the just released schedules were a flat-out statement that the B10 doesn't believe SOS will matter in playoff selection
Hello: Scott Sypniewski
Via the Rubio Long Snapping Flickr
In a commitment that caught pretty much everyone off guard, Ottawa (IL) long snapper Scott Sypniewki has committed to Michigan on a full scholarship, as first announced by long-snapping guru Chris Rubio and confirmed by multiple outlets. Sypniewski is the 21st commit in the class of 2013 and (surprise!) the first long snapper. A bit more info on his commitment comes via Scout's Allen Trieu ($):
"They said they need one. They just lost their starter, Tom Pomarico. They have one guy who is going to be a senior and they were going to bring in two walk-ons. They've seen my film and knew I was good enough to start there and that's why they offered me a scholarship."
No further explanation is necessary, I'm sure.
GURU RATINGS
| Scout | Rivals | ESPN | 247 Sports |
| NR LS | NR LS | NR LS | NR LS |
Sypniewski, unsurprisingly, is not rated by any of the recruiting services. Chris Rubio Long Snapping, however, specializes in this sort of thing, and they've got him as the #2 long snapper in the 2013 class (Taybor Pepper was 6th) and a five-star prospect. Sypniewski is listed at 6'1", 230.
The above link comprises almost all of the available scouting information on Sypniewski that a 15-minutes Google-stalk could turn up. It is, shall we say, laudatory:
Sypniewski is a man on a mission. Body is looking thick and muscular. He is moving well and snapping rockets. Attitude on this kid is amazing. Tell him to do something and consider it done. He has a good time but is full of rage when he is snapping. Love it. Ball is smooth, on target and crisp. He gets set and BOOM! the ball is in your hands. Very impressed with him and he is a no brainer scholarship kid!
Sypniewski is just flat out fantastic! Ball is like a missle yet very easy to catch. Movement is flawless and he is snapping with ease. Looks like he is not even trying but, before you blink, the ball is right on your hip. Accuracy, consistency and speed are all excellent. A tad lighter on his feet could bump him up and I am being picky. Sypniewski is terrific and is snapping with a TON of confidence. I am fully expecting him to stick his chest out and dominate in Vegas. 4/12
There's also this, er, juicy tidbit [emphasis mine]:
Excellent job by Sypniewski. Body is becoming athletic and thick. Huge legs and butt. Great for a Long Snapper. Ball, when he snaps the ball HARD, is absolutely fantastic. Blocks extremely well for his age when he gets back. Tremendous personality. Does a great job of improving every single time. Great worker and will be a great teammate to those around him.
Recruiting!
The Wolverine's Andy Reid caught up with Rubio—who's been coaching Sypniewski since 2009—shortly after his commitment for additional insight ($):
Rubio said Sypniewski's strengths are his size and strength in the blocking game and, most importantly, the speed and fluidity of his snaps.
"He's fantastic," Rubio said. "His snap is just so smooth, but it's still a such a rapid movement. You almost think there's no way it could be coming this quick, because it's still so smooth. It's just boom, hits you."
"I would like to see him work on his footwork, continuing to get downfield after the snap. But, in all honesty, he really doesn't need much right now to make the step up to the next level."
Sounds like he could be an early contributor, as current snapper/folk hero Jareth Glanda will be a redshirt senior when Sypniewski gets on campus. I won't really attempt to add anything else to the scouting of a long snapper, especially since—as you'll see below—there's an astounding amount of film on the kid. He's got a 15-yard snap time of .69 seconds, [Ed-S: This is 44 miles per hour. Four FAKES out of FIVE!] which I imagine is very good but have zero context for saying so.
UPDATE: There are a couple of other long-snapper rankings out there, and it appears there are large disparities between the respective lists—if I had to guess, these rankings vary wildly depending on whose camps these prospects attend. Sypniewski comes in at #14 on Kohl's Professional Camps snapper rankings, and indeed, you must attend one of their camps to be included. Here's their writeup:
Scott has a solid frame with very good mechanics. His overall SS and LS accuracy is good and he is consistent with his snap speed. Scott finished with an average snap time of .74 seconds at the Midwest Showcase Camp in December of 2011 with his best snap time recorded at .70 seconds. Scott has good footwork and a quick ball release which allows him to get back into protection quickly. He has great lower body explosiveness with good ball rotation. Scott will be a good fit for any protection scheme.
