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Social Media for Athletes: To Embrace or Not To Embrace

April 1, 2012 By

Today’s teen athletes are actually very similar to those in the past couple decades. They make good decisions and they make bad decisions. The difference is, now, those decisions are amplified a billion times and spread faster than anything the previous generations could even fathom. An athlete can make a slip up on a social media site and it can be shot around the world with a single click on a smart phone in less than a second.

So, the question arises….should an athlete be involved with social media?

My answer is….ABSOLUTELY….but they should be monitored!

There are several types of social media formats out there. However, I am going only going to discuss only the two head honchos at this point along with the goods and bads of each, for a soon-to-be college athlete.

Facebook and Twitter
– Obviously, Facebook is the big dog of the group but Twitter is gaining steam. Pretty much the entire student body of any high school and college has a Facebook account….and they should. It is a tremendous way to stay connected with one another. If you don’t have an account, I am not even going to explain it to you because you are not reading this and you are currently in a coma.

Facebook Positives – Keeps people connected. You always get to see what people are up to regardless of geographic location. I live in Northern Idaho, but am easily connected with people in Los Angeles, Chicago, Lousiana, Georgia, Maryland…you get the point. Facebook is a tremendous way to keep up with people. I was speaking to some good friends of mine about how Facebook basically is going to wipe out the High School Reunion market. Why even go? Who doesn’t know what is happening with someone simply through their Facebook account?

Facebook Negatives – Imagine your high school hallway, add that group of really annoying girls/guys that are waaaaay too into themselves and amplify that all over the world. That is what Facebook can be. It is a drama-filled machine, if you let it be. The trick is not let yourself get involved. Don’t comment on someone’s post and you will not be involved. If you have a problem with someone, deal with them directly. Don’t just walk outside and scream it. That would be pointless….side note: that is what making a statement or subtweet (sent out to all, but directed at one) is actually doing. You are making yourself look worse than the person you are attempting to ridicule.

Twitter Positives – You can find out information INSTANTLY and you can spread information INSTANTLY. One click and it is gone, to anyone, in the world, that is following you.

Twitter Negatives – Again, you can find out information INSTANTLY and you can spread information INSTANTLY. One click and it is gone, to anyone, in the world, that is following you. Therefore, you say something ignorant and press “tweet” it is out there. Even if you delete it later, someone will have it on their Twitter account.

Facebook Recruit Advantage– Still pretty much under the radar from the NCAA so college coaches can use it to contact you without penalty. And, if they can’t, they can have assistants (people that work for the program but usually are not getting paid) contact you as somewhat of a “middle” man.

Facebook Recruit Disadvantage – You take a trip to a school or show some interest. Within a couple days, a beautiful student of that campus “friends” you on Facebook. You are amazed and almost break your keyboard clicking “accept!” Not to burst your bubble, but she doesn’t find you attractive…at all. She is on the athletic staff to “friend” you, then search through your account for any incriminating posts, messages, likes and especially photos. She will report everything you have done back to the coaches. Why don’t you take some time and go clean up your account now:)   Don’t want to or think I’m wrong? Check out this excerpt from an interview with Houston Head Coach Tony Levine (thanks M.F.)

Q: How  do coaches monitor social networks when it comes to recruiting? TL: “We monitor it for all of our recruits in more ways than one: position coaches, recruiting coaches, our recruiting coordinator, I do as well. Two things that come to mind: number one, if they’re taking other visits, it’s a great way to find out. When a kid posts a picture of himself at another school on a Saturday with a jersey on, you know he’s on a visit. The second thing is, what they’re posting. The same kid that we dropped because he took two other visits, on his Facebook page, and obviously I was friends with him — posted things nightly that we’re not looking for in our program”

Q: So a recruit can hurt himself by what he posts on his social media pages? TL: “Without question. And he did. In that respect, I think social media has changed (recruiting) for a number of reasons.”

Twitter Recruit Advantage – Still pretty much under the radar from the NCAA so college coaches can use it to contact you without penalty. And, if they can’t, they can have assistants (people that work for the program but usually are not getting paid) contact you as somewhat of a middle man. Easy way to follow your favorite coach or team and feel like you are part of them. Easy way to find other people in your situation, ie: Long Snappers.

