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scott sypniewski

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Adam Schnepp

Scott Sypniewski31 Twitter

According to his Twitter bio, Michigan long snapper Scott Sypniewki won’t be returning to the program for his redshirt senior season in 2017. Sypniewski has been Michigan’s starting long snapper since 2014, appearing in 34 games over the past three seasons. Redshirt sophomore PWO Andrew Robinson appears to be next in line to take over as Michigan's starting long snapper.

Sypniewski’s departure leaves Michigan with 25 available scholarships. They have 26 recruits currently committed; with the usual expected (and unexpected) offseason attrition, the 32-man class we’ve heard rumblings about seems feasible from the perspective of available scholarships.

Comments

raleighwood

December 27th, 2016 at 1:29 PM ^

Sypniewski's dad played for WMU back in the 80's when Hoke was on the staff. That's probably the connection (and reason for scholarship). Oddly enough, Jack Harbaugh was the HC of those teams so he has a connection, too. It just looks like JH is freeing up some roster space....nothing to see here.

Joined: 11/26/2008

MGoPoints: 4710

AZBlue

December 27th, 2016 at 2:22 PM ^

We had lost a LS to MSU the year before when they offered a scholarship- so there is that.

We have 2 walk-on LSs at present that can take his place, including Cameron Cheeseman from last year. The main reason I remember that is the Steve Lorenz noted him on the MGoPodcast saying that he actually had an ESPN profile which noted that he had "special upside" as a LS.

Joined: 09/14/2008

MGoPoints: 16795

SeattleWolverine

December 27th, 2016 at 2:03 PM ^

Yes and no. Usually with attrition of nonqualifiers, discipline etc we've run under 85 by the time camp actually started. So yeah, those snappers get scholarships as walk-ons much of the time because they are the walk-ons most likely to contribute and you're usually under 85. With coaching changes we've run up higher classes and tighter to the 85 limit lately so that's an issue. But also those LS get the scholarship as a reward but it isn't a guaranteed outcome, whereas if you recruit and offer that scholarship then you are more or less locked in so it's a commitment you're obligated to. Other than the potential weirdness of the George Morales recruitment, I don't remember M actually recruiting another guy as a scholarship LS in the last 30 years. 

Joined: 11/07/2012

MGoPoints: 4047

SeattleWolverine

December 27th, 2016 at 2:20 PM ^

It would be a point in favor of a LS being important, in general. 

 

It would be an even stronger point against giving a scholarship to a particular LS because of the value he creates compared to a walk-on, if that particular LS's performance isn't demonstrably better. And this would be a data point going against his performance being better than that of a replacement walk-on. 

Joined: 11/07/2012

MGoPoints: 4047

His Harbaughness

December 27th, 2016 at 2:58 PM ^

I am not naive - he may not have been invited back. Or, maybe he is leaving on his own. Either way, if he can turn this into an opportunity to (A) get grad school paid for and/or (B) get a regular Center job, why not? Plus, whether walk on or scholarship, I appreciate his efforts working to perfect a minute part of the game that is important at critical times.

Joined: 12/25/2016

MGoPoints: 15

dcloren2121

December 27th, 2016 at 12:08 PM ^

Wonder if this is simply because we want the scholarship slot for a position other than long snapper.  Seemed pretty good to me, largely because I never had to say his name in anger at any point.

Joined: 07/30/2013

MGoPoints: 6348

Quailman

December 27th, 2016 at 12:16 PM ^

No, hes a long-snapper and long-snapper only. He weighs 230 pounds. 

He wants to keep long-snapping, and he (and his scholarship) don't have a spot at UM anymore.

As others have mentioned, he's been on scholarship for four years. UM has other LS options next year. 

Joined: 08/30/2013

MGoPoints: 19706

AC1997

December 27th, 2016 at 12:15 PM ^

It seems odd for him to depart when you have a strong contrbutor at that position, though it is rare for your LS to be on scholarship in the first place.  He's done a great job in his career so there's always a risk that we take a step back next season.

Where this might be cause for optimism is that they told him that they needed his scholarship for recruits.  If they needed a scholarship from a solid contributor, maybe that means some combination of lack of unexpected attrition and more recruits.  

Joined: 09/19/2008

MGoPoints: 13796