now imagine if that car was the size of a football. An inch adjustment would mean you are now driving from the trunk.

Therefore, I am a firm believer in doing what comes natural to you. Hold the ball with your dominant hand the way you would throw a pass like a quarterback. Remember, like I always say, a Long Snapper is just a quarterback that is upside down and going the wrong way? So, go ahead and snap like it that.

What about the non-dominant hand you ask? Well, this one can be a tad trickier. I taught myself and I have my left middle finger right on the seam. Why? It felt comfortable and it was easy for me to remember where to put my hand. Not a lot of scientific reasoning for you on that one. It worked, and I embraced it. Done.

As I have continuously worked with Long Snappers over the past decade I have noticed that many can’t do that grip because of hand size or lack thereof. It seems that most like to embrace a split of the seam between their non-dominant index and middle finger. Hey, whatever floats your boat. I don’t care, just get the ball back there fast and put it on the hip. If you are getting the final product right, why would I adjust you?

Breathe. I don’t want you getting all stressed about this topic. No need. Your grip is not a deal breaker. It is just something that starts the process and it can be done hundreds of different ways. Here is the best part about this whole discussion: there is no right answer or way. Snapping, essentially, is not how you are holding the ball but how it is released and how you are using the rest of your body. It is a very small step in the entire process of a perfect snap and becoming a great Long Snapper. Plain and simple.

Still confused? Looks like I will see you at a camp or a lesson in the very near future where I guarantee I can explain my theory.

3175

Filed Under: Article Archives, Long Snapper Tagged With: Hand Placement, how to hold the ball when Long Snapping, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping

Talent

March 25, 2011 By Rubio

Just woke up with Long Snapping on my mind. Happens quite a bit as you can imagine. Almost always good thoughts and ideas, but every once in awhile something will creep into my dome and upset me. This thought was one that woke me and wouldn’t allow me to fall back asleep with a smile on my face.

I just recently received a message from a parent that one of my Long Snappers has decided to “retire” from Long Snapping. It happens. I know this. Long Snapping is not for everyone. I get it and I completely understand. I would never want someone to do something they are not really happy with in life.

HOWEVER, it drives me crazy when I think back to some of my Long Snappers that have “retired” simply because they were met with a challenge and couldn’t stand up to it. I think back to many that I have had that hung it up and wasted all of their talent as they came to a new bridge to climb over. They didn’t cross the bridge. They got to the edge, looked at it, turned back around and headed for easy street.

Not everything in life worth doing is on easy street. The sooner you figure that out (talking to all of my Long Snappers right now), the better you will be in every aspect of your life.

Things getting a little tougher? Suck it up. You are fine. Whenever I get stuck in a very difficult situation in life I always think of this statement: Am I the first person to be doing this? If the answer is no, then I am pretty darn sure I can do it. And I do! I use that little statement continuously in everything I come across (from playing football, to going through hell week, to graduating, to finding a job, to getting married, to having kids, to having my wisdom teeth removed, to flying for hours at a time, to making deadlines, to simply getting out of bed sometimes).

As some point in your life you need to realize how much talent you really do possess. You need to realize that if someone else can do it, that you also can do it and, for the love of all that is holy, you can do it better. What is stopping you? YOU?! Get up and go. Get it done. Do your drills. Do your homework. Eat your food. Don’t eat your food. Be a human being that people want to respect and hang out with….for good reasons. Enough excuses.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TALENT! If for any reason alone, you will upset me:) Now go have a great day. Make today better than yesterday. Go!

_________________________________________________________________

Filed Under: Article Archives, Athlete, Athletics, Long Snapper, Motivation Tagged With: do not give up, do not waste your talent, giving up, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, obstacles, push yourself, retire from long snapping, Rubio long snapping, talent, use your talent

What to do…What to do…..

March 22, 2011 By Rubio

Recently, I have had some conversations through text with some of my college Long Snappers and it brought up a very common problem. Therefore, I shall now spray. See if you can relate…..

Rubio Long Snapper “My head coach comes up to me at spring ball this morning and tells me I do the exact same thing every time before I get set. He said I was like a pitcher. Given it took everything in me not to ask if he would want his pitcher to throw balls or strikes?”

Rubio Long Snapper “My coach told me to do something that I know is completely off from what you have taught me…..help”

Sound familiar? If you have been Long Snapping for more than 18 seconds in your career I can almost guarantee that someone, usually a coach, has spoken to you about your snapping. And, usually, that spray will completely counter what someone with knowledge has told you prior about Long Snapping (you should be nodding your head right now). So, one would wonder, how do I respond to such person?….especially if it is someone that can control my fate a little (playing time, making sure you get a college letter, etc).

Here is what I used to do: nod my head, with respect of course, and pretend they were Charlie Brown’s teacher (remember to click on the blue or you lose a lot of what I am saying here).

I came to the realization early on in my snapping adventure that not many know about the wonderful art of Long Snapping. That is obvious with most any conversation you have with the average Joe. However, I’m smart (given, since I am a Long Snapper) and I knew I didn’t want to disrespect and/or upset the coach that was in charge of who would be starting in the game so I simply nodded and listened to exactly what they were telling me to do. I would even go as far as actually practicing what they told me to do in front of them. Key phrase: in front of them (one must not look like a complete moron at all times while doing some outlandish drill a person of authority thinks will get you better even though they have never snapped a ball a day in their life).

Then, when it was live, I would do exactly as I was properly taught (side note: you remember how I was taught, right) and the ball would zip back there. It was great to watch how happy the coaches were that their method worked (wink, wink)! Shhhh, don’t tell them that you actually really just went back to what was already working or did a new way that I taught you. They will just care that the ball is back into the punter’s/holder’s hands. They will not be able to see the intricacies of the actual snap so don’t over stress about it.

Bottom line, you are going to have to deal with difficult people your entire life and you need to realize how to handle them. They will never go away and it won’t always be about Long Snapping. Trust me, if it was life would be a whole heck of a lot easier.

_________________________________________________________________

Filed Under: Article Archives, Athlete, Coaches, Deep Snapper, Football, Long Snapper, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: dealing with others, difficult people, Handling People, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, my coach told me to do something, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

A Long Snapping Fairy Tale

In or Out?

An Open Letter to Parents

College Football Recruiting: Are You Dating, Engaged or Married?

You’re a Long Snapper? That’s Not Even a Position!!!

Are You Helping or Hindering Your Athlete?

Rubio, Can You Give Me Some Pointers?

Rubio Long Snapper Reid Ferguson Receives Full Ride Offer

The People I See on My Travels – 5

You

The Parent Trap….

10 Steps to Making a Great Highlight Tape for a Long Snapper

Rubio Long Snapper Daly Commits!

Meet the “TOP 12” Long Snappers!

Only So Many Days….

What is Grayshirting?

Hand Placement for Long Snapping

Talent

What to do…What to do…..

Translator

Featured Posts

FASTEST 40 YARD DASH RESULTS from VEGAS XLIII

TOP RSI SCORES from VEGAS XLIII

The Idaho Experience – Others Things to Do While in Town

Rubio Long Snappers in College Bowl Games – 2023/24

2024 Summer Camps

TEN Years Later and TONS to be Thankful For….

Review of Texas Fall Camp 2023

The Chris Rubio Award

Review of the CA Fall Camp (10/22/23)

Review of GA Fall Camp (10/15/23)

Recent Posts

Follow me on Facebook

Categories

Archives

Pages

Recent Posts