Signings and Shrieking

Posted on August 16, 2013 by longsnap

Snapping Moves

There was some snapping news during the second weekend of NFL pre-season games, as the Dolphins announced the signing of veteran snapper John Denney to a three-year extension.  Denney would have been an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and his new deal extends until the 2016 season.

In addition to this signing, another snapper became the subject of a Wall Street Journal story on his shrieking.  Zak DeOssie, the Giants snapper, made news due to his unique skills during punt coverage.  When running downfield, DeOssie “emits a piercing, high-pitched howl” to make his presence known.  The tactic is apparently in a gray area as to whether it is legal, but there are no reported incidents of a flag being thrown for this potentially distracting action.  Although it is unclear what effect the shrieking has, DeOssie is always one of the leading tacklers among snappers each year.

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Snapping Update after Preseason Week One

Posted on August 11, 2013 by longsnap

Kevin Gold

With the first full week of NFL preseason action complete, there have been some recent snapping developments.  Two snappers, Jon Condo (Raiders) and Christian Yount (Browns), received contract extensions.  Condo is now under contract until 2016 and the extension prevents him from hitting the open market at the end of the season.  Yount, who would have become a restricted free agent after this season, is now under contract through 2017.

Veteran snappers Jon Dorenbos (Eagles) and Patrick Mannelly (Bears) each suffered injuries on punt coverage in their preseason openers, although both are expected back soon.  To be safe, the Bears added rookie snapper Brandon Hartson (Houston) and the Eagles signed James Winchester (Oklahoma).

Snappers were also involved in a number of other transactions as the Steelers waived rookie Luke Ingram.  Ingram who was later claimed off waivers by the Jaguars, giving them three snappers in camp.  The Patriots also waived Mike Zupancic but re-signed him a few days later.  The Cowboys swapped rookie snappers today, waiving Jackson Anderson and adding PJ Mangieri (Nebraska).

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2013 Training Camp Long Snappers Chart; Jets Add Scales

Posted on July 23, 2013 by longsnap

NEWS & NOTES

With some NFL training camps underway and the rest about to commence, it is time to debut the 2013 NFL Long Snappers Chart, Training Camp edition.  The Chart is similar to the Regular Season chart but includes a column for a second snapper.

The Jets made the latest move at the snapping position, signing client Patrick Scales.  Scales beat out client Nick Guess and Charley Hughlett yesterday in a workout.

2013 NFL Long Snappers Chart (Training Camp Edition)

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Snapping Moves as Training Camps Approach

Posted on July 16, 2013 by longsnap

Snapping Moves

With training camps a few days away, there have been a couple of moves at the snapping position.  Late last month, the Jets waived Travis Tripucka and, last week, the 49ers waived Kyle Nelson, who was later claimed by the Seahawks.

At this time, the Bengals, Cowboys, Jaguars, Patriots, Steelers, 49ers, Seahawks, Rams and Buccaneers are the only teams with two snappers on the 90 man roster.

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Snapping Prospects for 2014 NFL Draft

Posted on July 5, 2013 by longsnap

About the Blog

Although the college and NFL seasons are many weeks away, it is never too early to start identifying some of the top college snapping talent that NFL clubs will be watching closely this season.

So far, there are a few snappers who have demonstrated NFL potential based on my analysis and discussions with some trusted sources.  Casey Kreiter (Iowa), Trevor Gillette (Rice) and Drew Howell (Oregon) are some of the most common names being mentioned in NFL circles.  Gillette and Howell are four-year starters and Gillette has played both tight end and defensive end during his career at Rice.  Kreiter is entering his third year as starting snapper and contributed seven tackles on special teams last year for the Hawkeyes.

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Rams Snapper McQuaide Having a Great Week

Posted on July 2, 2013 by longsnap

Snapping Moves

Rams snapper Jake McQuaide is enjoying a great week so far during the down time that occurs just prior to training camp.  McQuaide, who is entering his third NFL season, signed a four year contract extension on Monday that will keep him with the Rams through the 2017 season.

In addition, McQuaide plays a role in the hot new trick shot video from Dude Perfect that appeared on YouTube Monday featuring his teammates punter Johnny Hekker and kicker Greg Zuerlein.  Enjoy…

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CFL Snappers for the 2013 Season

Posted on July 1, 2013 by longsnap

Press

The CFL regular season got underway this weekend and featured the same eight snappers that started the season last year.  Of this group, only veteran Randy Chevrier has spent time in the NFL.  Below are the snappers for each club.

British Columbia 40 Tim Cronk

Calgary 56 Randy Chevrier

Edmonton 53 Ryan King

Hamilton 54 Kevin Scott

Montreal 37 Martin Bedard

Saskatchewan 47 Cory Hucklack

Toronto 82 Chad Rempel

Winnipeg 50 Chris Cvetkovic

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Pontbriand Offering Private and Group Snapping Training

Posted on June 17, 2013 by longsnap

About the Blog

Ryan Pontbriand, who is the highest drafted snapper in the history of the NFL, is now offering both private and group snapping training and instruction.  Based in Texas, Pontbriand has started to train high school and college snappers in sessions that include video analysis to help improve snapping ability.

For those who are interested in learning from a veteran NFL snapper, you can contact Ryan directly for more information via email at prosnap64@gmail.com.

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USC Recruit Zach Smith Becomes a National Video Sensation

Posted on June 6, 2013 by longsnap

Press

California high school snapper Zach Smith, who is committed to attend USC next Fall, has become the latest national video star with his amazing compilation of long snapping tricks.  At last check, Smith’s video had over 425,000 views and has received significant national media attention.

This video and all of the corresponding attention it has received in just the last few days is yet another example of how snappers can receive positive press in a position that is otherwise designed to be very anonymous. In 2011, Zach Enyeart was one of the first snappers to gain national exposure with a similar video of snapping tricks.

The video is below.

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Phil Steele’s Preseason All-American Long Snappers

Posted on June 5, 2013 by longsnap

About the Blog

Phil Steele’s College Football Preview is one of the best college preview publications I have seen, largely because it always includes detailed information on each FBS team’s long snapper.  Steele continues to respect the position and today updated his Daily Blog with his 2013 Preseason All-American Team.  The list goes four teams deep and, most importantly, includes long snappers.

This year, the 1st Team snapper is Scott Thompson of NC State.  2nd team is Drew Howell of Oregon, 3rd is Matt Dooley of Indiana and 4th is Reid Ferguson of LSU.  Each snapper is also the product of noted snapping instructor, Chris Rubio.

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