Twitter Recruit Disadvantage – Anything you say, anyone you follow and/or retweet represents you. You say something asinine, you look asinine. You follow morons, you look like a moron. You retweet something ignorant, you look ignorant. Remember, whatever you put out there, EVERYONE will see. Someone bad mouths your lady, speak to them directly. You post on Twitter and everyone sees it….NOW! You don’t look like a chivalrous man, you look like someone airing their dirty laundry and no one cares. 

Trust me, I get it, there are tons of VERY funny things out there that I would love to retweet, but I don’t…because I am using my brain. Have common sense. You may get the funny line from a movie or inside joke, but just stop and think if the older football coach might not. Even if there is the slightest possibility that something could go wrong with a message or someone could decipher it wrong, don’t do it!

Would I Let My Kid(s) Have an Account – Yup, but as stated earlier, I would monitor it. It is the old theory of when a teen learns to drive. You are worried about how they will drive but almost more worried about the other drivers out there. Same difference here.

I would insist that I was their “friend” on Facebook or followed them on Twitter. If they put up a stink about that one because they are still at the “it isn’t cool to be friends with your parents on Facebook and/or Twitter,”  I would say “Ok. No problem. I won’t be your ‘friend’ on Facebook or follow you on Twitter, but then I have to have your accounts password to make sure everything is Ok.” If they still rage, then it is simple. They lose their computer, cell phone or any other way they can access their Facebook and/or Twitter account. You most likely bought them and/or pay their bills (yup, electricity counts) so the upper hand is yours.

Parents, I repeat, you have the upper hand AND you are just trying to help your child for the future. If they don’t get that, there isn’t much they will get.

_________________________________________________________________

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, Facebook, Long Snapper, Maturity, Parenting, Recruiting, Twitter Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dear Vegas,

January 18, 2012 By
Dear Vegas,
 
I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for your hospitality this weekend. I know you have a lot going on with concerts, conventions and shows but I really don’t think you truly understand what occurred within the last 96 hours. Allow me to explain….
 
You housed the largest Long Snapping Event that the world has ever encountered. That’s right, you had over 160 Long Snappers representing almost 40 states, two countries and ranging in ages from 13 to 20 in your city on Saturday and Sunday. They all came to your city to learn and compete against one another. I am pretty confident you noticed who they were as they tend to spend more time upside down than right side up and often can snap a ball faster than they can actually throw it the “normal” way. I also heard that many fully embraced your 24 hour buffet pass (great idea by the way), several were spotted actually stopping traffic with an impromptu flash mob and one Long Snapper with a plethora of personality actually proposed to a random woman! Given, she said yes as she obviously knew Long Snappers are a handsome bunch with hearts of gold. (breathe parents, the proposal, although actually acted out, was just a joke by the Long Snapper).
 
It was truly a tremendous weekend with several firsts. For the first time, there was a Long Snapper that stood closer to 7′ tall than 6′. He was a fine young man that ended up winning the whole event. For the first time, I had two high school Long Snappers snap a ball 15 yards under .60 seconds! I know your city is used to seeing amazing things, but let me explain just how rare that is…..really, really rare:) Even more impressive, one of the Long Snappers is just a junior! For the first time, there was 13 college and pro instructors (usual number is 6-9) that were outstanding in all aspects and made my job a lot easier.
 
With all the staggering numbers, you would think the actual snapping was the top “thing” of the weekend. Hardly. As you probably noticed, I had my sunglasses on for a heavy majority of the weekend. Two reasons: 1) my eyes are very sensitive to light and 2) I don’t want anyone to know where I am actually looking. In being hidden with my viewing, I was able to spy out many things. I saw great snaps from all over the field (given). I saw push up bets with participants and instructors about getting perfect laces on pats. I saw Long Snappers fully embracing one another when seeing each other for the first time after a long hiatus. I saw parents catching up with old friends that they have met through the Long Snapping world. I saw parents holding their breath while their son was testing on The Target. I saw veteran Long Snappers ooze with confidence. I saw college and pro Long Snappers go from being shy about the pro demo to fighting over reps. I saw two thirds of The Triplets telling stories and sporting, shockingly, all black. I saw, and continue to see, Facebook and Twitter literally blowing up with updates from your city. I saw countless texts from college Long Snappers who wished they were back in your city for this Event. 
 
