Recruiting 101 - My Story

Going into my senior year of high school, I was starting to think about the hard decision that I would have to make in choosing the right college to continue playing football. Would it be Notre Dame or UCLA. I expected there to be a few other big players, but those were my top two choices. Do I go and play for Notre Dame and its elite program (at the time.) Or do I follow my calling to go out west to California and play for the Bruins. Both offered so many positives...

I went to high school in Hampton, Va. The Hampton Crabbers, yes, the Crabbers, were a power house football team that consistently found itself in the state championship. I was All-State kicker two years in a row. We had won the state championship my sophomore and junior years.

However, we lost in the state finals my senior in a very close game to T.C. Williams (Remember the Titans.) So, I thought that the schools would be calling me non stop once the "contact period" began. So, I waited....and waited...and waited. They never called. The national signing day came and went. I was still without a college to attend.

I was completely unaware of how the recruiting process worked. I thought that if I kicked well and that our team was great, the rest would take care of itself. My parents didn't have a clue either. They just wanted to see me get a college education and hopefully see me kick at a few games. I found myself in the same situation that many student-athletes find themselves. I wasn't being heavily recruited, but I knew that I wanted to play at the next level.

What was I going to do? Where was I going to go?

Fortunately, I ended up walking on at the University of Virginia. My coach, Mike Smith, had a big role in getting me there. I sometimes wonder if he funneled me there. I had a few smaller schools interested in me, but all of a sudden they stopped calling. I wasn't sure what happened. Why did they stop calling? I think that he told them that I wasn't interested.

Some coaches are great resources for their athletes. Most are not. However, there are many resources available today to help YOU to be pro-active in your search. One of them can be found at http://www.ncaastudent.org/.

There are recruiting services out there that offer to help find you scholarships, but at a high cost. Then they end up giving you a booklet and proceed to tell you that in order to get a scholarship you have to do everything that is in the booklet. What's the secret inside this book? YOU!

By using the work ethic that has allowed you to perform well on the field, you have to work hard off the field to find the right college. You need to take control of your future.

The recruiting process can be complex if you let others control it for you. However, you can simplify it by doing research. The internet is a great way to find valuable information. You can find the schools, their athletic programs and in most cases the necessary contact info for the coaches.

Here is what I recommend that you do:

· Choose your dream schools, realistic schools and fall back schools (Some may overlap)

· Ask yourself, if I wasn't playing a sport, would I want to go to that school? (Remember, there is an off-season)

· Find out the situation for your position at those schools

· Is the starter a senior?

· What about the back ups?

· How many people on the roster play your position?

· Make sure that you have video ready to show them

· Call the coach (You make the call, not your parents)

· Prove to that coach that you are a great fit for their program

· Be assertive and keep in contact (squeaky wheel gets the oil)

We all dream about going to a top ranked athletic program. Maybe you can go to one, but will you play? Find the college where you can play for 3-4 years and get a solid education. That positive experience will last a lifetime.

I wasn't heavily recruited out of high school and I wasn't drafted in the NFL. However, with some hard work, luck and resolve, I was able to get a great education and play in the NFL for 9 seasons.

What do you want to do?

Detroit Semi Final Recap

One of the 2009 Combine Series Semi-Finals took place over the weekend in Detroit, Michigan. The morning and day prior to the competition was filled with some pretty bad storms and high winds but as soon as it was time for the competition, the clouds parted, the sun came out, and the competition was fierce!

Mitchell Bredberg from Ada, Michigan (Forest Hills Central High School) started the semi-finals off with a bang going 10 for 10 on field goals. Michael McGowan from Sylvania, Ohio (St. Francis de Sales High School) followed and made his first 9 field goals before pushing his final 35 yard field goal wide right. All in all, the field goal portion of the combine was very successful for the 7 participants making 79% of their kicks (55 for 70).

The kickoff portion of the competition was led by 2 guys from Loveland, Ohio. Matt Eltringham (Loveland High School) averaged almost 65 yards per kickoff and Joe Reifenberg (Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy) averaged almost 63 yards per kickoff.

In punting, Kyle Pignatiello, from Tipp City, Ohio (Tippecanoe High School) was at the top of the leaderboard averaging 42.5 yards per punt, followed by Joe Reifenberg's 41.5 yard average and Adam Schaffer from West Chester, Ohio (Moeller High School) averaged 40.7 yards per punt.

