Long Snapper – Page 26

What You Do….What They See

August 24, 2011 By Rubio

I speak with a lot of college coaches throughout the year. We hang out together and we speak about a lot of different things. Being the kind of guy I am, I like to do a lot of listening and observing….lots of it. Often, I will sit back and watch a coach watch an athlete. In doing so, I have noticed that coaches tend to do a lot of hidden “watching.” Not in a weird way or anything, they just really, really like to eyeball a prospective recruit. And, after communicating with many of them over the years and just being able to figure things out on my own, I have come to the conclusion that they see and decipher things you are doing that you might not even be aware of. Therefore, I decided to create a little chart to help you out. It will be broken down into two parts and will be labeled as WHAT YOU DO vs WHAT THEY SEE.

What You Do: Walking to greet them
What They See: An athlete’s gait (basically means strut and/or the way you walk) is a huge one for coaches.

Do you look awkward and/or nonathletic? Do you have your head down? Are your shoulder’s hunched? Are you shuffling along? All of these are Code Reds for a college coach. Hold yourself up high and be confident in your strut. You would already know this one if you had read this long snapping blog.

What You Do: Getting water. Hanging out in the locker room. Eating with your friends.
What They See: How you interact with your teammates.

Are you social? Too social? Reserved? Rude? Passive? Aggressive? These are all things coaches want to see. Most coaches really like a kid that is social but not too social. Bottom line, have fun but don’t be a jerk. Rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t do it with me standing right next to you, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.

What You Do: Hanging out with your family
What They See: If you are rude or not to your parents/siblings.

Trust me, they get you are a teenager and unless you have reached the age where you actually start embracing your parents again (patience parents, it will come) they understand the dynamic. Saying that, they want to see if you are a donkey or actually a decent human being. You can tell a lot about a person by how they treat their parent(s) and coaches know this. Now, you don’t have to be over the top as that will show you are too dependent on them (or the parent needs to spread out) but you also don’t have belittle or spit venom at them either.

What You Do: Grabbing the football
What They See: How flexible or athletic you are.

Not even kidding, I have witnessed a ton of coaches focus on when an athlete reaches over to grab a ball simply to see how he bends. Do you look like a 115 year old man or are you fluid? Also, I have witnessed even more check out how a kid catches a snap or fiddles with a football to see his coordination level. I have seen coaches lock onto a kid simply because he looks athletic and not awkward catching someone else’s snap!

What You Do: Running
What They See: If you have that certain type of speed they are looking for.

Ok, so you saw this one and said, duh Rubio. But did you know, many coaches know a Long Snapper is not usually going to be a gazelle out of the blocks so they want to see how you finish the play. They look for something called closing speed. Closing speed is when you are finally at full throttle (let’s pray it is less than a quarter mile to this point), you see where the punt is, zero in on the returner and then head towards them. Many top athletes will almost hit a sixth gear at this point and coaches LOVE that in their players.

What You Do: Stare at them, nod at them, have fujidadobs (pronounced foo-ja-da-dobs)
What They See: You are distant, you are fake, you are clueless.

Are you even paying attention to the coach? Skip this one and write your own ticket to never playing for that team.
Are you looking them in the eye? They want to make sure you have the confidence to stare them down just like they are doing to you.
Are you nodding? Coaches know the I-am-going-to-nod-at-every-single-thing-you-say-so-it-looks-like-I-ameally-paying-attention trick. You look like a weirdo and you aren’t fooling anyone. Throw a nod in every once in awhile, but continuous nodding makes you look like a bobble head.
Are you in full-on fujidadobs mode? I have good friend named CP. His family (I believe) came up with the term fujidadobs. Every person in the world has done it and the trick is to not do it often or in public. Fujidadobs is the process of being so enthralled in something that you completely zone out, let your mouth open and become glassy. Really bad cases of fujidadobs will involve drooling. If you are still confused, turn on Animal Planet or any show about building the biggest something (plane, tanker, megaloader, tractor, bridge) in front of a male and sit back and watch them. Within five minutes, they will have a huge case of fujidadobs.
Bottom line, focus on the coach and listen to what they are spraying but do not zone out. If they ask you a question and you have no clue what they have even said, you are going to look like a complete idiot and not someone they want on their team.