The final thing I saw was the most powerful. I saw parents and Long Snappers not wanting to leave when the weekend was over. I stood back. Watched. Observed. Tons of Long Snappers and parents congregating on the field well after the last ball was snapped trying to find an excuse to not leave. It was like a party that you simply didn’t want to end. I loved it. My heart was full.
 
As I write this, I almost get a bit sad thinking that the weekend is over and we must move on. But, then I stop and realize we will do it all again soon. 
 
See you in May, Vegas! You have fair warning. Be ready for the Long Snappers. They are a unique group………and they don’t like it too hot, so see if you can work on that for them:)
 
With Much Appreciation, 
 
Rubio

(Click HERE to have me read you this blog)_________________________________________________________________

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, Humor, Long Snapper, Parenting, Vegas Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

You Know You Are a Rubio Long Snapping Parent if…..

December 28, 2011 By

1. You find yourself rooting for random colleges because you know a Rubio Long Snapper on the team.
2. You have brought a stop watch to a football game that your son is playing in
3. You have brought a stop watch to a football game that your son is NOT playing in
4. You have caught snaps in a hotel hallway or parking lot
5. You have adjusted furniture in your house so your son could do drills
6. You have caught snaps in bizarre locations all over the country (possibly even in your house)
7. You have pressed refresh on your computer umpteen times as the rankings are being updated
8. You have made very good friends within the Rubio Long Snapping family
9. You have watched several Rubio Long Snappers improve so much it is shocking
10. You have thought Rubio is out of his mind, at times
11. You have thought Rubio is a genius, at times
12. You have looked at a Long Snapper in college, and possibly pro, and thought your kid is better (and could be right)
13. You have taken a photo of your son getting into a perfect stance all over the country
14. You have had to explain to countless people exactly what the heck a Long Snapper is and that he is NOT the center
15. You have injured yourself from catching a snap
16. You have caught a snap with a baseball glove, net, mattress or sheet
17. You find yourself watching just the Long Snapper during a football game
18. You have printed out a Rubio blog and given it to your son to read
19. You have forwarded a Rubio blog to someone
20. You have said to yourself “I can’t believe Rubio just did/said that” countless times:)
21. You have laughed out loud by something I have said on Twitter.
22. You have had your son snap in front of crowds/family/parties to show exactly what he does and how good he is at it.
23. You have done the laundry and been amazed at how many Rubio Long Snapping shirts your son has
24. You are more excited for Vegas than your son
25. You have waited for my morning #QuoteOfTheDay on Twitter and/or Facebook to send me a text knowing that I was officially awake
26. You wonder how Jolie puts up with me
27. You are usually the one at a game that never knows where the punt goes since you are too busy watching the Long Snapper the whole play
28. You now have a sick feeling in your stomach anytime you see a bad snap (doesn’t even have to be your own kid)
29. You most likely know more about Long Snapping than your son’s high school coach.
30. And last, but certainly not least, You have threatened your son with “Oh yeah?!?!? Well, I’m gonna call Rubio!”

Please feel free to add some, as I am sure I have missed a couple, on the comments section of this blog.

___________________________________________________________________

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 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, Humor, Long Snapper, Parenting, Relationships Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The ABC’s of Being Thankful

November 23, 2011 By
The ABC’s of what I am thankful for this year….
 
A is for Alec – My middle son. He is smart, can break the sound barrier with a whisper and holds the world record for asking the most questions per hour:)
 
B is for Big Queen – Nickname for my mother-in-law. Not just saying this ’cause she can beat me up, but any man would kill for her as his wife’s mom. She is hilarious and feisty. A great one.
 
C is for Cruz – My oldest son. Like I have mentioned, he is VERY similar to Manny on Modern Family. Somehow, someway, he already has girls making him signs and watching him play football. Like father, like….who am I kidding, he is way ahead of me…I was a late bloomer….we’re talking 30’s:)
 
D is for Damon – My youngest son. If you have been with me for over a year, you have grown with him. From the announcement of Jolie being pregnant, to his birth (he came out and stared at me – that was bizarre), to his eating (like a hyper-active pig in tar). Babies either love me or hate me…thank goodness he loves me:)
 
E is for Every Dad – That is a part of their son’s life and is able to walk the very fine line of being involved but not overbearing. You are soldiers and your sons appreciate you very much. If they don’t tell you, it is because they don’t know it…yet. They will and they will be thankful for every single thing you did for them along the way. 
 
