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RECAP: 11th Annual National Snapping Spring Event in Las Vegas

May 29, 2013 By

On May 4-5, 2013 well over 100 Long Snappers from around the globe came out to Las Vegas to participate in the 11th Annual National Snapping Spring Event in Las Vegas sponsored by Nike. The talent was excellent and so were the conditions. The staff was overflowing with one staff member per three Long Snappers so everyone was able to get the full experience throughout the weekend. Day one of the Event was all about instruction and many Long Snappers stood out immediately to make a name for themselves.

After it was all said and done, the winner of the camp was CJ Keller (2014, AZ). CJ handles pressure as well as anyone in the country, was snapping bullets all day and is very, very accurate and consistent. Kid is a machine and outlasted the rest of the competitors to take home the title!

CJ Keller

Winner of the 11th Annual National Snapping Spring Event: CJ KELLER!

The 12 finalists that earned their spot through their RSI score on the Target were: Nate Adams (AZ), Wyatt “Tucker” Smith (MS), RC Brunstetter (NC), Jordan Frese (TX), Tanner Carew (CA), Justin Garza (CA), Jake Knight (MI), CJ Keller (AZ), Bryan Scanlan (IL), Blake Ferguson (GA), Jordan Ober (NV) and Chris Nieto (CA).

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The Finalists from the Spring Event

Here are some of the top performers, by graduating class, from the weekend…

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Andrew MacLean was dominant all weekend in Vegas!

  • Andrew MacLean was outstanding all weekend. He is built extremely well and snapping with a ton of confidence. This big Canadian has made quite a name for himself.
  • Jason Diffee was out in Vegas to get fine-tuned before heading off to Eastern Washington on scholarship. He did not disappoint.
  • Cody Block was smooth and is built well. Moves very smooth on his feet and is consistent with his snaps.

2014

Tanner Carew

Tanner Carew was dominant all weekend in Vegas.

  • Tanner Carew was off the charts all weekend and has taken the top spot in his class. Snaps absolute rockets, built like an athlete and has a tremendous attitude. Tell him what to do and just consider it done. TONS of upside on this already tremendous Long Snapper. 
  • Alan Lucy continues his dominance by snapping well and really doing a great job in transforming his body into a D1 athlete.
  • Wyatt “Tucker” Smith is easily the top JC Long Snapper in the country. Built like a college tight end and snaps fire back to the punter.
  • Nate Adams has an amazing frame, a smooth snap and is very consistent. Love the way he moves and has a nice, smooth snap back to the punter and holder.
  • Casey Wilson is easily the smoothest Long Snapper in the country and will be purely dominant once he locks down his blocking.
  • Patrick Freeze is big, strong and snapping with a lot of confidence.
  • Curtis Billen easily snaps in the .6s and has a solid frame.
  • Jordan Frese is the top Long Snapper in TX and showed it all weekend. Great improvement.
  • Chris Nieto is built extremely long and athletic with a ton of upside. Could end up dominating his class.
  • Adam Vaught is massive and is snapping with power. The angrier he is is, the better he snaps.
  • Garrett Frum is working like a mad men and continues to improve daily.
  • Justin Garza was on fire all weekend. Intense Long Snapper that showed a ton of potential.
  • Seth Combs was snapping rockets all weekend and looked great all around.
  • Mitchell Hardy is big and snapping with great confidence. Tremendous attitude.
  • Nate Hawkins is very smooth and accurate with his Long Snapping. The more aggressive he gets, the better he will be.
  • Joel Baldwin has a nice long frame and a very smooth snap.
  • JC Everett is extremely coachable and strong. Always improving.
  • Christian Samarzich has a good body and is locking down his spiral. Solid all around Long Snapper.
  • Tommy Sullivan just continues to impress me with how he is turning his body and snapping around for greatness.
  • John Morrison is not the biggest man in the world but was snapping like he was. Smart Long Snapper that snaps hard.
  • Joe Lang has a great frame and always improves. Excellent attitude. Bright future.