Prokicker.com, meanwhile, doesn't have Sypniewski in their top 25 for the class of 2013, though if his reported snap times are close to accurate, he's should probably be in the top couple spots.
[H/T to mgouser goblueritzy92 for dropping those links in the comments.]
OFFERS
Sypniewski's Scout profile, which probably was created 15 minutes ago, lists no other suitors besides Michigan.
STATS
Um, stats?
FAKE 40 TIME
None listed, unfortunately. All of the FAKEs.
VIDEO
Yes, we've got highlights:
Oh, and it doesn't end there. For 15(!) more videos of Sypniewski snapping, click here.
PREDICTION BASED ON FLIMSY EVIDENCE
When Sypniewski arrives on campus, Michigan will have Glanda as a redshirt senior at long snapper as well as 2012 preferred walk-on Tyler Tokarsky. Tokarsky, for what it's worth, says his plans to attend Michigan have not changed despite the news of Sypniewski's commitment. Sypniewski and Tokarsky should battle for the starting job in 2014, then hopefully we'll never hear from either again barring any improbable catches on fake field goals.
If you remember, Michigan did have a second preferred walk-on snapper lined up for the class of 2012, Taybor Pepper, but he chose to attend Michigan State when Mark Dantonio offered him a scholarship.
UPSHOT FOR THE REST OF THE CLASS
The Wolverines now sit at 21 commitments in a class that should reach 23-24, though one has to wonder if there's any concerns about extra attrition given the offer to a position normally filled by walk-ons or players who change positions. Michigan will likely still take a wide receiver—there's still a spot reserved for Laquon Treadwell, at least—and they could also add a cornerback, running back, or strongside defensive end.
June 6th, 2012 at 8:12 PM | 
...assuming he starts. We
...assuming he starts. We
June 6th, 2012 at 6:42 PM |
Where is...
Where is...
Where is Kate... We just got a 5* Long Snapper.
THIS IS MICHIGAN
June 6th, 2012 at 6:43 PM |
Rivals has him listed as an
Rivals has him listed as an
Rivals has him listed as an athlete and OL. Brady must have some big ideas for this kid.
http://michigan.rivals.com/default.asp
“When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing” - Bo Schembechler
June 6th, 2012 at 6:47 PM |
Really, people?! Wow.
Really, people?! Wow.
Welcome to the family, Scott!
Go Blue!
"The Artes, The Scientia, The Veritas."
June 6th, 2012 at 6:47 PM |
He is so good
He is so good
Rivals lists him twice under our commitment list.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/commitments/2013/michigan-29
June 6th, 2012 at 6:51 PM |
Of course!
Of course!
He's a clone. We're getting 2-for-1. And they can meld to form a 12' tall, 460 lb left tackle. It all makes sense now.
"Mattison must break you. Jake Ryan is his tool."
June 6th, 2012 at 6:58 PM |
Just one other question...
Just one other question...
How are his grades?
June 6th, 2012 at 9:50 PM |
8.0 GPA
8.0 GPA
8.0 GPA
June 6th, 2012 at 6:51 PM |
oh yeah
oh yeah
"...is full of rage when he is snapping"
He's Brandon Minor!
"Tremendous personality."
He has a future in coaching, at least at Michigan!
In all seriousness, special teams are important and the tradeoff between this guy and the guy who would have gotten his spot could go either way. The last guy we would have taken for the class would probably have been a 3 star, but 3 stars can be very important contributors. We'll see how this works out.
Someone made the earlier point that if anybody could longsnap then NFL teams wouldn't carry long snappers, but NFL teams also have the luxury of picking up a free agent if they are short at a position. College teams don't.
June 6th, 2012 at 7:06 PM |
Smh I can't believe I just watched a highlight video
Smh I can't believe I just watched a highlight video
Of a long snapper... GO BLUE
June 6th, 2012 at 7:16 PM |
Excellent, another piece of
Excellent, another piece of
Excellent, another piece of the puzzle. Plus he's said to be tremendous.