North East Semi Final Recap

North East Semi-Final Event, Matawan High School - Aberdeen, NJ

Saturday August 8, 2009

Sunny / 80 Degrees / 5 mph Wind

Surface: Field Turf

More than thirty talented specialists from eight states gathered for the National Kicking Combine Series Northeast Super Regional at Matawan, NJ High School. Special Teams Solutions ran the event which featured player instruction, a recruiting seminar and combine testing. Staff included former division I standouts Lee McDonald (Rutgers ’99), Charlie Titus (Rutgers ’99), Jim Cooper (Temple ’84), Gerry McGroarty (Buffalo ’08), Chris Hanly (Hofstra ’07) and current Lebanon Valley College kicker Matt Narache. “The competition was fierce but several players separated themselves from the pack to show they are legit college prospects” said Lee McDonald, Director of Special Teams Solutions “I think the northeast will be represented well at the National Combine Series Super Camp in January.”

Among the college division kickers, numerous players shined after hitting eight or more field goals. Leading the way with nine successful kicks was Brad Prasky (Groton HS-MA). The soccer player turned kicker showed good lift on the ball with a long of 52 yards from a one inch block. After that, numerous performers hit eight field goals but top recognition has to go to James Devens (James Madison HS-VA) with a long of 52, Matt Maczura (Pittsburgh Catholic-PA) with a long of 47 and Jake Smith (Milford Prep-NY) with a long of 52 who were impressive in kicking off the ground. Anthony Cavallaro (Delaware Valley HS-PA) headed the charge on kickoffs by posting a 61 yard and 3.5 seconds hang time average from a one inch tee. Tyler Yonchiuk (East Brunswick HS-NJ) showed why several big time programs are in pursuit by averaging 43 yards and 4.5 seconds hang time per punt. Chris Mattos (Monroe HS-NJ) also dropped several bombs in posting a 44 yard and 3.8 seconds hang time punting average.

In the class of 2011 varsity division, the top field goal kicker of the day no doubt was Michael Branthover (DeMatha Catholic HS-MD) who hit 9 of 10 field goals with a long of 52 yards off the ground! Kyle Lawrence (Kecoughtan HS-VA) also went an impressive 9 of 10 with a long of 47 from a one inch block. Anthony DiPaula (St. John Vianney HS-NJ) once again showed a solid leg on kickoffs with a long of 62 yards and 3.5 seconds hang time from a one inch tee. Michael Branthover and Michael Beamish (Abington Heights HS-PA) finished 1-2 in punting by averaging 37 yards and 4.2 / 4.1 seconds hang time respectively. Among the underclassmen, class of 2012 kickers Eric Enderson (Phoebus HS-VA) and Jared Rondeau (Centreville HS-VA) both displayed great poise in connecting on 9 of 10 field goals with a long of 42 yards from one inch blocks. Enderson also averaged a notable 51 yards and 3.3 seconds hang time on kickoffs and 35 yards and 3.6 seconds hang time on punts. Class of 2013 performer Jim Cooper (Mainland HS-NJ) showed huge potential in hitting 8 of 10 field goals, averaging 53 yards/3.5 seconds hang time on kickoffs and 31 yards/4.0 seconds hang time on punts!

Lee McDonald, Special Teams Solutions

lee@specialteamssolutions.com

732-406-6409

Dallas Semi Final Recap

Location – Addison, TX – Parish Episcopal

Weather - Sunny /105 HOT

Wind – 5 from the south

Field – field turf runs south to north

The National Combine Series showcased its Dallas Semi Final event, hosted by KickNation. Forty plus stellar kickers and punters from several different states took the field and put on a show to remember.

In the JV division, Max Coffin, who kicked very well in the Tulsa Regional, did it again at the Dallas Semi Final, demonstrating good height and pop on field goals, making 9 out of 10. Max, a rising sophomore, had big kick offs, putting his longest 68 yards deep into the back of the end zone. Josh Lambert, also made 9 out of 10 field goals and kicked off deep into the end zone with his 64 yards being his longest kick. It was great seeing them compete.

In our Varsity Division, there was great competition between Chris Moore of Plano, Beau Brady of Houston, Gray McCollough of Austin, new comer, Austin Sasser of Amarillo and Chase Thrasher of Rowlett. Thrasher went a perfect 10 out of 10 on the day. All five athletes displayed their D1 prospect ability as Juniors. New NCS participant, Chad Hedlund, of Argyle, gave a few head turning kick offs, consistently putting the ball 69 yards deep.

In our College division, there were several stand outs, too many to name, but a couple of guys that caught the attention of the NCS Coaches were Jake Craig of Lyons, Kansas and Cody Mandell of Lafayette, LA. Cody has committed to Tulane, but is some a competitor and athlete, he continues to participate in the NCS events.

Both put on a clinic in the punting competition with a few 4.9 and 5.0 hang times. Jake Craig even had a torn quadriceps and competed. Wait until he is 100% healthy.