A coach sees everything….everything. Their job/money/life is based on who they recruit. They control you, but you almost control them as well. Therefore, a coach is going to want to recruit a very athletic, physically good looking, well mannered person who listens. And, this Über athlete should be someone that he would be comfortable with babysitting his child (Lord help us) or dating his daughter (I don’t care how hot she is, run for the hills).

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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.

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Nutrition, Part One

August 17, 2011 By Rubio

Throughout the year, I receive a ton of questions about lifting and nutrition. I know the basics on these topics but not in depth like someone more qualified such as Brian Van Hook. Hook is a long time friend of mine (think junior high) that is a great human being and just happens to be certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES). If you ever been to our Vegas Events, Hook is the massive human being taking photos and assisting me throughout the weekend.

I recently asked him to write a couple guest blogs on certain topics that I want him to cover being that he is the expert and they are right up his alley. Expect them to be very basic, my request since not everyone knows what all the technical terms are, and sprinkled over the next couple of months. He will cover supplements, how to lose weight, how to gain weight, etc. You can follow Hook on Twitter by click HERE and feel free to check out his site HERE

With no further delay, here is Hook’s first guest blog:

NUTRITION, PART ONE
Do you eat breakfast? If the answer is NO don’t even think about asking me about supplements or to make you a diet plan of what you should eat on a daily basis!
I have new athletes and their parents ask me all the time what supplements they should be talking, and if I could make them a diet plan to help them gain or lose weight. It’s a 50/50 shot they will answer “o yea” I eat breakfast every day. They then proceed to say they have cereal every morning. People, cereal is not a good breakfast for an athlete (yes, this includes whole wheat Cheerios).

The following is a copy of a hand out I give to all new youth athletes I work with when training them throughout the year. It’s actually not even mine; I copied it from Mike Boyle (one of the best S&C coaches in the country)

Breakfast Option #1: Worse Case Scenario
2 glasses of chocolate milk, something is better than nothing!

Breakfast Option #2: Lazy Mans Breakfast
Protein shake: Supplies protein and can be made in less than 2 minutes. Just add water and ice cubes. A spoon full of Fiber is also a great addition (FIBER: Plain Metamucil or a WalMart brand will work fine)
**I personally use Gold Standard 100% Whey by Optimum Nutrition with Almond Milk (I’m allergic to dairy milk) if I’m running late and don’t have time to make my egg’s and toast. And post workout I use Muscle Milk after every workout. The Gold Standard is better, but the Muscle Milk tastes great with water (Muscle Milk has a higher fat content, so I try to reserve it for after workouts only). I mix my morning shake with frozen blueberries and ground flax so I can’t even taste “Gold” protein.

Breakfast Option #3: Fast Food Breakfast
2 egg McMuffins at McDonalds with low fat milk. This is actual pretty healthy & high in protein. NO DUNKIN DONUTS! They use fake eggs. NO BURGER KING! They use high fat croissants. Don’t substitute Sausage McMuffin for egg, the sausage drives the fat and calories way up.

Breakfast Option #4: A Good Breakfast
A good breakfast starts with eggs and not cereal. 3-4 eggs with whole grain toast is a great breakfast. Add some fruit (berries or bananas) if you can. Berries are the best, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries are all high in antioxidants.

If there is anything more you would like to see posted please feel free to comment below. Keep working hard…..Van Hook_________________________________________________________________

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You are a Long Snapper if…..

August 3, 2011 By Rubio

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_________________________________________________________________

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Two Rubio Long Snappers Signed as Free Agents

July 26, 2011 By Rubio

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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Filed Under: Article Archives, Long Snapper, Motivation, NFL Tagged With: Chris Rubio, Christian Yount, Corey Adams, Free Agent Long Snappers, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, NFL, NFL Long Snappers, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

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?

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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?

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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

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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

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.

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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 a Rubio Long Snapper?

June 10, 2011 By Rubio

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…..

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.
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.
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.
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?
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:)
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?

Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, Long Snapper, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: Defining a Rubio Long Snapper, long snapper, long snapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Who is a Rubio Long Snapper

How to Choose The Right College

June 3, 2011 By Rubio

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:

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.
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.
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: Choosing a College, Choosing the Right College, Graduating High School, long snapper, long snapping, 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.

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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?

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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!

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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

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?

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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

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:)
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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.

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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.”

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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 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

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.

3306

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

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