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You are a Long Snapper if…..

August 3, 2011 By
I deal with Long Snappers. Lots and lots of Long Snappers. To say I know them well is the understatement of the year. In the past couple of weeks on Twitter, I have been spraying about certain “personality traits” I have noticed amongst my Long Snappers. One particular comment set the Long Snapping world into a tizzy. This wonderful, and true statement, was:
 
 “A true Long Snapper can’t do a head first slide, climb a fence and/or do a proper somersault.”
 
Given, many o’Long Snapper has disagreed with me and said they, in fact, could do all three (please note: I have not seen one do all three AND have actually witnessed a top tier Long Snapper cut himself, on his belly, attempting to climb a fence).
 
Needless to say, I have been creating a list (couple have been put on Twitter) that I am certain will be continuously updated (feel free to add your own on this blog’s comment section). Here you go. Enjoy:
 
You are a Long Snapper if…
·     you can’t grab a football without immediately placing your hands on it the way you snap
·     you have waited for a significant amount of time for an elevator instead of just taking the stairs
·     you have burned your mouth on pizza, yet continued to eat the pizza
·     you tend to over-think things
·     you have thrown up from eating too much.
·     you have ever searched and searched for a chair simply so you can sit down instead of standing while working
·     you have a ton of female friends (and usually end up with the hottest one as your lady friend)
·     you have blacked out from eating too much
·     you have spilled on your shirt and proceeded to lick it up rather than use a napkin
·     you are a phenomenal dancer
·     you are always tugging at your shirt to pull it away from your belly/chest (this one is a flat out epidemic amongst Long Snappers)
·     you are smart – if you weren’t, you’d be a kicker:)
·     you have tried to hide a “good ball” at a camp so no one else would use it.
·     you like ranch dressing….on everything.
·     you have tried to snap other objects besides a football (rocks, pine cones, children, etc)
·     you have the ability to power through a brain freeze to not waste a good Slurpee
·     you have entered a belly flop contest.
·     you can throw as good, if not better, spiral than your starting quarterback
·     you think you can punt
·     you tend to walk very slow
·     you have more knowledge about Long Snapping than your head coach and, odds are, so do your parents
·     you are superstitious
·     you have responded to a waitress with the word “Yes” when she asks what type of cheese you would like on your burger.
·     you have the air conditioning in your car always turned on
·     you immediately sit in a car and point the vents directly at you showing complete disregard for all other occupants.
·     you have never ordered anything less than a large…in anything.
·     you tend to scratch your stomach a lot (side note: a true, true Long Snapper has been know to let his scratching get carried away and has been seen with a finger in his belly button at times and, yes, they will always smell it)
·     you don’t realize how heavy you actually breathe and often tend to grunt
·     you have raged while watching a football game on TV because they didn’t show the snap.
·     you have snapped a ball at a party
·     and last, but certainly not least, you have used being a Long Snapper as a pick up line with the ladies_________________________________________________________________

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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Filed Under: Article Archives, Athlete, Deep Snapper, Humor, Long Snapper Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Two Rubio Long Snappers Signed as Free Agents

July 26, 2011 By

The NFL lockout officially ended on Monday morning and two long time Rubio Long Snappers were picked up almost immediately! Congratulations go out to Corey Adams of Kansas St and Christian Yount of UCLA. I have known and trained both of them for over 6 years and I can tell you that you simply won’t find two better and more loyal guys. How highly do I think of these two fine young gentleman? Put it this way, they were on a very short list that were invited to my wedding.

Here is some background on both….

Corey Adams played his high school football at a very small school outside of Denver, CO called Lewis Palmer HS. He was the first player ever offered a scholarship from there to play football (side note: well done to Kansas St). He was a TOP 12 member and the number one Long Snapper in his graduating class (2007). He went his entire four years at Kansas St without a single bad snap. Corey has helped out at the January and May Vegas Events for the past four years and has always done a terrific job.

Fun Fact: It was actually a little tricky making Corey’s high school highlight tape as his punter was too scared to catch his fast snaps. The punter was often caught on tape backing up to 18 yards or simply dropping them.

Check out this newscast of Corey in high school and look for a great cameo in it!

