Finding the Right College

Choosing the right college to attend is something that will take some

time. You will want to find a school that fits you both academically

and athletically.

The first step is to make a list of 12-15 schools

that you, initially, would like to attend. I would categorize them in this way:

• Dream schools
• Realistic schools
• Fall back schools

Of course, there could be some overlap between the Dream and Realistic schools. Having simple categories will help to organize your choices as you start this process.

Your Dream schools could be a big time college athletic program, like
UCLA, Notre Dame, Texas or Florida. Maybe you have grown up watching that program, members of your family have attended that school or you simply like their mascot and colors. There are many colleges that offer both big time athletics as well as incredible academics, Virginia, Cal Berkley, Boston College, etc. Therefore, attending one of these programs would appear to be ideal.

However, you need to be "realistic" with your athletic abilities and decide if you would get significant playing time by attending one of these programs. If so, great. If not, then you will need to decide if just being on the roster is good enough for you. Otherwise, finding a program, athletically, that will allow you to get a lot of playing time might be at a "Realistic" School.

Being a "Big fish in a small pond," is something that will provide for a great college experience. There are dozens of incredible academic institutions that play at smaller divisions, Amherst, William and Mary and all of the Ivy league schools.

You have heard or you will hear that "College is one of the best times of your life." The great thing is that you can do many things to ensure that you have an incredible experience.

Finally, have your "Fall Back" Schools. These are schools that you would still enjoy attending, but they are not necessarily the first ones that pop up in your head. They still combine the academics and athletics and offer the expected experience.

Do your initial research on these schools, their location (Do you want to stay close to home or leave the state?), student size, academic offering, players at your postition (How many? When are they graduating?),etc. Your list and rankings may move around after your research. Some schools may drop out and some new ones may be added.

Two sites where you can begin your research are:

• CollegeBoard.com
• NCAA.com

You have to work just as hard off the field, to find the right school, as you do on the field.* *

One of the most important questions that you should ask yourself when trying to select the right college is "If something were to happen that prevented me from playing my sport in college, would I still want to be at that school?"

Leveraging your sport to go to college is a great way to be a starter, get an education and have an incredible experience that will set the foundation for the rest of your life.

Once you have narrowed down your school options, the next step is letting them know that you are out there.

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

Recruiting Tip #2: Finding the Right College

Choosing the right college to attend is something that will take some
time. You will want to find a school that fits you both academically
and athletically.

The first step is to make a list of 12-15 schools
that you, initially, would like to attend.

I would categorize them in this way:

• Dream schools
• Realistic schools
• Fall back schools

Of course, there could be some overlap between the Dream and Realistic
schools. Having simple categories will help to organize your choices as
you start this process.

Your Dream schools could be a big time college athletic program, like UCLA, Notre Dame, Texas or Florida. Maybe you have grown up watching that program, members of your family have attended that school or you simply like their mascot and colors. There are many colleges that offer both big time athletics as well as incredible academics, Virginia, Cal Berkley, Boston College, etc. Therefore, attending one of these programs would appear to be ideal.

However, you need to be "realistic" with your athletic abilities and decide if you would get significant playing time by attending one of these programs. If so, great. If not, then you will need to decide if just being on the roster is good enough for you. Otherwise, finding a
program, athletically, that will allow you to get a lot of playing time might be at a "Realistic" School.

Being a "Big fish in a small pond," is something that will provide for a great college experience. There are dozens of incredible academic institutions that play at smaller divisions, Amherst, William and Mary and all of the Ivy league schools.

You have heard or you will hear that "College is one of the best times of your life." The great thing is that you can do many things to ensure that you have an incredible experience.

Finally, have your "Fall Back" Schools. These are schools that you would still enjoy attending, but they are not necessarily the first ones that pop up in your head. They still combine the academics and athletics and offer the expected experience.

Do your initial research on these schools, their location (Do you want to stay close to home or leave the state?), student size, academic offering, players at your postition (How many? When are they graduating?),etc. Your list and rankings may move around after your research. Some schools may drop out and some new ones may be added.

Two sites where you can begin your research are:

CollegeBoard.com

NCAA.com

You have to work just as hard off the field, to find the right school, as you do on
the field.

One of the most important questions that you should ask
yourself when trying to select the right college is "If something were to happen that prevented me from playing my sport in college, would I still want to be at that school?"

