The best of the best flew into Los Angeles, CA this morning to participate in the prestigious invite only Chris Sailer Kicking "TOP 12" Camp.  The 3 day camp brings the top specialists in the nation all to one location to learn with and compete again each other.  The talent this year might be the best ever.  Here is a Day 1 recap.  The focus was field goals, punting, and long snapping. 

Field Goals:  Ross Martin (2012 OH) and Brady Stuart (2011 CA) stepped up to win the competitions.  Other standouts included: USC Commit Andre Heidari (2011 CA), Mike Bowlin (2011 JC CA), Matt Goudis (2011 CA), and Alex Mueller (2011 TX), and Garrett Owens (2012 CA).


Pictured: Winners - Brady Stuart & Ross Martin

In a head to head team field goal competition, once again the "TOP 12" came out victorious.  The outlasted the "Event Elite" and the 2012 Class Time with relative ease.  The "TOP 12" has never lost in this annual team competition.


L to R: Heidari, Goudis, Howell, Hairston, Bowlin, Loftus, Oliver & DiPaula

Punting:  Dalton Botts (2011 JC CA) was by far the standout punter.  He left no doubt that he should be the next national punter to be offered a scholarship.  University of Florida commit Kyle Christy (2011 IN) and Duke University commit Will Monday (2011 GA) were also impressive.  Ian Campbell (2011 JC CA) showed why he is one of the top JC punters in America. 

 
Pictured: (Left) Dalton Botts & (Right) Kyle Christy

Long Snapping: Dallas Noriega clearly showed why he is the number one long snapper in the country. Good size and runs well for his size. Ball is quick and he blocks very well. Scott Thompson and Zach Ewan both are physically strong and whip the ball back there as quick as anyone. Tanner Gibas is literally on the cusp of greatness. Once everything is fine-tuned he might move into a five star long snapper. Other long snappers that really shined were Bryce Haynes of Georgia, Samuel Rodgers of Pennsylvania, Harrison Elliott of Georgia, Matthew Wilkinson of Florida, Rick Lovato of New Jersey, John Sheperdson and Alex Den Bleyker of California. 2012 long snapper Reid Ferguson left no doubt he is the tops in his class. Dominated his class and could vie for a high rank in the class ahead of him.

Tomorrow's session will focus in on kickoffs, punting for the combo players, and long snapping.  I expect big things from Connor Loftus (2011 CA) and Adam Griffith (2012 GA) on kickoffs.  Alex Howell (2011 SC) and Bradley Pinion (2012 NC) should show well as combo players on the punting side.  And look for JJ Drescher (2011 TX) to step up in the long snapping drills. 

Stay tuned for a Day 2 recap.....