June 6th, 2012 at 7:47 PM |
Braylon is going to be
Braylon is going to be
Braylon is going to be PISSED!
I say we count him as a 5 star in the rankings, maybe no one will notice.
"There will be blood on the field and it won't be mine." -KK
June 6th, 2012 at 7:52 PM |
If he turns out to be a good
If he turns out to be a good
If he turns out to be a good long snapper then it's worth it. I can think of some pretty bad 4th string qb's that had a scholarship and never played in a game. The coaches could care less about recruiting rankings.
June 6th, 2012 at 7:54 PM |
OMG.... what will this do to
OMG.... what will this do to
OMG.... what will this do to our average star rating in the race for the number one class? This, I think, is the impetus behind the animosity towards this fine young man getting a schollie to the University of Michigan.
Congrats Scott
June 6th, 2012 at 8:16 PM |
Nope. It's more, "OMG, we
Nope. It's more, "OMG, we
Nope. It's more, "OMG, we could really use another D-lineman, a game-breaking RB, a stud WR or two, and a ball-hawking safety/CB." Also, timing. You can get a LS without a problem in February once you know what your class is going to look like. Why the urgency?
Denard has spent the offseason working really hard and smiling at people.
June 6th, 2012 at 8:27 PM |
Yeah because having 21
Yeah because having 21
Yeah because having 21 verbals on June 6 indicates we have no idea how this class is shaping up.
June 6th, 2012 at 8:27 PM |
But
But
It's not like we are turning away top talent to get this kid. We still have room in this class for a top RB, treadwell or some other top WR, and another DE. Hoke has sytematically shores up ecery need i this class with great talent. And there is still room for some final gems. Also, I know that everyone is assuming a class of 24, but that assumes no real attrition. There s always attrition. We will get up to 25-26 in my completely uninformed speculation.
June 6th, 2012 at 8:14 PM |
If you give me the opportunity to
If you give me the opportunity to
choose between a long snapper and pretty much any other position, I'll usually take the "any other position" when it comes to using a scholarship. Especially in June.
However, ask me that question in the fourth quarter of a November game with our punters heels just inside our own end zone. I'll then tell you I'm pretty damn happy we have a dedicated specialist getting the ball to him.
A blocked punt/bad snap can turn the tide of an entire game. Not as frequently occurring as most other plays, but probably only beaten by pick-6 and kick return for a TD as far as momentum swings.
This is not as bad as Purdue taking another QB. It's not sexy, but reasonable given our depth chart.
Scott, if you are reading this thread and are new to mgoblog, welcome and good luck. Any kind of negativity you are reading is only because we really haven't had a thing to complain about in approximately 7 months.
"Coach, if you need one yard, I'll get you three yards. If you need five yards, I'll get you three yards." -Leroy Hoard
June 6th, 2012 at 8:34 PM |
I like this post. Remember
I like this post. Remember
I like this post. Remember to pull it out in November.
M'Dog
June 6th, 2012 at 8:19 PM |
Short-sighted cat is
Short-sighted cat is
Short-sighted cat is short-sighted. Hoke has been shoring up every other weakness this team has so it makes sense to take measures to improve one of the most glaring.
I'm sure there's some lols being had at his expense on other campuses, but i'm willing to bet that there's a plan and Hannibal Hoke always loves it when a plan comes together.
-- ..- .--. .--. . - ...
June 6th, 2012 at 8:29 PM |
Welcome Scott. Look forward
Welcome Scott. Look forward
Welcome Scott. Look forward to seeing you play in the Big House.
June 6th, 2012 at 8:49 PM |
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!! This is going to KILL our "average recruit star rating!!!"
What are we doing!?!
Forever star gazing...
/sarcasm
“True loyalty is that quality of service that grows under adversity and expands in defeat. Any street urchin can shout applause in victory, but it takes character to stand fast in defeat. One is noise — the other, loyalty.”
June 6th, 2012 at 9:28 PM |
He should change his name to
He should change his name to
He should change his name to Snapiewski.... its only a few letters to rearrange.
June 6th, 2012 at 9:28 PM |
The MGoLadies
The MGoLadies
The MGoLadies welcome Mr. Sypniewski’s “huge legs and butt.”