Leveraging your sport to go to college is a great way to be a starter, get an education and have an incredible experience that will set the foundation for the rest of your life.

Once you have narrowed down your school options, the next step is letting them know that you are out there. The most efficient way is to create an online video profile with www.activerecruiting.com

Good luck!

College Recruiting Tip #1: NCAA Eligibility

So you want to play sports in college? Whether you’re an All-American, All- State, All- District or just a starter because you were left off those lists by mistake, in order to play at the next level there are mandatory procedures.

The NCAA considers a Prospective Student-Athlete as “someone who is looking to participate in intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA Division I or Division II institution in the future.” To play in college ALL Prospective Student-Athletes must sign up with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

As of August 1, 2008, NCAA Division I will require 16 core courses. Division II requires 14 core courses, but will increase to 16 core courses beginning August 1, 2013. View the NCAA Freshman Eligibility Standards Quick Reference Sheet for more information on these requirements.

This important step allows for college coaches to verify that you are eligible and provides them academic information on the student-athlete. You are encouraged to submit transcripts and test scores (SAT/ACT) for their review. You will be assigned a pin number that they can use to confirm this information.

Just like there are rules to follow in games, the NCAA is all about rules and guidelines to better serve student-athletes and their parents.

Once you have registered, it is time to let them know that you are out there. The internet is a great way to create exposure. Creating an online interactive video profile is a solid way to make that all important introduction to college coaches.

If you haven’t registered with the eligibility center, do so ASAP.

Northern Virginia/DC Regional Recap

Washington, D.C. Regional Event

Centreville High School

June 26, 2009

Partly Cloudy / 90 Degrees / 10 mph Wind

Field Surface: Grass

The nation’s capital proved to be the perfect backdrop for a high pressure situation as more than twenty kickers gathered for the Washington, D.C. National Kicking Combine Regional Event. Special Teams Solutions, with the assistance of former VA Tech kicker Matt Felber and Salisbury State University all conference kicker Tommy Kowalick, hosted the event at Centreville, VA High School.

Class of 2010 kicker James Devens from Vienna, VA (James Madison HS) proved to be the leading candidate after connecting on 10 of 10 on field goals off the ground with a long of 52 yards! Just short of the top 2010 field goal nomination were Ian Durham of Wilmington, NC (Hoggard HS) who hit 8 of 10 field goals (long of 44) off the ground and Matt Cass of Hampton, VA (Hampton HS) who also split the pipes 8 of 10 times (long of 47) off a 1” tee. On kickoffs, Eric Smith of Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Pinecrest School ‘10) got great lift on the ball by averaging 3.8 hang and 55 yards a kick from a 1” tee. Devins also showed he is a capable kickoff weapon by averaging nearly 3.5 hang and 58 yards a kick from a 1” tee. The top 2010 punters included Devins who posted 42 yards and 3.7 seconds hang time a punt and John Macomber of Vienna, VA (Georgetown Prep) who averaged 36 yards and 4.1 seconds hang time per punt.

The leading nominees among the underclassmen kickers were Jacob Gibson of Reisterstown, MD (Franklin HS ‘11) and Kyle Lawrence of Hampton, VA (Kecoughtan HS’11) who both went 9 of 10 with a long of 47 off the ground and a 1” block respectively. Michael Branthover of Dayton, MD (DeMatha HS ’11) confirmed he was the best punter of the day after posting a 40 yard and 3.9 seconds hang time punting average. He also showed good pop on kickoffs by hitting several into the end zone with more than 3.6 seconds of hang time. Among the class of 2012, Eric Enderson of Hampton, VA (Phoebus HS) and Jared Rondeau of Clifton, VA (Centreville HS) both connected on 9 of 10 field goals with a long of 42 yards. Colby Cooke of Sandy Hook, VA (Goochland HS) displayed the best leg overall on kickoffs with a long of 55 yards and 3.5 seconds hang time.

Lee McDonald, Special Teams Solutions

lee@specialteamssolutions.com

732-406-6409

Raleigh Regional Combine Recap

Raleigh, NC Regional Event

Ravenscroft School

June 19, 2009

Mostly Sunny / 95 Degrees / 5 mph Wind

Field Surface: Grass

A small but talented group of specialist gathered at the Ravenscroft School

Stadium field in Raleigh, NC on June 19th. Special Teams Solutions, with the help of local division one college player Corey Tedder (NC State Long-Snapper), ran the event. As temperatures approached the mid 90’s, the competition on the field heated up as well.