Christian Yount played his high school football at Tesoro HS in Coto de Caza, CA. He started snapping simply to get a spot on the bus (double side note: nice life changing decision). He was a TOP 12 member and the number one Long Snapper in his graduating class (2006). He was the first Long Snapper to ever be offered a full scholarship his junior year in high school. He grayshirted at UCLA and was a two time Playboy All-American (triple side note: he was also the first winner of the award).
 Fun Fact: Christian once had a football coach tell him that Long Snapping was a bad idea, he was wasting his time and they don’t give out scholarships for just that position. That guy was obviously like Nostradamus as Christian was the only one on his HS team to receive a full ride and he seems to have done pretty well for himself.

 
Best of luck to these two and I look forward to writing many more of these blogs about future Rubio Long Snappers headed to the NFL….will the next one be about you?

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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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Filed Under: Article Archives, Long Snapper, Motivation, NFL Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

A Long Snapping Fairy Tale

July 20, 2011 By

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?

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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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Filed Under: Deep Snapper, High School, Humor, Long Snapper, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: , , , , , ,

In or Out?

July 13, 2011 By
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?

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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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Filed Under: Article Archives, Humor, Long Snapper, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

An Open Letter to Parents

July 6, 2011 By

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

 

Rubio Professional

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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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Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Deep Snapper, Graduating, Graduation, High School, Long Snapper, Maturity, Parenting, Relationships Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

June 29, 2011 By
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.

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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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Filed Under: Article Archives, Athlete, College, Deep Snapper, Recruiting Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

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

June 22, 2011 By

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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:)

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.

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Humor, Long Snapper, Motivation Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

How to Speak to a College Coach

June 15, 2011 By
The expression “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” is never more prevalent than when you introduce yourself to a college coach. From the second they see you, they are eyeballing you up and down to see what you are made of from the bottom of your feet to the top of head. You remember that scene in the movie Madagascar (come on, don’t act tough, you know you have watched it) when the lion sees the zebra as just a giant steak?
Welcome to your world of college recruiting. Side note: you aren’t the lion. 
Don’t blame the coaches, I would do the same thing. Their job/pay is based on how they recruit and how well those that they recruited do within their program. If you turn off a coach right off the bat, it is hard to get back into their graces. Here is how to start off on the right foot……
  1. Stand tall. In football, size matters. Plain and simple. When you are about to approach a coach, breathe in. It makes you look taller. Careful, there is a fine line between breathing in to look a tad taller and breathing in and looking like a complete idiot that is trying too hard. Example: look at 99% of the kids in a high school football program and their head shot. You know how they are leaning back and trying to make their neck look fat and thicker? Really, really lame since everyone at the upper levels knows that trick and mocks it.
  2. Look the coach DIRECTLY in their eyes. I mean directly. Almost piercing. Look right through him as though you are in no way intimidated by them. They will respect you for your confidence.
  3. Shake it to break it. A hand shake is one of the things that will immediately separate you from the pack. Coaches are former football players and football players are usually strong. They will not have a weak grip and will judge someone who does. Open your paw, reach out and engulf their hand. Hold it until he relinquishes and keep your eyes on his eyes the entire time. Don’t look down to where it looks like you are surprised you have such a great hand shake. Do the exact same thing to the women you meet on your trips, but just hold off on the pressure a tad. No need to crush their hand but you also don’t want to do the finger grab thing. You aren’t on the set of the Titanic so knock off the pomp and circumstance.
  4. Little on the thin side? Wear thermals on the top and bottom. You won’t look like you have toothpicks for legs and you will look thick throughout your whole frame.
  5. Wear appropriate clothing. A collared shirt is always acceptable. Don’t look sloppy. If you are going for the rahah angle, wear the appropriate school’s gear. For instance, and this may seem like a no-brainer, but, unfortunately it is not, if you are going to visit say Alabama, don’t wear a Auburn sweatshirt. That is just ignorant and shows no respect for the coach or the school.
  6. Don’t fidget. After you gave a good shake and you are standing tall, keep your paws to your side or on your hips. Do not put them in your pockets or pick at your hands. In pockets, conveys you are hiding something and picking is a distraction and will take the coach’s attention away from your whole body and only to your nervous habit. 
  7. Speak slowly. I know you are nervous. They know you are nervous. When someone is nervous, they tend to speak a lot quicker. Slow down and speak clearly. For instance, when you tell them your name and where you are from you need to realize that is something you have said a zillion times and almost have a pattern. They wont know the pattern or be familiar with your distinct name and hometown. To avoid a back and forth game of “huh” and “what” just slow down.

There you go. You are now prepared to speak to a college coach. Now, get focused on your grades, your body and your form to make your dream of getting to the next level a reality. 