F is for Family and Food – You are your family and they are you. No matter how you look at it, you are connected and you need to embrace. You might as well do it sooner, before you regret it later. As for food, if you don’t pass out, in a power sweat, from eating tomorrow, you have problems and you get no hug from me.
 
G is for Grace – Macaw’s real name (not sure if she even knows that) My grandmother who just turned 270 (that’s millimeters tall, lbs and age) and celebrated by walking her dinosaur. Bless her heart. Thank God she doesn’t have a computer or she would beat the hell out of me when she read this:)
 
H is for Harrison – Where the Onion and Big Queen live. It is one of my favorite places in the world. Only a pop of 250ish, no stop sign, beyond slow paced. Huge embrace from me. 
 
I is for Idaho – My home. Major change from where I grew up (Los Angeles) but I love it. I know it is not for everyone and that is great. Don’t come and make it crowded…seriously, you won’t like it:)
 
J is for Jolie – My wife who makes me a better man each and every day. I am working on a blog about her and our history. It is a long, long story. You will be amazed. Promise.
 
K is for Kickers – Yup. I am thankful for them. Why? Because they make Long Snappers look even more athletic and handsome than they already are!
 
L is for Long Snappers – They are the greatest position and have grown so much in ten years. Imagine what the position will be like in another ten!
 
M is for Moms – All of them in general. After watching Damon be born, I am like James Taylor cause “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain“. You guys deserve whatever you want and then some. Especially want to call out my mom, The Debsters. She has her quirks (always wears black and still limps because she forgot she fixed her knee years ago) but I love her to death. One of the only people I know that can get winded from laughing too hard.
 
N is for Nike – For taking a chance on Sailer and I many years ago. Man, are they smart!
 
O is for Onion – My father-in-law. Many, many layers to this man. My only wish is that everyone gets to meet him. Unfortunately, he never leaves his 80 acres and doesn’t like anyone, so you all lose. (Quick Onion story: got pretty sick a couple weeks ago so Big Queen forced him to hospital, Dr asks him when was last time he had been to the hospital, Onion’s answer: Never. Dr. asked why. Onion’s answer: I never been sick!) God love ’em.
 
P is for Podcasts – I love to tell a story and this allows me to do so to a massive audience.  If you haven’t embraced them yet, you are missing out. 
 
Q is for Quiet – Not just any quiet, but the quiet when it is almost loud. I have it when I am sitting on my back porch, looking back at the fields thinking about how lucky I am. 
 
R is for Referees – For finally coming up with the rule that you can’t just drill the Long Snapper in high school and college (hold strong pros). Seriously, what took them so long? I blame kickers!
 
S is for Sailer – Couldn’t leave this cat off. He is the one that changed my life with one little call about being his partner in the business. The rest is history. 
 
T is for the Triplets – Debster, my Aunt Leslie and my Aunt Donna. You have read about them in a previous blog so you know about them. Word around town is two of three will be in Vegas for 10th Annual Event. God help us all!
 
U is for Uncle Jim and Uncle Joe – You read about them last week and I can assure you they are real people. I received so many inquiries about them, I might do another blog on those two. Yes, it involves death and food (they’ll be pumped)
 
V is for Vegas – For holding the biggest snapping and kicking event in the country….see how I put Long Snappers first there:)
 
W is for Winter – Because the cold weather allows my Long Snappers to not sweat so much at random times on random locations on their bodies. Bless their heart.
 
X is for X-Rays – Without one, I might not have know how badly I destroyed my back in college. Had it not been spotted as soon as it was, I might have some real issues now with the old spine.
 
Y is for You – You have no idea how thankful I am for you (yeah you) each and every day. The fact that you are still reading this all the way down to the letter Y means you are involved, curious and part of the Rubio Long Snapping family. Thank you.
 