2015

Blake Ferguson

Blake Ferguson was dominant all weekend in Vegas!

  • Blake Ferguson left no doubt he was the best Long Snapper in his class. When he is on, he is easily a college level Long Snapper NOW!
  • AJ Carty is built like a college Long Snapper and he is only a sophomore. Sky is the limit for him.
  • George Madden snaps rockets and as soon as he locks down the spiral, he will dominate
  • Tyler Douglas is built extremely well and is snapping hard. Keep an eye on him.
  • Ben Makowski is snapping with a lot of confidence and built thick.
  • Ryan Simmons is just a machine that keeps getting better. Smart.
  • Jake Knight is long, lean and has tons of upside.
  • Tyler Griffiths did well with his strong body and quick hands. Lots and lots of potential.
  • Harrison Goebel was impressive to say the least. Built very well. Lots of upside.
  • Jordan Ober was impressive out in Vegas. Built long and has great consistency.
  • Grant Gluhaich might have been the most improved Long Snapper over the weekend. If he keeps growing, he will crush all.
  • Darren Diffee handles pressure well and is very accurate.
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  • John Shannon was phenomenal all weekend in Vegas. At times, can snap in the .6s already! Great frame. Needless to say, keep a very close eye on him. 
  • Johnny Den Bleyker did very well out in Vegas. Moves well on his feet and is very athletic. Great attitude.
  • Damon Johnson looked good with his form and was snapping the ball well. The more comfortable he gets with his ability, the better he will be.
  • Donald Reiter was impressive out in Vegas. He snaps a tight ball and shows waves of brilliance with his speed on the ball.
  • Conner Kirkegaard continues to be a solid Long Snapper with great speed. The more consistent he gets, the better he will be.
  • Grant Crum stood out with his continued performance all weekend. Could be the sleeper of his class.

Rubio Long Snapping will kick off it’s summer tour with camps in TX on June 9, the TOP 12 and EVENT ELITE camp on June 21-23, the Underclassmen Invite Event on June 29-30, CA on July 11, NC on July 15, GA on July 17, the College Camp on July 19-21, MA on July 25, IL on July 27 and CA on July 29.

Rubio will also be running college specialists camps for  LSU, Texas A&M, Alabama, UCLA, Oregon and Washington as well. All information can be found on RubioLongSnapping.com

Thank you

 

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Happy Ranksgiving to the Class of 2014 Long Snappers from the 11th Annual Spring Event

May 24, 2013 By

The rankings are completed for the class of 2014 Long Snappers that participated in the Rubio Long Snapping 11th Annual National Snapping Spring Event in Las Vegas!

TONS of movement in this class and get ready to see a new #1 Long Snapper! This summer is going to be massive for this class. I am not sure I have ever had a class capable of so much movement.

KEY POINTS:

  • My rankings are NOT done just from the Target
  • My rankings are NOT done from some mathematical formula.
  • My rankings ARE done by me and only me. That is why I am at all my camps.
  • My rankings are based off of this blog I wrote about what makes a Long Snapper great.
  • If you would like anything added to your profile page, simply email me (Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com) the information and consider it done.
  • All Long Snappers are ranked after their first fall camp of their freshman year in high school.

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

For the rankings for the class of 2014, please go HERE

Ranksgiving

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The Long Snapping Instructors in Vegas

May 9, 2013 By

As you know, I choose a couple Rubio Long Snappers in college and the pros to help me out at my camps. Vegas is the biggest one and I always get the most requests from athletes wanting to help out. I am sure it has a bit to do with me and a lot to do with Vegas:)

My rationale for who gets to go is simple, you represent me well and you are chosen. Simple. I will check Twitter, Facebook and anything else I can view…if I see anything that does not represent who I am and what Rubio Long Snapping is all about, you will not get brought on staff.  My Long Snappers are among the best in the country, however a major factor for choosing my staff members is based upon their personality.