Mark Fritz, from Johnstown, PA, showed that he is a top prospect, averaging 44 yards on his punts while Chris Peoples from Vian, OK, boomed many kick offs, averaging 70 yards on the day. Returning NCS Finalist, Cameron Frosch from Rowlett, proved to be the most consistent on the day making 9 out of 10 field goals, averaging almost 44 yards per punt and 69 yards per kick off. Look for Frosch to be a top recruit in the class of 2010.

The Dallas Semi Final was full of great talent and enthused parents who braved to hot temperatures. The event showcased the vast amount of talent in Texas and surrounding states and set up what is sure to be another great year for the NCS in 2010.

Quck and Cool Facts:

Some of the top kickers at the Dallas Semi Final are from the same school, which should make for great competition in the fall.

TJ JOHNSON (SR.) CEDAR PARK – AUSTIN TX

GRAY MCCOLLOUGH (JR.) CEDAR PARK –

CAMERON FROSCH (SR.) ROWLETT HS – ROWLETT, TX

CHASE THRASHER (JR.) ROWELTT HS – ROWLETT, TX

• Furthest Traveled, Aron Aycock, Waterloo, Il.
• Biggest Punt – Cody Mandell, 5.07 seconds/46 Yards
• Bicggest Kick off – Chris Moore, 80 yards
• Perfect of Field Goals – Chase Thrasher

The National Combine Series and KickNation would like to thank the entire staff for the help that they provided throughout the day. Again, the talent and temperature was HOT!

• Matt Fodge, NFL Free Agent
• Drew Bristol, Missouri Southern
• Chris Winkler, Baylor
• Chris Robbs, University of Central Oklahoma
• Kellis Cunningham, SMU
• Zach Robinson, Oklahoma State
• Michael Reichenstein, Oklahoma State
• Ryan Williams, University of North Texas
• Randy Williams, Southlake
• Jacob Shackleford, Coast Guard

Contact: Coach Chris

EMAIL: CHRIS@KICKNATION.ORG

CELL: 214-543-5242

Tampa Semi Final Recap

National Combine Series Super Semi Finals in Tampa Florida August 1^st 2009

The National Combine Series takes place in 23 cities over the entire United States. Starting with “Regionals”, thousands of athletes compete in a set format in the football skills of kicking, punting and long snapping. Those who qualify are advanced to a “Super Semi-Finals”. The Semi-Finals held in Tampa on August 1^st 2009 at Jesuit High School drew top regional qualifiers from as far away as Virginia and Puerto Rico. Those who place high in the Semi-finals will be invited to compete in the Finals, which will take place in January of 2010 here in Florida. More information can be attained at www.combineseries.com.

“Hot Tampa” Produces Super Hot Performances

· College Division (includes College, Community College and rising 12^th grade (class of 2010):

The big surprise of the entire combine was provided by Johnny Simone, Manatee Community College, who captured 1^st place in this division in field goals by pounding 9 out of 10 field goals through the uprights. Connor Goulding of Gulf Coast High School, Naples Florida and Matt Cass, from Hampton High School, Hampton, Virginia, also hit 90% to tie for 1^st with Johnny Simone.

Tyler Feely (Jesuit High School of Tampa Fl. took 2^nd place honors hitting 80 % of his field goals.

Tyler Feely dominated the College Division Punting Competition amassing 813.5 points with an average of 41.6 yards per punt and 3.97 hang time average. Austin Cannon of Creek Side High School, Fruit Cove, Florida took 2^nd place (punt) with 729 points, on a 35 yard average and 3.5 hang time average. 3^rd place was earned by Connor Goulding of Gulf Coach High School.

Kick off honors went to Matthew Cappleman (1^st Place) of West Orange High School of Orlando with 583.1 points and a 60.17 average distance; 2^nd Place was won by Connor Goulding, and 3^rd by Johnny Simone. Danny Adams, St. Thomas Aquinas, won the title for long snapping and field goal snapping.

· Varsity Division ( rising 11^th graders):

Out of nowhere came an unknown from Jesuit High School of Tampa, Fl. named Kyle Bellini who captured three places in the Varsity Division. Kyle, who is Tyler Feely’s team mate at Jesuit High School in Tampa, earned a 1^st place in Kick Offs and Punts and also a 2^nd place in Field Goals. 1^st place for field goals was earned with a stellar performance by Kaden Kerns, of Braden River High School in Florida. Kaden Kerns had 9 out of 10 field goals for 310 points, Tyler Gilbert out of Orlando Florida, tied for first with 90% on his field goal production and also had 3^rd place in punting. Bellini had 80 % on field goals, for 3^rd place. Robbie Amor, Jesuit High School of Tampa, took 1^st place in long snapping and field goal snapping.

· JV Division (rising 10^th graders):

Brooks Abbott, Episcopal High School of Jacksonville Fl. earned two 1^st place honors and a 2^nd place to stand out as the best JV Division kicker/punter. With 531 points in Kick offs and 702 points in punting both good enough for first place honors. In field goal he connected on 80 % good for runner up. Jake Englishbee hit 90% of his field goals for the JV Division 1^st place title. Kyle Federico from Pointe Vedre, Florida collected two 2^nd places and a 3^rd place honors.

