#ForTheBrand Recruiting Report: Ian Wilsey/Mahtomedi (2021)
MAHTOMEDI– The all-new Prep Redzone Minnesota is continuing growing the brand that is kickers, punters, and long snappers in our great state. Today we head to Mahtomedi, where we will check in with one of Minnesota’s top long snappers, Ian Wilsey Ian Wilsey LS Mahtomedi | 2021 State MN . We will chat with Ian about how he got started as the long snapper, his recruiting interest, and tons more!
Get to Know Ian Wilsey Ian Wilsey LS Mahtomedi | 2021 State MN
Wilsey started his role as the long snapper as an 8th grader, mainly because Mahtomedi didn’t have one so he figured why not, and gave it a shot. He is ranked a 4.5 star by our friends over at National Kicking Rankings and is a member of the Minnesota Bombers, which is a prestigious group of specialists in which Wilsey was the only long snapper selected in the entire state. Wilsey also plays linebacker for the Zephyrs, in which his game was assisted by being an all-state wrestler, going to the state tournament three times. “Wrestling benefited me a lot for football,” Wilsey said to Prep Redzone Minnesota as on the football field, tackling, athleticism, and the mental toughness aspect are all key factors on the mat as well. His biggest strengths as a long snapper are his snap speed and accuracy, as those two items are crucial for getting a punt off on time, every time. As for other strengths, Wilsey is as consistent as they get when it comes to snapping the ball for field goals as Mahtomedi rarely has to worry about a botched snap, etc. when Wilsey is on the field.
Bests About Long Snapper
Long snapper might be one of the most underappreciated positions on the football field. Their focus needs to be on point on every punt, field goal, extra point, etc. They are the first ones in command on those types of plays so if they don’t execute the play correctly, the play is dead. “You need to have unspoken trust,” Wilsey said as he missed one game last season, and the coaching staff could tell the difference, as the Zephyrs had to avoid taking field goal attempts, etc. because they were so shaky without Wilsey in the game.
Recruiting Interest/Elevator Pitch
Wilsey’s recruiting trail has started great as a Class of 2021 prospect. He’s heard from the likes of Minnesota-Moorhead, Concordia-St. Paul and St. Thomas. Minnesota-Moorhead has had the most contact with Wilsey, but he knows there’s still work to do on the recruiting trail. Wilsey gave PRZ Minnesota this as his elevator pitch to the college coaches zoning in on this story:
I am a 4.5-star long snapper on NKR but rankings do not mean everything to me, so I am a good-sized very athletic snapper with good speed and accuracy who can move and get down the field quickly to make tackles. I have a great attitude towards things, and I have the mental toughness from years of wrestling and I have the drive to get better on the field and in the weight room as well.
Offseason Work Ons
Wilsey’s coaches from Mahtomedi didn’t have specifics to work on this offseason, but the weight room has been his best friend this offseason. At home, Wilsey has been consistently lifting 6 days a week. He’s gotten his max bench press up to 240 pounds in this time, which is a significant improvement from when football season ended.
Ian’s Mentor
Ian like so many of our specialists in Minnesota has taken the guidance of the Special Teams Football Academy from owner/instructor, Chris Husby. “Chris has been helping me for less than a year now, but he’s made me improve great amounts since I started.” STFA has an excellent ability in taking in all specialists and in Wilsey’s case allows them to take their position and their craft much more seriously as they have similar goals to us at Prep Redzone Minnesota have, getting prospects a scholarship at the next level.
#ForTheBrand and Its About The Kids
Wilsey told us a story about a football camp that Mahtomedi varsity football did for kids from Kindergarten-8th grade. Wilsey and Mahtomedi’s kicker was responsible for the special team’s station, which introduced kid’s the world of special teams. This has struck me as one of the best responses of why Ian Wilsey Ian Wilsey LS Mahtomedi | 2021 State MN is a #ForTheBrand specialist in Minnesota. It shows that he’s not only one of the best long snappers in the state, but he genuinely wants the young kids to know what #ForTheBrand is all about. Pat McAfee will be proud that #ForTheBand is starting at a young age in the Twin Cities suburbs!