I just received this email from a parent and I had to share….

“Thanks for a great camp.  I know you are probably flooded with emails following the camp so I will try and make it brief.  I just wanted to share a story from the past weekend.  My son _____ was somewhat disappointed in his performance during the camp; he has been working his butt off preparing.  As we sat in the airport awaiting our plane my son was still in his Rubio Shirt.  Three of your instructors, kickers Matt Anderson (Sailer guy), Andrew Endicott (Sailer guy) and long snapper Nick Monaghan, still in their red shirts, saw him and immediately came over to him.  They immediately started asking him about the camp and long snapping, offering advice and encouragement.  They asked what his rank was and my son kind of mumbled the # under his breath; all three started laughing about their rankings when they started out.  They told him how the kids at the top in the beginning were not always the ones there in the end.  Andrew Endicott gave the best advice when he told Jack “this is a game of attrition, the ones that stick with it, work hard, hit the camps are the ones who finish the highest in the end.”  They further talked about staying out of trouble and keeping your grades up; utilizing real examples of kids they knew with a ton of talent, who blew it because of bad choices. 

I truly could not have scripted a better scenario for that time and place.  A nice hello would have been sufficient and made him feel good, but they stayed there talking to him for about twenty minutes.  I got the feeling they took immense pride in those red shirts and they felt that it was their turn to repay the mentorship that Rubio Long Snapping  / Chris Sailer Kicking staff had given them.  I flew home with one motivated kid ready to start preparing for his next camp and the upcoming season.  Thanks again for running a great program.”     

That email makes my heart full but it gets better. I forwarded it Rubio Long Snapper Nick Monaghan, one of the instructors in Vegas and here was his response….

“We did what the instructors before us did when we were campers.”

And the cycle continues….LOVE it and my heart is full.

Welcome to Rubio Long Snapping.

Thank you

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11th Annual Contest!

September 14, 2012 By

If you have been following me on Twitter and Facebook for the past couple years, you know I always start the day with an inspirational quote to get the day going in a positive direction.



You also know that I love pictures and will use them to motivate you. Bottom line, I love a good quote and pics and I want you to incorporate one of them into earning a free trip to Vegas.

Your assignment(s), if you choose to accept one, is to either…

CREATE an inspirational quote and tell me how it relates to you and your long snapping

or

Print a picture that has motivated you in your Long Snapping and fully explain to me why it has motivated you (No, You can’t use the one below)

Please note for essay: I have said CREATE a quote. That does not mean searching the internet to find one. I want you to be creative (get it) and use your head and what motivates you. On that note, if you know someone personally (family, friend, etc.) that has created one, you can embrace theirs if you choose to for this contest. If you do use someone else’s, you need to give them credit. 

 
RULES…. 
1. You have to be a Long Snapper to enter.

2. You may enter if you range from 8th grader to 2nd year of Junior College. 

3. You may only use one quote or pic. No you may not do both contests. Choose one and go full speed. 

4. Your answer must be handwritten/printed and not typed. Remember, I used to be teacher so I know when mommy and daddy do work for their child. Don’t even try it. 

5. Your answer (essay for quote or pic) cannot be more than 300 words 

6. It must legible. If I can’t read it, it doesn’t get read. Plain and simple 

7. Grammar and spelling count. You are a Long Snapper, therefore you are highly
intelligent….prove it to me. 

8. All entries (quote and the essay or pic and the essay) must be to me by no later than October 19th with the winner being announced on November 1st. I know that doesn’t give you a lot of time but I also know the more time I give you, the more time you will just procrastinate.

9. Turn in on October 19th doesn’t mean postmarked by that day. It means in my hand by that day. So, unless you live next door to me, I would mail it at least a week prior to ensure I get your masterpiece. Let’s just say, I don’t live in a big city and mail takes some time. You cannot email, fax it, scan it or lazer it to me. Needs to be standard postal mail.