· Two first place honors went to Nick Feely in the Freshman Division. Nick Feely, who will be attending Jesuit High School this fall went 90% on his field goals, earned 486 points on kick offs and 578 points in punts, good for a 2^nd place finish. Also hitting 90 % on field goals was Rhett Waldron of Brandon Florida. Rhett was the runner up for kick offs and took third place in punts. Sean Young was the freshman runner up in field goals and took first place in punting. Brandon Buck took 3^rd in both field goals and kick offs.

Boston Regional Recap

Boston, MA Regional Event

Kraft Field

July 24, 2009

Sunny / 80 Degrees / 5 mph Wind

Surface: Field Turf

Some of New England’s top kicking prospects came through in the clutch at the National Kicking Combine Series Boston Regional Event. Special Teams Solutions, headed by former Rutgers University and Arena Football kicker Lee McDonald, ran the event at Kraft Field (named after New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft who donated the field) in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Luke Faust of Roxbury Latin School (MA) showed a big leg on field goals among the class of 2010 kickers. Faust hit 7 of 10 kicks with a long of 52 yards off the ground and proved to be the best overall performer of the day after averaging 59 yards and 3.3 seconds hang time on kickoffs and 37 yards / 3.6 seconds hang time on punts. Erich Perfetti of Shrewsbury (MA) High School finished second by connecting on 6 of 10 field goals off the ground with a long of 39 yards. Brad Prasky of Groton High School (MA) displayed a strong leg on kickoffs by averaging nearly 58 yards and 3.4 seconds of hang time per kickoff. John Gardner of Darien High School (CT) was right there with a near 55 yard and 3.4 seconds hang time kickoff average. Among punters, Prasky averaged 38 yards and nearly 3.7 seconds hang time and Perfetti nearly 37 yards with 3.7 seconds hang time per punt. Arthur Azatyants of Brookline High School proved to be a solid punter as well by posting 35 yards and 3.8 seconds hang time per punt.

Among the class of 2011, Tim Weinclaw of Kellenberg High School (NY) proved consistent by hitting 8 of 10 field goals with a long of 52 yards off a two inch block. He also averaged 53 yards with 3.4 seconds hang time per kickoff. Joe Uglietto of the Governors Academy School (MA) turned over several punts and averaged 35 yards and 3.7 seconds hang time per kick. Class of 2012 kicker James Lincoln of Ocala High School (FL), a summer visitor to New England, was perfect on the day by hitting all ten field goals with a long of 42 yards. Lincoln also averaged 54 yards and 3.3 seconds hang time per kickoff.

Lee McDonald, Special Teams Solutions

lee@specialteamssolutions.com

732-406-6409

Pittsburgh Regional Recap

Pittsburgh, PA Regional Event

McKeesport High School

July 16, 2009

Overcast / 60 Degrees / 5 mph Wind

Surface: Field Turf

The weather as tough as steel at the National Kicking Combine Series Pittsburgh Regional. Special Teams Solutions, with the assistance former Rutgers punter Charlie Titus and former University of Buffalo kicker Gerry McGroarty, ran the event which was plagued by cool temperatures and rainy conditions. Despite a rain delay, severe thunder storms held up long enough for several local kickers to show they have what it takes to compete at the next level.

Among the class of 2010, Matt Maczura of Pittsburgh Central Catholic (PA) High School was almost perfect after hitting 9 of 10 field goals with a long of 52 yards from a one inch block! Anthony Chiappetta of North Hills (PA) High School, Patrick Donoughe of Forest Hills (PA) High School and Sean Zippie of Hickory (PA) High School each finished a respectable 7 of 10 on field goals off a one inch block. On kickoffs, Zach Christensen of Bishop Hoban (OH) HS lead the way after averaging 54 yards and 3.7 seconds hang time per kickoff from a one inch tee. Without a doubt the top punter was Levi Reihart of Tyrone Area (PA) High School who turned over numerous spirals and averaged 38 yards a punt with 3.5 seconds hang time. Reihart’s best punt was a 49 yard / 4.22 seconds hang time effort. Kevin Wood of Knoch (PA) High School was a close second after averaging nearly 35 yards and 3.5 seconds hang time per punt. Among the underclassmen, class of 2012 kicker of Beaver Falls (PA) High School stood out after connecting on 8 of 10 field goals with a long of 42 yards and averaging 51 yards and 3.6 hang time per kickoff with both skills off a 2 inch tee.

Lee McDonald, Special Teams Solutions

lee@specialteamssolutions.com

732-406-6409