Brady Harrington ‘10 of Richland (NC) high school showed everyone why he is a

legitimate division one prospect. Harrington struck the ball extremely well and generated great height on his field goals, connecting on 7 of 10 attempts with a long of 52 yards. Harrington’s kickoffs, however, are what ultimately set him apart by averaging nearly 60 yards and 4.1 hang time with a one inch tee. He also finished first in punting with a near 36 yard / 4.3 second hang time average per punt. Robert Schick of Hunt (NC) high school was right there in the mix after hitting 9 of 10 field goals with a long of 47 yards off the ground. The 2009 high school graduate also averaged 59 yards / 3.7 hang time per kickoff. Michael Mugler ’10 of First Colonial (VA) high school also showed tremendous accuracy and consistency by making 9 of 10 field goals with a long of 47

yards from a one inch tee.

Rounding out the combine was a standout class of 2011 long snapping prospect.

Curtis Struyk of West Carteret (NC) high school showed good zip and accuracy on field goal snaps by averaging .48 per short snap. Further, his ability to get the laces out will make him an asset to any college program. The 6’0 220 lbs. Struyk also averaged .82 seconds per long snap from the college distance of 14 yards.

Jacksonville Regional Recap

Jacksonville Regional Event

Julington Creek Plantation Park – Jacksonville, FL. June 18^th, 2009

Sunny – 88 Degrees – Wind 5-10 mph, Surface – Field Turf

Going into the second annual Jacksonville Combine Series Event, we had a variety of new talent. Most of the athletes who participated in this event were from the Jacksonville area and are currently kicking/punting for their high school. Only two kids were from areas like Lake City and Tallahassee Florida. ProForm Kicking Academy coaches Mike Hollis (retired 9 year NFL All-Pro Kicker) and Jim Gaetano conducted this event with hopes that all these kids will do well and advance to the next round.

The young athletes started the competition and set the bar pretty high for the older athletes. Brooks Abbott of Episcopal High School (Jacksonville) began the field goal competition and went 8 for 10. Ponte Vedra High School’s Kyle Federico matched Brook’s field goal attempts while Nathan B. Forrest High School’s kicker/punter Jake Enghlishbee topped them all going 9 for 10! Brooks and Kyle topped the kick-off distances averaging 58.83 and 59.33 yards per kick-off respectfully. Other notables…Kyle Federico averaged 38.30 yards per punt.

The only “Varsity” attendant was Fernandina Beach High School junior kicker/punter Robby Phillips who was 7 for 10 on field goals, while he averaged 58.17 yards on kick-offs. He averaged 36.40 yards per punt.

Topping out the class of 2010 was senior kicker/punter Austin Cannon of Creekside High School who averaged 58.50 yards on kick-offs and 46.00 yards per punt! Chase Varnadore of Florida High School in Tallahassee also performed very well averaging 58.67 yards on kick-offs and 40.46 yards per punt. Local Nease High School senior punter Tim Contic averaged 38.60 yards per punt. Other notables…Colin Tull of Bishop John J. Snyder High School averaged 58.00 yards per kick-off.

Concluding the second annual Combine Series Jacksonville Regional Event was a 2 hour Mini-Camp conducted by ProForm Kicking Academy. This short camp primarily focused on any issues that affected a kicker’s performance during the competition.

Mike Hollis’ ProForm Kicking Academy

Jacksonville, Florida

mike@ProFormKicking.com - (904) 625-5893

College Recruiting Tip #1: NCAA Eligibility

So you want to play sports in college? Whether you’re an All-American, All-State, All-District or just a starter because you were left off those lists by mistake, in order to play at the next level there are mandatory procedures.

The NCAA considers a Prospective Student-Athlete as “someone who is looking to participate in intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA Division I or Division II institution in the future.” To play in college ALL Prospective Student-Athletes must sign up with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

As of August 1, 2008, NCAA Division I will require 16 core courses. Division II requires 14 core courses, but will increase to 16 core courses beginning August 1, 2013. View the NCAA Freshman Eligibility Standards Quick Reference Sheet for more information on these requirements.