___________________________________________________________________

Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Rubio has been featured in 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 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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Filed Under: Article Archives, Coaches, College, Recruiting Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Are You a Rubio Long Snapper?

June 10, 2011 By
Often on my Twitter, I will reference someone as a Rubio Long Snapper. One would think a Rubio Long Snapper is someone that simply has attended my camps and/or lessons. Not true at all. There is a criteria and not everyone makes the cut. You think you are a Rubio Long Snapper. Let’s see…..a Rubio Long Snapper is…..
  1. someone that wants to get better. You are not at a camp or a lesson simply to go through the motions. You want to be the best and won’t stop until you get there.
  2. someone that is willing to listen and I mean really listen. I am not talking simply nodding your head when I speak to you. That is ignorant since you won’t even allow yourself to learn and I can spot it a mile away. It is actually insulting and is remembered by me when a coach wants to know what type of person a particular Long Snapper is. A college coach will want to have someone on their team that is coachable and not just going through the motions. I can see it a mile away, they can see it a state away.
  3. someone that will trust me. Getting into a Long Snapping position is not always the easiest, most flattering or most comfortable but it will get you to perfect form. Suck it up. You are fine and it will pay off. Trust me.
  4. someone that is out to have a good time. Don’t get me wrong, I want all of my Long Snappers to get better….and they will. But, they will also have a good time. I am major believer in the fact that an athlete will do better when they are relaxed and not filled with tension as I have previously stated within my blog.Think about it, have you ever noticed that my top Long Snappers are always smiling and having a great time? One has to wonder: are they smiling because they are good OR are they good because they are smiling?
  5. someone that knows when to turn it on and off. This goes for having a good time and being competitive. I want you to win and I want you to dominate but I want to realize our position. One of the best things about being a Long Snapper is that is done within about five seconds. You need to be mentally focused and ready for five seconds. Not hours. We are not playing chess or solving cancer….we are snapping a dead animal fast. This is not rocket science. Do not treat it as such. There is no need to be ultra aggressive and a practice hero all the time. Focus, snap, relax. Focus, snap, relax. Take a deep breath and enjoy life. Things could be worse. You could be a kicker:)
  6. someone who is supportive of other Rubio Long Snappers. Yes, you want to be the best and destroy others for the five seconds you are snapping the ball but as soon as that five seconds is over, you should be supportive of your “opponent.” Long Snapping is an interesting little position because the only person you are really going against is you! Your competitor has literally no affect on you (side note: if he does, you need to stop focusing on him and focus simply on yourself)
Recently, I was uploading all of the videos from the 9th Annual National Kicking and Snapping Spring Event and noticed something very interesting. I must have viewed thousands of clips but it was actually the very last one that really caught my eye and inspired this blog. Within the clip, I saw the epitome of a Rubio Long Snapper. Here is a little background on the one minute and twenty-nine second clip I want you to watch: black shirt is Josh Antol out of CA and green shirt is Kelly Mason out of IL. They both outlasted 100 Long Snappers to get to this point, the Finals Round where the winner earns free camps for one full year! The clip is actually the very last snap of the entire weekend. Watch the film and then continue reading….
The best part about this film is not the wonderful form of both snappers (pat on my back), not the speed (pat), not the accuracy (pat pat), not the crowd, not the cameras clicking like it is going out of style or even the woman yelling in the background.
To me, the best part part of the entire life-changing film is at precisely 1:24. At that exact moment,  you see Josh Antol (the second place finisher) and Scott Daly (sitting down in front, the #1 in the class of 2012 and already committed to Notre Dame) immediately go directly to Kelly to congratulate him with an embrace. Antol could have pouted and stormed off. Daly could have thought he was better than the whole process and not even been there. They listened to get their bodies to this point, the competed, they had fun, they respected one another and they were supportive all within minutes. What Antol and Daly did at 1:24 is, by far, the most impressive thing I saw that entire weekend.
Those are Rubio Long Snappers.

Are you one?