10. All entries will need to be sent to the following address: 
RUBIO 
1104 Richardson Ave.  
Lewiston, ID. USA 83501

11. If you are the winner and you have already registered for the 11th Annual Event, you can forward your victory to a future Rubio Long Snapping camp. 
 
Any questions should be sent to Rubio@RubioLongSnapping.com

Winner of the Rubio Long Snapping essay contest wins a FREE admission to the 11th Annual National Snapping Event sponsored by Nike in Las Vegas on January 19-20, 2013. (accommodations and travel are not covered) The winner of the contest will also have their entry displayed within the packet each long snapper receives upon checking in at the 11th Annual National Event.

Good luck!

Click HERE to have this contest read to you by me.

 
_________________________________________________________________

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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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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Target

January 11, 2012 By

In honor of the 10th Annual National Snapping Event sponsored by Nike in Las Vegas in a couple of days, I have decided to have a Rubio Long Snapper (who wishes to remain anonymous) enlighten us with an essay he wrote for a class in high school. I read it last year and had this week in mind for it’s unveiling. I think you will know why once you get to reading this solid piece of work. With no further adieu, I give you Target by ______________. 

Target
Sparks fired from the bottom of my spine as I heard my name announced.  After two days of grueling preliminaries, I had miraculously made the “Top 12” finals round of the prestigious National Long Snapping Competition held in Las Vegas, Nevada.  This unique competition showcases hundreds of trained high school athletes battling for a glimmer of a glance from college football coaches by faultlessly throwing a ball upside down and backwards through their legs.
 
Rating high enough to make the finals was miraculous to me because my left arm had been useless for the past two months due to an injury to my shoulder.  Even though I had prepared all year for this event, the injury definitely had set me back quite a bit as my doctor had just okayed me to use my arm the previous week.
 
Because it seemed implausible that I could win, my tense muscles relaxed as the contest began.  The crowd settled and I calmly snapped my first ball … straight into the target. One after another, my long snaps inexplicably flew directly into the net of the target.  Applause erupted each and every time I won and, surprisingly, soon I was prepping for the final round of the highly respected National Long Snapping Title.
 
The buzz of chatter filled the damp field air and although doubts still clouded my mind, my body was operating on its’ own.  My final opponent, the top ranked snapper in the country, was an unstoppable machine who snapped hard without losing consistency or accuracy.  I cleared my mind of this thought as I scanned the bundled up crowd quietly sitting on the cold green turf and smiled at my luck so far.  As my name was called, I swiftly bounced up ready to face my fate.  If I hit the target, the title was mine.  I firmly set my feet the perfect distance from the ball, squatted myself lower while resting my elbows on my knees. My right arm extended to grip the ball while my left arm moved a moment after the right. Once I had full control, my weight shifted back to my heels. I tightened up like a spring, ready to release. Simultaneously, my legs locked out while my upper body and arms went through the opening between my legs. As my arms reached the furthest my flexibility could handle, I extended my wrists and locked out my fingers to release the ball. Fifteen yards and less than a second later the ball flew … into the net!
 
The crowd went crazy as my opponent and I gaped in amazement.  Hands were flying in my face, camera lights were flashing and the buzz was contagious.  I was filled with emotion – shock, happiness, disbelief and awe. 
 
As I pondered how I could have won, my answer silently came … the only answer I found … faith.  I believe faith releases our fears and allows us to be calm in spite of what is going on and I know that is exactly what happened that day.  This particular event was very significant to me because it was such a big leap of faith.  Considered the most important long snapping event of the year, I knew that I had to do well to prove myself or suffer the consequences of a poor performance.  The pain in my shoulder kept me from practicing and I even questioned whether I should attend the event, but something kept me going and I am very grateful.  My muscle memory clicked in leading me to my first National Title and proof that nothing is impossible.

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

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.

Rubio_Card_frontMAGNET

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