Z is for Zzzzzz – The sound of you sleeping tonight AFTER you tell at least three people that you are thankful for them AND why. This “assignment” will only take a couple minutes and you will make three people’s days. If you are truly thankful for someone, don’t let another day go by without letting them know.
 
From my family to yours, Have a wonderful holiday!

(Click HERE to download and/or listen to this blog as a podcast)_________________________________________________________________

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, Parenting, Relationships Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

How to be Recruited as a Long Snapper

November 2, 2011 By
In the past, I wrote a blog about What Makes a Long Snapper Great which had to do with the physical aspects of an athlete. This blog is going to have to deal with the actual recruiting of a Long Snapper once you have mastered all that the other information within the previous blog. Much of this will sound familiar if you have been to my camps, but now you can have the info to print out. I am even going to put the information in order of importance. Let’s begin…
 
1. Academics
I put this one at the top simply because without proper grades, it won’t matter how great of a Long Snapper you are…you will not be going to college. Couple key points to this one:
  • Try to maintain (a minimum, if you can go higher, do it!) a standard 3.0 and 1000 (out of 1600) on the SAT or 24 on the ACT. That is a pretty solid middle ground. My theory is that if you are GPA is higher, your test scores can be lower. This shows you are a hard-worker and, most likely, a poor test taker. If you GPA is lower, your test scores better be higher. This shows you are smart, but most likely lazy. Think of the GPA/Scores like a teeter-totter, when one side goes up the other comes down. 
  • Go into your counselor today and make sure you will be eligible for the schools you are interested in attending after high school. They will tell you, hopefully, that you are on pace to graduate. Let them know you want to know specifically for the following schools (this is where you list the schools you are interested in). Do not leave until you find out exactly what you want to know. I have witnessed many a Long Snapper lose an opportunity to play at the next level because they didn’t realize they had to take a fourth year of math or English or take an extra fine arts class. 
  • Take both the ACT and the SAT, and take them both at least twice. The first time for each is a trial run. Just use it to get the feel of the whole procedure. Why take them both? I call it the McGarry Rule. Michael McGarry is one of my Long Snappers from TX who scored a 1800/2400 on the SAT (not bad, but I am not writing home about it) but then took the ACT and crushed it with a 35! FYI: 36 is perfect and people at NASA struggle to get his score. If McGarry had not taken both tests, he would not have achieved that score that puts him in a whole separate category of recruits: academically, it is almost a given he can get in.

2. Body

A college is always going to want to recruit a Long Snapper that can handle the constant pounding of major college football. If your body is not ideal, the rest of “you” (other aspects I am and will mention) better be stupendous. They will not want to recruit a fragile player or someone that is injured more often than not. Think about it, would you buy a car that is always broken down? Didn’t think so. If you don’t pass the eyeball test, they will already be negative towards you in regards to your Long Snapping before you even snap one ball. 
 
3. Snapping 
I am not going to go into detail (there is a ton of information) on this one here, simply because I already did it within this Long Snapping blog. 

4. Camps – Long Snapping 
It is very difficult to be recruited without attending a Long Snapping camp (one with actual credibility…ALWAYS check testimonials and ask OTHER people) and doing well. Of course, I am partial to my own since I know they are proven and I have heard countless horror stories from parents about others. Don’t get me wrong, getting recruited without camps can be done, but it is extremely tricky since the coaches are going to want to know you are worthy of playing at the next level from someone that they know and can trust.  Your high school coach may say you are the best he has ever seen, but if he has never actually come across another college level snapper, his word carries no weight.

The same goes with camps. College coaches know which camps are telling the truth and which aren’t regarding the talent level of a Long Snapper. They understand there are tons of camps out there and most don’t have a clue about what it really takes at the next level. Couple things to contemplate….