This important step allows for college coaches to verify that you are eligible and provides them academic information on the student-athlete. You are encouraged to submit transcripts and test scores (SAT/ACT) for their review. You will be assigned a pin number that they can use to confirm this information.

Just like there are rules to follow in games, the NCAA is all about rules and guidelines to better serve student-athletes and their parents.

Once you have registered, it is time to let them know that you are out there. The internet is a great way to create exposure. Creating an online interactive video profile is a solid way to make that all important introduction to college coaches.

If you haven’t registered with the eligibility center, do so ASAP.

A Playbook for the Rest of Your Life

Through my experience playing in the NFL and being a union
representative for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I saw first-hand what
happens to athletes when their playing days come to an end and they
haven't prepared for their second career. A very small percentage of
athletes make it to the pros. Of those who do, a smaller percentage
play long enough to retire comfortably for the rest of their lives.

In the NFL alone, the average career is only 3.5 years. You don't qualify
to become an unrestricted free agent (where the big contracts are
usually signed) until you have played four years.

There are a lot of sad stories about pro athletes who didn't prepare themselves
enough for life after their sports career is over. Don't let that
happen to you. It is a long shot to play professional sports. However,
going to college, playing the sport you love and getting a great
education will provide you with an incredible experience that will carry
you through the rest of your life.

No matter what sport you play, your coach develops plays that you use to help the team win. Most
teams have a playbook. Being a student-athlete and trying to have a
game plan for college requires its own "playbook." The NCAA has done a
great job trying to take the burden off of athletes and parents by
creating a game plan to follow. The process to get into college can be
overwhelming. However, using the Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete is a very smart thing to do.

Have you gone to NCAAStudent.org site? It is a really cool interactive site.
It is essentially a playbook with information about being an NCAA
student-athlete.

The site itself was designed to look like a playbook. It is a three-ring binder that "is dedicated to helping you
understand the balance between academics and sports required of every student-athlete for a successful life in school, and out. Here you can learn about the NCAA, download the Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete, and discover how you can go pro in something other than sports."

When you go to the site, the first words that you read are: There are over
380,000 student-athletes, and just about every one of them will go pro
in something other than sports.

I really enjoy the emphasis that the NCAA has put on "going pro" in something other than sports. The
inside folder pocket has an envelope with pictures that open to the
television commercials they have played.

I certainly was not aware of the Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
when I was in high school and there wasn't an interactive website for
me to review. The site and its design effectively simplify the
information.

This playbook discusses:

• Amateurism-Eligibility Requirements
• Academic-Eligibility Requirements
• Core Course, GPA, Tests, Special Conditions
• NCAA Eligibility Center
• Questions to Ask as You Consider Colleges
• Information for Parents and Guardians
• Details for High School Counselors and Athletic Administrators
• Recruiting Regulations

The media gives a lot of emphasis to professional athletes and thus every
kid wants to grow up to be one. I can tell you personally that although
it is a great experience, it sometimes is not all that it is cracked up
to be.

So check out the site, read it, download the playbook
and follow it. I am confident that if you follow the plays in this
playbook you will be successful.

Tony Dungy, Great Man, Great Coach

I just got off the phone with Tony Dungy. I had called my old special teams coach Joe Marciano, who is now the special teams coordinator for the Houston Texans. I left him a message asking for Tony's cell number so that I could contact him. Joe called me back and told me that he had just got off the phone with Tony and that Tony was looking for my number. That is a "Goocher" in my book.

Tony has decided that he is ready to move on to the next chapter in his life. It was great to hear Tony's voice. It had been some time since I had spoken with him. Espn wrote some great articles on Tony. One in particular was about me and how he handled a slump that I went through in 1997 when my mother was dying of cancer: http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-7-74/A-Dungy-story-you-may-not-have-heard.html

Being an athlete and/or a coach is demanding enough. However, how we handle both victory and defeat provides the opportunity to demonstrate character. The NFL is a "machine" and I have seen many people change under its grips. I have heard coaches tell our team one thing, only to have something else happen. That was never the case with Tony. With the amount of money and pressure that is found in the NFL, Tony never allowed it to control him. His faith in man-kind is strong. His faith in God is stronger. This man "Walks the Walk."

I will forever be grateful to Tony not only for how he handled my situation, but how fortunate I am to have him as a friend and the impact that he has had on my life.