We are here because we're not all there.
June 6th, 2012 at 9:28 PM |
Who dropped those links in
Who dropped those links in
Who dropped those links in the original thread? Yah, that would have been me spedning valuable time at work and getting no credit.
/sore loser
June 6th, 2012 at 9:34 PM |
Yeah all this complaining is
Yeah all this complaining is
Yeah all this complaining is outrageous. The last 4 spots of our class were going to be saved for Treadwell, McQuay, Green, and Mathis. Out of those 4, the BEST we could possibly hope for is 3. Treadwell, McQuay, and Green are our best bets. Neither of those are close to committing and there is plenty of time for their leader schools to change. In the meantime, attrition will occur and some seniors will not be granted a 5th year. It is entirely possible that we will reach 25. But still, with the 3 that we have somewhat of a chance for, there is still room. AND we filled a position of need. EVERYBODY WINS! :)
June 6th, 2012 at 9:34 PM |
260 comments and counting... for a long snapper.
260 comments and counting... for a long snapper.
You can definitely tell it's off-season.
June 6th, 2012 at 9:39 PM |
According to rivals we got 2
According to rivals we got 2
According to rivals we got 2 commitments today. The long snapper ath, and the offensive line men. Both with the same names, which brings us up to 22 recruits. Lol
John 14:6 - Jesus said " I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through me."
June 6th, 2012 at 10:50 PM |
Commits come in pairs
Commits come in pairs
Commits come in pairs.
June 6th, 2012 at 9:40 PM |
How long ago was that picture
How long ago was that picture
How long ago was that picture taken of him at the Big House? He looks about 10 yrs old.
June 6th, 2012 at 9:46 PM |
Aaron Shea
Aaron Shea
If anyone cares this young fellow is from the same highschool (same town/area) as former Michigan TE/FB Aaron Shea. It's weird that I know this, but I do.
June 6th, 2012 at 9:52 PM |
A long snapper is like a car
A long snapper is like a car
When it's performing well day after day, you don't think about it at all. When it breaks down, all of a sudden it's a big fucking deal.
June 7th, 2012 at 7:16 AM |
Kind of like a kicker or a
Kind of like a kicker or a
Kind of like a kicker or a punter. We have three of them on scholarship. Don't recall any of this kind of uproar.
June 6th, 2012 at 9:57 PM |
You know a board's suffering
You know a board's suffering
You know a board's suffering from first-world problems when there's a mini-meltdown that our newest commit isn't a 4-star.
June 6th, 2012 at 10:38 PM |
There's a mini meltdown
There's a mini meltdown
There's a mini meltdown because the kid has *zero* stars and projects to see around five snaps a game if all works out for him, when traditionally scholarships aren't given to such players and we currently have a walk on at the same position of allegedly comparable talent.
It's just...a reach.
June 6th, 2012 at 11:30 PM |
Thats cuz this board is full
Thats cuz this board is full
Thats cuz this board is full of weenies
June 6th, 2012 at 9:57 PM |
Who the F cares?
Who the F cares?
It's recruiting. It's kids were talking about. Some will be goodt, some wont be, others will fade away into oblivion and make you feel like asshats for caring so much about their star ratings in the first place. If you think this kid is "taking up a scholarship," well, go fuck yourself - suddenly you're an expert on the proper make up of a football team? And insulting the kids worth in the process? We get it. You all think long snappers are easy to coach up. Hoke and co. obviously think this kid is a gem and he's worth their attention - and they're clearly not excited about any of the other hopefuls on the roster once Glanda leaves.
I've already said more than I should. None of you should care so much about how recruiting scholarships and priorities are allocated. Welcome aboard, Scott. All of us could have only hoped to have been as smart as you as a 17 year old - turning your unique talent into a full-ride scholarship, avoiding a lifetime of what-ifs about your overrated athletic ability and developing a penchant for posting on Michigan message boards begging for MOAR OMG SHIRTLESS recruits.
I said - not good enough.
June 6th, 2012 at 10:10 PM |
Calm folks...
Calm folks...
Hi Scott,
Welcome to Michigan! May your time here be four of the best years of your life and prepare you for the rest of it. I look forward to watching you snap the ball on either the point after or the field goal that wins us the national championship.