  • If you are the best Long Snapper at a camp where there are just a couple Long Snappers, does that really prove anything? 
  • Do some research. Does the camp you are going to possibly attend have any sustenance or is it all smoke and mirrors? Does it look good from the outside but has no “guts” to it?
  • Contact the Long Snapping instructor yourself and get a feel of them. If you do not feel comfortable with them, you might want to move on. 
  • Contact some Long Snappers and/or their parents through Facebook and ask them the difference or why the chose to attend a certain camp. 
  • Be wary of camps that claim to have invite only camps but actually invite all. Kind of loses the aura of being invited. Not too exclusive if every Long Snapper is invited.
  • I would ask the instructor to give me numbers of parents I could contact to discuss. They should be willing to give you numbers (or at least have those parents contact you) to discuss the camps. 
5. Camps – College
Once you have been to one of the respected above camps, you will begin to get invited to Specialists Camps on a college campus. There are pretty darn important the summer before your senior year and they are a very good experience for all. Here is what you can expect from these….
  • Very little instruction (unless I am there). They are usually run by the full staff and they don’t have a ton of ideas on what to do for specialists. They know x’s and o’s but are not too familiar with the intricacies of being a Long Snapper. I have heard countless stories of my Long Snappers attending a college camp to literally snap for over 7 hours since the people in charge didn’t understand the position and/or how to coach it.
  • A massive tryout. The coaches will get a roster before the camp and they will know who the top recruits coming are. They will focus on those guys. Can you crack that code of being one of Long Snappers they really observe? Absolutely, but you better be an absolute stud.
  • A feeling of what the campus and the staff are like. I am a big fan of a Long Snapper trying to get to one or two before their junior year simply to get used to them (kinda like the ACT/SATs).


6. Personality (Yours and Your Family)
This one can be adjusted on the scale of importance depending the staff at the college. Some will rank it higher (possibly at the top) and some will keep it here. More personable staffs will put this one way up and will really want to get to know all of you well before your arrival on campus. Non-personal staffs won’t care too much.

  • Usually when a staff is getting to the point of locking you down to their school, they will make a trip to your school and speak with a couple people. These people are more often than not, but not limited to, your coach, your counselor and a random teacher. The college will want to know what type of person you are off the field. If they are there, it is obvious you can snap so now they want to see if you are worth “renting” for the next four to five years. They will not recruit a mental case or someone who is a trouble maker. There is no need since they can just go to the next Long Snapper on the list that isn’t a problem.
  • The college will also want to know about your home situation. What’s it like? Siblings? Mamma’s boy? Traveler? Overbearing parents? Remember parents/guardians, the school is recruiting your son…NOT you.
  • Being that you are a Long Snapper, you will be the last chosen by a college. Recruiting can take a long, long, long time for a Long Snapper. It can go right up until August of your senior year (yes, two months after you graduate). Be persistent with the coaches but NOT annoying. Make some calls. Be proactive. If you want it, go get it. YOU go get it, not your parents.

I know this is A LOT of information but it is exactly what goes into each and every recruitment of a Long Snapper. Trust me, I have been a part of many🙂

 

_________________________________________________________________

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 1,000 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS and PWO’s 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, Deep Snapper, Eligibility, Facebook, Football, High School, Long Snapper, Maturity, Motivation, N.C.A.A., Parenting, Recruiting, S.A.T., Vegas Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ask

October 12, 2011 By

When I was recruited to play at UCLA, they didn’t offer scholarships to Long Snappers out of high school (thank goodness for guys like this). It was standard issue that a snapper walked on and, when they started, some schools would give you a scholarship. I say some because many still didn’t do it. All together now: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Ah, that felt good, now back to business.

When the starter in front of me graduated, I knew the job (and scholarship) were mine so I proceeded to walk right into the head coach’s office to ask the question, “so, um, what exactly do I need to do to be put on scholarship?” Mind you, the coach at time was Terry Donahue. Coach Donahue was/is a legend at UCLA and in the college football world, while I was a walk on Long Snapper at a time when Long Snapper’s were lower than the guy who invented skinny jeans for men.

Needless to say, that didn’t stop me. I walked right in (during my appointment time…he is the head man for God’s sake) and asked the question. He respected me for my bluntness and for being specific. I am a thinker and I wanted to know exactly what I needed to do for the job/scholarship and he was a busy man that didn’t need to bantering back and forth with a Long Snapper (almost hurts me to put Long Snappers in that tone, but it was true…..at the time).