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, Long Snapper, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: , , , , ,

How to Choose The Right College

June 3, 2011 By
So you finally finish your junior year of high school and are really starting to focus on the next step of your life….college.  Choosing the right college for you (and only you) is a major decision and should not be taken lightly. Like they say, college is “four for forty” meaning it is a four year experience that will affect you for the next forty….better choose wisely.
Here are my thoughts on how to pick the right school for my Long Snappers:

  1. NEVER, ever, ever choose a school based on the coach. Yeah, yeah, yeah I know he loves you and has been so nice to you and his 3rd grade daughter absolutely loves her elementary school and he and his wife just redecorated the house and blah, blah, blah. That coach gets a better offer and he is gone. Gone. I was at UCLA for five years and had only ONE coach finish with me that started with me. Shocking? Actually quite common. With coaches leaving for greener pastures and other issues, stay clear of choosing a school simply for a coach.
  2. Make sure your choice is a school that you could see yourself attending if you did not play football. God forbid you get injured or a coach leaves which makes you sad (refer to #1), you should be able to handle your school sans football. Football only swallows your time for certain months of the year. When season is over, you will need to be able to find yourself on the campus and the community and be happy.
  3. Remember where you are from and what you are used to. Make sure you understand that the USA is a very different place state by state. Whether it be the climate (humidity), types of people (polite or rude), restaurants (Five Guys) or even customs (y’all). America is a vast place and if you are not familiar with your surroundings it can be a shell shock that will make you want to head back home…..which you do not want.
    I am not saying you shouldn’t go out and explore or move away. I embrace something new for my guys. I am just saying you should understand what moving away entails. Think ahead so you don’t have to move back. Yet again, you don’t want that within your college career.

    Take your time with your college decision. It is something that will have a great deal of affect on you for a long, long time. You will meet a ton of interesting people and might even end up working with them. Nah, that couldn’t happen…could it?

Sailer and I at UCLA circa 1997 dominating the kicking and snapping world
Sailer and I at 9th Annual Event in 2011 dominating the kicking and snapping world

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Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Graduating, High School, Long Snapper, Maturity, Recruiting Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Are You Helping or Hindering Your Athlete?

May 24, 2011 By

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.

_________________________________________________________________

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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Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Deep Snapper, Football, High School, Long Snapper, Maturity, Motivation, Parenting, Recruiting, Relationships Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Difference Between a Walk-On, a Preferred Walk-On and a Full Scholarship

May 16, 2011 By
Easily one of the most common issues I deal with since I work with Long Snappers. Unfortunately, some schools still don’t embrace putting a top quality Long Snapper on full scholarship and are locked onto the preferred walk-on option for their specialists. Let me explain the differences to clarify for you….
WALK-ON
A flat out, standard walk-on is a student that has been admitted to the school, the coaches have no idea about and he simply wants to try out for the team. Tryouts are usually held in the spring time right before a team’s Spring Ball. They are usually run by a lower tier coach or even a GA (graduate assistant). Tryouts can last anywhere from a couple of minutes to a week and will cover a ton of athletic aspects and then your respective position. It is often like in high school when a coach had too many players tryout and he would just make everyone run for the first couple days simply to weed out who could and couldn’t handle it. If you can handle the nonsense at the beginning, they will give you a shot at your position but you better be absolutely terrific for them to bring you on the team. Why? Bottom line, they will kind of look like an idiot for having this gem sitting right under their noses and they didn’t even know it. Ever see those people on those antique shows that have their great grandpas old boots or something and it turns out they are worth a ton of cash? You scream out “What kind of moron doesn’t know they have something that valuable right in front of them after all these years?” FYI: coaches don’t like to be thought of as a moron.
It is VERY hard to make the team and this fashion. In all my time at UCLA, I don’t recall one ever making it. If you are going for the angle at a school that you have been admitted to for academics I wish you the best of luck as you are going to need it. Going in blind (not contacting the coach at all) leaves you behind a major 8 ball.
PREFERRED WALK-ON
This is a very common anecdote for a coach with a Long Snapper, as they know the full rides are few and far between. A Preferred Walk-On is an athlete that IS recruited by the school and is offered a spot on the team. Usually they are told and/or it is known, that the athlete will be placed on full scholarship as soon as he starts. The Preferred Walk-On will, depending on the team, get treated exactly like a full scholarship athlete but they just don’t get things (books, food, dorm, school, etc) paid for. Plain and simple. Couple key points about a Preferred Walk-On are….
·     Finding out when you are reporting. This is a pretty big one. If the school really wants you and respects you, you will be brought in early with all of the scholarship athletes. Usually     early August. D1 schools are only allowed to bring in 105 early. You want to be on that list.
·     Knowing the coach will always try to replace you. I was a preferred walk-on at UCLA and was a solid starter for three years in a row to several All-Americans. Good credentials, right? Yup. I was put on full scholarship and guess what? They still would bring in at least two Long Snappers each year to try and beat me out. Why? Why not? They would also try to have me coach other guys on the team (linebackers and tight ends) how to snap so I didn’t have to take a travel spot and they could just do a double duty. Two for one basically. Given, I am not ignorant and didn’t teach those guys a darn thing about how to snap. “Ok, guys, here is how you will take my job” Nice try.
·     Not all schools are created equal with their Preferred Walk-Ons. UCLA was great when I was there with all of their athletes. I was treated as an equal and embraced. I have heard of some schools making their Preferred Walk-Ons feel like second class citizens by having them share lockers, not giving them a number, or just making things rough for them. Ask other preferred walk-ons at that school to see what the vibe is. They will be deadly honest with you as where others may not.
FULL SCHOLARSHIP You are a stud. You have received the rare honor (only 85 per team in D1 athletics and the same in lower divisions but they can be split up in percentages) of obtaining a full scholarship to a university. Some lucky school is going to pay for your education and you will earn a degree on their dime. Huge, huge win. Work hard and make sure you don’t waste their money. They are investing in you and they will want a return on their investment. Bottom line, play like a soldier and do your job as expected. Keep your nose clean and represent your university well. Like they say, you will play for four years but will represent your university for at least the next forty.
To summarize, imagine the school as your parents. If you are a full scholarship athlete, they are flat out handing you the keys to the car. If you are a preferred walk-on, they are holding the keys out in front of you while they keep walking away from you. You can get them but you are going to have to work to get them from their grasp. If you are a walk on, your parents hid the car keys and gave you Ray Charles to help you find them. 
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 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.