Guys. These coaches know EXACTLY what they are building toward. I have no idea how tough or easy it may be to groom a long snapper out of the line. I do trust these coaches. They wanted a specialist and felt it worth a scholarship. So be it.
June 6th, 2012 at 11:35 PM |
Writing snarky comments makes
Writing snarky comments makes
Writing snarky comments makes people here better than Hoke. That's the lesson.
June 6th, 2012 at 10:30 PM |
Ace, you funny
Ace, you funny
Ace, you made me LOL at your line:
"No further explanation is necessary, I'm sure."
I don't know why, but it cracked me up. Full disclosure- I'm going on 4 hours of sleep today.
Chuck Norris wears Brady Hoke pajamas.
June 6th, 2012 at 10:43 PM |
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Glad to have you. Love the attitude stuff! You'll fit in well on this team. Big Ten championship is coming soon.
This kid could be another team leader!
A Journey of Father and Son
http://mysonsfirstbible.blogspot.com/2013/05/15-things-you-may-have-miss...
June 6th, 2012 at 10:48 PM |
Trust the Coach!
Trust the Coach!
If we take all the collective football wisdom on this board (myself included) we won't match even 1% of what our coaching staff has. Let's keep that in perspective.
A while ago, a lot of people were clamoring about the scholarship offer to Kieth Heitzman. This past Spring game he pretty much nailed it. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1148816-michigan-football-top-5-surprise-players-from-the-spring-game/page/3
Now we have another head scratcher. A young man that can play multiple positions and is the #2 long snapper in the country. My guess is he'll be a Michigan Man that will do the program and the university proud. Go Blue!
Once Blue, Always Blue!
June 6th, 2012 at 11:33 PM |
Your post didnt have enough
Your post didnt have enough
Your post didnt have enough snarks. Thats all that matters here. Gotta be hip and funny.
June 7th, 2012 at 2:22 AM |
Pro Tip:
Pro Tip:
Pro Tip: Post Bleacher Report bullshit and no one will take you seriously.
June 7th, 2012 at 3:34 AM |
Pro, as in
Pro, as in
the last two weeks?
You told that new guy. Your point total is what makes this post really enjoyable.
A Journey of Father and Son
http://mysonsfirstbible.blogspot.com/2013/05/15-things-you-may-have-miss...
June 6th, 2012 at 10:53 PM |
Oy vey! We couldn't get the #1 long snapper?
Oy vey! We couldn't get the #1 long snapper?
Oy vey! We couldn't get the #1 long snapper?
June 6th, 2012 at 11:30 PM |
Welcome to Michigan Scott!
Welcome to Michigan Scott!
Know those bullets you'll be firing back to the kicker will make the ST look like a well-oiled machine. Does BH plan on using you at guard also? Team 134 is going to need you despite all the negative remarks by the "true expurts" here on Mgoblog.
"If this was an isocracy, you'd be in charge just like me." AIFM
June 6th, 2012 at 11:32 PM |
you'll be negged by all the
you'll be negged by all the
you'll be negged by all the "true experts" who know so much more than Hoke
June 6th, 2012 at 11:32 PM |
All this worrying that this
All this worrying that this
All this worrying that this takes up a spot that would be going to blue chip prospect is only because Hoke has set the bar fantastically high with the last two classes. I'm going to go ahead and trust his judgement. Taking the long view, Michigan invests a scholarship so they don't have to worry about long snaps for the next 4 years. Given the trajectory of this program, better do it this year than later, especially if the coaches feel it's a weakness now.
Welcome to the family Scott. Don't let the naysayers get you down.
June 6th, 2012 at 11:42 PM |
Hoke recruiting
Hoke recruiting
| POS | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 |
| QB | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| RB | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| FB | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| WR | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| TE | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| OL | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| DE | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| DT | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| LB | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| DB | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| ST/ATH | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| K/P | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 21 | 25 | 20 |
Disclaimer: added 2011 recruiting class even though it wasn't a full cycle. I like this pick up when you look at the whole recruiting picture.
...assuming he starts. We have 3 kickers on scholarship, after all. They can't all start at once.
Denard has spent the offseason working really hard and smiling at people.