So, I started and was flawless during Spring Ball (one of his requirements). I made all of the “voluntary” workouts during the summer (another) and performed like a champ during Fall Camp (this one was key). I did exactly what he asked and, after the first game, I walked right back into his office (yes, I made another appointment) and asked, “Hey Coach, I did every single thing you’ve asked of me….do I get the scholarship?” His answer, “Yes and thanks for coming in. I might have forgotten.”

First of all, well done to me. Second, FORGOTTEN!?!?!?!?!?! You kidding me? Thank God I did go in and ask. Imagine if I didn’t? Don’t get me wrong, I am sure I would have eventually been put on, but the stress of waiting could have been detrimental to my success at UCLA. It would have been just one more thing for me to worry about and that is something no one needs. Bottom line, asking helped me and helped me a ton.

If you want something, ask. If you want to know about something, ask. Seems easy enough, but many people, speaking to the youngin’s out there, never do it. And, if they do ask, they don’t ask correctly.

So, how do you ask? Simple. You ask the person you want the answer from and you request specifics. If you want to know why you are not starting at your high school or college, you would ask why you are not starting? WRONG. You need to ask why you are not starting and what exactly you need to do in order to get the starting job. Then, you will know the specifics. 

If your coach just kinda grunts and says to simply beat out the guy in front of you, then you need to respond with “I feel that I am better than him right now so I need to know exactly what I need to do to prove it to you.” At this point, the coach will have to give you a very specific answer to simply get you off his back. Please note that you were never rude in the way you asked. That is key. You upset a coach or back them into a corner and they will feel threatened….that is not a good thing.

As you can see, yet again, the ball is in your court. If you want something, just ask…but be specific. Leave no chance for someone to give you an open-ended answer. Be specific with your question and they will be specific with their answer.

You want to know what you need to do in order to be the starter, just ask but be specific. You want to know what it will take to be put on scholarship, just ask but be specific. You want to know if the best looking girl will go on a date, just ask but be specific (and mention you’re a Long Snapper…ladies love that). You want to know how to switch from being a Long Snapper to a kicker, don’t ask!

Hope this helps and if you have any questions, you know what to do:)

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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, Coaches, Long Snapper, Maturity, Parenting Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Rubio Long Snapping is really all about…

September 28, 2011 By

For about ten years now, I have been working extremely hard to make sure Long Snappers get the best instruction and most exposure out there possible. In my opinion, I have done a pretty good job. Every single year, my numbers have grown with the amount of athletes put out to colleges. With the onslaught of social media, Rubio Long Snapping has completely dominated with the blogs (you are currently embracing), Twitter (over 1,000 followers!), Podcasts and YouTube (more than 125,000 hits of just my guys!). What’s even more impressive to me, is that my return rate (you see me more than once) is nearly 100%! Proves that you like what you are getting and want more.

All of my Long Snappers are like my kids and I treat them all the same way I would want a “coach” to treat my children. The way I speak to them is pretty much identical to the way I speak to Cruz, Alec and Damon. Those of you that doubt me, ask anyone that has witnessed me with my boys. I am a little rough around the edges, but ohhhh do I get my point across:)  -one day you need to ask me about a story with Cruz not wanting to take a shower when he was young.

Many of my Long Snapper’s have become very tight with one another through the various camps, events, lessons, Twitter and Facebook. If you are ever privy to this banter, you will understand. It is amazing to me to see this evolution of the kids from competitors to friends to competitive friends. (Rumor has it, there might be even be a group of them that started a fantasy football league) All my Long Snapper’s, and their families, have even become a major factor in my personal life. Think back to my marriage to Jolie, meeting those that I surround myself with, the Baby D contest or even Permed Mullet Guy (if you don’t know, you are really missing out). I truly love how tight knit Rubio Long Snapping has become in a short amount of time.

