Nervous at a Rubio Long Snapping Camp? You Aren’t Alone!

Sineath, TannerThis essay was written by Rubio Long Snapper Tanner Sineath (SC, ‘2016). His mother sent it to me…I think without him knowing, but who cares:) and I loved it. I think it really does a good job of showing the emotions and feelings that arise at someone’s first Rubio Long Snapping camp. First timers, parents and Long Snappers, must realize you are not alone and for every single GREAT Long Snapper you see on the field, they had a start and it usually wasn’t good…check films:)

Enjoy…..

I walked up to the registration table and gave my name, received my camp shirt and went off on my own to get ready to go out on the field. I looked around wishing I was like the other seasoned campers all gathered together. The campers already had nicknames from the camp coaches. They were walking around in their special gold shirts, and I felt hunger. I wanted a gold shirt, I wanted a nickname, I wanted the coaches to know me, I wanted to go out and show them all who I was. Wait! Was that jealousy? Probably, but I didn’t care. It fueled me. I was focused. I was going to make it happen. I was going to have them notice me.

That is when I was snapped back into reality! One of the gold shirts snapped the ball, and I thought DANG! I have bitten off more than I can chew! Suddenly the hunger was gone, and replaced by doubt. I didn’t belong here. I was never going to have a nickname, or a gold shirt, or to be part of the group. I tried to swallow, but it just stayed stuck in my throat like a wad of peanut butter. There is no worse feeling than wanting to retreat, but knowing you can’t. I told myself what is the worst thing that can happen? I told myself back, you will look like a fool in front of everyone! I then decided well at least no one knows me here so if I embarrass myself no one will remember it tomorrow.

There it was, they called my name! Time to show them what I have. I felt like I did ok, not great, but at least it didn’t totally suck! I learned a lot that day! I learned I am my own worst enemy. I learned that I am the only person that can hold me back. Then we went to lunch, and I talked to my parents about my feelings. They did their best job of loading me with clichés of doing your best, and hard work pays off. Along with all of the other things good parents are supposed to say. I am in no way saying I didn’t appreciate it, quite the contrary, it was what I wanted to hear from them, but at the same time I was worried, and not realizing the moment was perfect. I was surrounded by love and support, but so bogged down with self-doubt that I couldn’t really appreciate it.

We head back to the camp, and we are reviewing our snapping videos. Rubio got to my video and had positive things to say about my video, and it pretty much made my whole day. Why is it that a strangers words mattered so much more than my parent’s words? Oh yeah, because he didn’t have to say nice things to me. That wasn’t what he was getting paid to do. He is getting paid to teach me. Boy did he! Not just about snapping, but about life, about others opinions, and how even though the world says it doesn’t matter what someone else thinks or says it absolutely does. No college coach is going to call my mom to get her opinion of me, but they will call him. His opinions and words can open or close doors.

What was my point in all of this? My point is that the world is filled with challenges. It is filled with ups and downs. I have no doubt that football has helped me prepare for the real world. This is one example. It is the most vivid example I have. I am grateful for every moment, every life lesson, every friend, and every rival. They have all prepared me for the real world.

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Happy Ranksgiving to the 2016 Long Snappers from the GA Camp (11/23)

The rankings are completed for ALL 2016 Long Snappers that participated in the Rubio Long Snapping fall Camp in GA.

Long Snappers came in from FL, MS, TN, AL, OH, SC, KY and, of course, GA to learn from the best and get the most exposure possible for Long Snappers.

Next ranking opportunity will be in TX on December 7th and at VEGAS XXV.

Meyer, Scott

Scott Meyer

The best 2016 Long Snapper at the camp was Scott Meyer. Meyer was on fire all day with speeds in the .6s and handling pressure like a champ…which he was at the end of the camp. Major move for Meyer in the rankings and well deserved.

  • Anthony Ratliff had an excellent day in GA. He has really improved his overall balance and form. Kid was throwing some very fast snaps all day. Keep a very close eye on him at VEGAS XXV. TOP 12?
  • Jake Munoz was throwing some severe heat all day and will dominate once his spiral locked down. This kid is always improving.
  • Josh Brady has a tremendous frame, good form and is beginning to snap with a lot of confidence.
  • Jacob Fuqua was very sharp and impressive all day in GA.
  • Logan Klusman moved way up the charts after his tremendous performance at the GA camp. Definitely one to watch.
  • Thomas Newberg has the frame and form to take him a long way with his snapping. Size and speed will be big for him at VEGAS XXV and beyond.

Notables: Gabe Skrobot, Bradley Watkins, Tanner Sineath, Koby Pyrz, Colton Piatt and Sandy Barstow

KEY POINTS:

  • My rankings are NOT done just from The Rubio Target
  • My rankings are NOT done from some mathematical formula.
  • My rankings ARE done by me and only me. That is why they take a good amount of time. (Think of it this way, it takes MONTHS to build a Rolls Royce but only hours to build an average car)
  • My rankings are based off of this blog I wrote about what makes a Long Snapper great.
  • If you would like anything added to your profile page, simply email me (Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com) the information and consider it done.
  • All Long Snappers are ranked after their first fall camp of their freshman year in high school.

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

For the rankings section, simply go to RubioLongSnapping.com  rollover PLAYER RANKINGS, rollover which CLASS you are looking for, click that CLASS, click LONG SNAPPERS and find your name.

Be sure to check out the highlight tape from the Rubio Long Snapping fall camps in NC and GA below…

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