This past Monday, Craig Hentrich (17 year NFL punter), Justin Snow (13 year NFL long snapper) and I held an invite only FA Combine for NFL and CFL teams in Mobile, AL. The reasoning behind having this event was due to the fact that every NFL team would be in town for the Senior Bowl Game and practices held this week.
After talking with several NFL teams over the past couple of months, we determined that we were only going to invite a select few specialists. The requirement was that they had to have been in a training camp, rookie mini camp or private workout over the past two seasons.
Just about every NFL team that we spoke with thought that this was a great idea. First, because we were bringing the event to the teams in one location. Secondly, it was early in the off season when teams are still looking to sign free agents to futures contracts. One NFL special teams coach went as far as to say that the idea was, "Genius."
.JPG)
The turn out was excellent. We had representation of 30+ from NFL GMs, Director of Player Personnel, Special Teams Coordinators, Assistant Special Teams Coaches, CFL coaches, NFL scouts and agents. Some of the well known names in attendance were:
- Martin Mayhew, Detroit Lions EVP of Football Operations and General Manager
- Sheldon White, Detroit Lions Vice President of Pro Personnel
- Scott Cohen, Tampa Bay Bucs Director of Pro Scouting
- Chris Polian, Jacksonville Jaguars Director of Pro Scouting
- Mike Priefer, Minnesota Vikings Special Teams Coordinator
- Darrin Simmons, Cincinnati Bengals Special Teams Coordinator
- Amos Jones, Arizona Cardinals Special Teams Coordinator
- Nate Kaczor, Tennessee Titans Special Teams Coordinator
- Danny Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers Special Teams Coordinator
- Bob Ligashesky, Houston Texans, Special Teams Coordinator
Some of the specialists impressed. Long Snappers Trevor Gillette and Dax Dellenbach both snapped very well and rumor has it that they have been contacted by NFL teams already for workouts.
Punters Richie Leone (Baltimore Ravens 2014 Training Camp) and Cody Mandell (Dallas Cowboys 2014 Training Camp hit some big bombs with good direction. Two other punters that demonstrated solid leg strength and potential were Justin Brockhaus-Kann and Kyle Martens.
Just a few days ago, Richie Leone signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As for the kickers, there were some impressive kickers with pretty extensive backgrounds. Giorgio Tavecchio showed why he has been in training camps the past three years with the Detroit Lions, 2014; Green Bay Packers, 2013; and the San Francisco 49ers, 2012. LA KISS' Kenny Spencer was there and kicked with solid accuracy and power. Free agent kicker Matt Nelson kicked well continues to impress us with his consistent ball rotation and height. Last but not least, Adam Yates (Jacksonville Jaguars 2013 Training Camp) kicked well on both field goals and kickoffs.
However, young Jason Myers from Marist College, was impressive in his first ever NFL FA Combine. He kicked the ball strong and straight and had the best kickoffs of the group.
All in all, the talent at this event was very solid. Everyone that participated at the combine has NFL potential. However, the key is whether you can get it done under pressure.
Having the trust and faith from NFL teams is critical for our goal of helping aspiring specialists reach their goal of playing in the NFL. Having all of these teams and personnel at this combine will definitely help create exposure for our future events.
Next up is the Husted Kicking College Senior Combine in San Diego on February 7th and 8th. The next time NFL teams will be able to scout our specialists will be at our annual Husted Kicking Pro Camp in San Diego March 28th - April 2nd.
.JPG) |
| Justin Snow, Craig Hentrich, Michael Husted & Brian Jackson HK FA Combine Staff in Mobile, AL |