I am very fortunate to have to deal with Long Snappers and I know it. They are fantastic athletes (given) and people. Jolie always asks me, “How come your guys are so nice and polite?” Of course, I tell her it is because of me and she immediately rolls her eyes. Then, I tell her it is because Long Snappers aren’t used to being the center of attention and are happy to be a group. Ten years ago, there was no identity for Long Snappers. Now they are a gang, in a good way of course, and I love it. Think about it, Long Snappers used to be a side note at a camp and now they are the camp. How often do you almost forget there are kickers even present? I hope you are smiling, ’cause I am too:)

Long Snappers aren’t the only ones that have formed a group. The parents of the Long Snappers have aligned with one another. Whether it is making t-shirts for the moms, carpooling kids to camps, continuing to keep in contact with me, and each other, well after their child has graduated or simply going out to support another Rubio Long Snapper on a bye week, the parents of my Long Snappers have become very tight and I think that is tremendous. I have even heard that a group of 2012 parents are planning a cruise together. Now that is fantastic!

You are probably thinking to yourself right now, “Ok Rubio, this is all fine and dandy, but what’s the point?” My point is that even with all of the fantastic numbers spelled out for you in the first paragraph, there is one thing that I am the most proud of in regards to Rubio Long Snapping and what separates me from others. It is a relatively simple thing, but very powerful. Now, I want you to take the first letter of each paragraph to form a word and you will see that I am most proud that Rubio Long Snapping has become a ______________.  Here’s to a great fall of 2011 and an even better 2012!

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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, Exposure, Long Snapper, Motivation, Parenting, Relationships Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

An Unfair-y Tale

September 7, 2011 By
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a person named Frank. Frank was just like any other person his age, he spent a great deal of time day-dreaming. Thoughts would pierce Frank’s mind like a knife and he would be forced to wrestle them into either the real world or let them float on by.
 
One day, a particular vision came into Frank’s head about being someone and doing something very few people in the world could do. Frank thought about being a top athlete and knew it was the thing for him. Frank told his good buddy, Dan, and they both proceeded to devour any bit of information they could about the subject and decided it really wasn’t that hard. They both could definitely do it and would go full speed into the process. They had the means and the desire. Nothing would stop them in fulfilling their dream to be a great athlete.
 
They started with a lesson. They both enjoyed the time with the instructor. The instructor was personable, made everyone feel welcome and definitely made sure everyone acquired some knowledge about the sport. Unfortunately, Dan was not so into it as Frank was, but that did not stop Frank and the lessons continued for both. Frank had a goal and they would achieve it.
 
Day after day, month after month, year after year, Frank would summon Dan to do the drills. To focus with him. To read with him. To stretch with him. To eat with him. To watch videos with him. To go to camps and combines with him. Dan did exactly what Frank wanted, if for any reason, to keep the relationship alive. After awhile, Frank could feel that Dan was drifting away from their dream and decided to look the other way and pretend it simply was not true. Hear no evil, see no evil was Franks’s motto. If they were this close, there is no way they could stop!
 
Camp after camp, Dan became less and less interested and it became more and more like work instead of fun. Dan even contemplated telling Frank he was burnt out and done, but did not want to hurt Frank’s feelings and/or lose the relationship. You see, at one point, they were actually the best of friends. But now, they were almost enemies. Frank didn’t even notice since he was so focused on the goal of being a top tier athlete.
 
Finally, after several years of lessons, camps, combines, events, films, trainers, stretching, eating, working out and countless hours of drills, Dan had had enough. Dan was not feeling well mentally or physically and was done. Done. He wanted no more. It was not fun anymore. It was not even tolerable. It was treacherous and was something that became dreaded. This thing that was once exciting and new, was now bland and exhausting. It was becoming obvious to all around, especially the instructor, that Dan simply was not into it anymore.
 
Something needed to be said and it needed to be said now. After one particular camp, the instructor pulled Dan to the side and asked Dan if he would like him to say something to Frank. Dan looked down, paused for quite some time, rose up with tears in his eyes and said, “No, that’s ok. I will speak to him. He’s my dad.”
 
 

Please note: this is a fictional story that I have made up. However, it could be very true and I don’t want to ever see it happen. This is why I always keep my lessons, camps and events fun and loose yet still extremely productive. I am firm believer in a happy athlete will be a good, if not great, athlete. Like I have stated before, one must wonder if my top kids are smiling because they are the best or are they the best because they are smiling?

Parents, please make sure your kids are happy with their athletic endeavors. Yes, you must push them and keep on them, but you must also support them and make sure they are following their own dreams and not yours.

_________________________________________________________________

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, Long Snapper, Maturity, Parenting, Relationships 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: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 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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