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Athlete, College, Deep Snapper, Featured Posts, N.C.A.A., Recruiting, scholarship Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rubio, Can You Give Me Some Pointers?

May 11, 2011 By

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?
signature

 

Rubio_Card_frontMAGNET
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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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Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, Long Snapper Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Rubio Long Snapper Reid Ferguson Receives Full Ride Offer

May 7, 2011 By

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!

_________________________________________________________________

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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Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Deep Snapper, Exposure, Long Snapper, Motivation, Recruiting, scholarship Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The People I See on My Travels – 5

May 6, 2011 By
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:
  1. 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.
  2. Enough jewelry to make Liberace and Mr. T drool. Somehow, he made it look classy and not gaudy. Fantastic.
  3. Some sort of shiny alligator type shoe that was so polished you could easily see your reflection.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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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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Filed Under: Article Archives, Humor Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

You

May 3, 2011 By
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?

_________________________________________________________________

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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Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, Long Snapper, Motivation Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Now What?

April 28, 2011 By

When I see a Long Snapper go to college & not play, it makes me wonder if they worked as hard when they GOT THERE as they did TO GET THERE

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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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Filed Under: Article Archives, Athlete, Athletics, College, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: , , , ,

The Parent Trap….

April 27, 2011 By

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.

 

 

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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 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.

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Athlete, Coaches, College, Parenting Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The People I See on My Travels – 4

April 25, 2011 By

Another airport, another person to marvel at.

The setting is DFW (Dallas Fort Worth Airport for you non-travelers). I’m scrambling through the airport searching for my flight. I get to my gate and I see the check-in desk, the ticket-taker person, chairs that people are sitting in, a big open area that people walk through in order to get to check-in desk and/or ticket-taker AND Mr. I-Really-Really-Want-People-To-Notice-Me (face has been blurred)

Please take a gander at this genius:

Where do I even begin?

Let’s look at the facts with this guy. He was….

  1. Completely sprawled out so everyone HAS to see him. Come on man! Yet again, do people not know the difference between public and private?
  2. Wearing the shoes that make people have to stop and stare. Given, I have already sprayed about my hatred for said shoes. The more prevalent they become, the higher up the list they are getting towards Crocs and Uggs.
  3. Talking ridiculously loud on cell phone. If you weren’t staring at his shoes, his manner of sprawled-outness or his positioning on floor for sprawled-outness, his cackling on the horn was sure to get your attention.

Best part, he was not even on my flight. He was just parked in a random spot. His gate was elsewhere. Amazing. Rethinking this one, I should have “accidentally” tripped and landed on him and just said “oh sorry man, I never thought someone would be sprawled out RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WALKWAY.” Well, I guess I can live and learn:)

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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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Filed Under: Article Archives, Humor Tagged With: , , ,

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

April 22, 2011 By
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:)
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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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Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, High School, Long Snapper, Motivation, Recruiting Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,