Best of Special Teams in Washington – Midseason
The state of Washington has been producing a new wave of high-level special teams recruits. Whether it’s kicking, punting, or long snapping, there have been some impressive results from the summer camp circuit, which is one of the few places…
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Continue ReadingThe state of Washington has been producing a new wave of high-level special teams recruits. Whether it’s kicking, punting, or long snapping, there have been some impressive results from the summer camp circuit, which is one of the few places where specialists are judged is via ranking systems by professional kicking coaches who host camps in all of the different regions of the United States. Another avenue for ranking these recruits is on social media, as recruiting shifts more and more towards social media interactions. One of my favorite parts about high school football is the duel aspect that players have to obtain that is not required at the college level. For example, many Punters serve as an offensive or defensive player, especially at the small school level.
Zach Marini – Zach trains with one of the best kicking coaches in the country – Adam Tanalski, and it shows. Seeing clips of the Lake Washington product make 55+ yard field goals has been the constant throughout my twitter feed, and it’s a sight to behold. Zach approaches kicking like an explosive athlete, seeing the ball pop off of his foot will win him plenty of college attention this fall. Zach does not currently hold any offers but has been on unofficial visits with Oregon State and Tulane this off-season, and I only expect that list to grow as he’s had a very impressive senior season thus far, hitting multiple FGs over 40 yards.
Sam Finnegan – Bishop Blanchet has been known to have prized recruits in the past, and Sam is no different. Although he does not hold any offers, the 5 Star Kicker and 4.5 Star Punter has had unofficial visits to both Washington and Oregon this summer, along with a gameday visit to Oregon State this fall. I can see Sam picking up a few more visit dates especially when college coaches will get to see him more in person, as the explosion off of his foot is incredible. Look for Sam to earn some Power 5 PWOs this fall, hopefully being able to turn one of them into a scholarship offer.
Noah Hamilton – Noah recently earned a 5-Star ranking as a Kicker via Chris Sailor Kicking. Noah shows incredible work ethic as he has improved every year, moving him up the rankings quickly this summer. This Lakeside athlete has received an offer from Carroll College (NAIA) during the summer camp circuit and has had an unofficial visit to UNLV this fall. I expect Noah to gather a view more offers as his senior year progresses.
LUKE FACCONE LUKE FACCONE 6'1" | 185 lbs | K Puyallup | 2024 WA – Luke has been incredibly impressive over his career at Puyallup High School, being a Combo K/P and doing so at a high level. It’s easy to turn heads when a recruit is earning a spot in the Chris Sailor Kicking Top Twelve and having visits to both Air Force and EWU over this spring and fall. The Air Force commit has been impressing after his commitment, and may pick up a few more offers before the winter.
Jacob Bell – Jacob shows an incredible ability to both punt and kick at a high level. Being the lone 4.5 Star K/P in the 2B ranks, his recruitment will only grow as the season goes on. Currently holding an offer from Whitworth (D3), he is currently attracting interest from many different levels ranging from D3 to FCS. It’s obvious as to why these coaches are interested, Jacob has a huge leg when punting, keeping a 40.1 net punt average while also making a season-long of 43 yards for a FG as a junior. This season he has had multiple punts inside of the 20, as Northwest Christian has started off 5-0. Jacob also has film playing DB/WR and was an All-Conference Pitcher during his junior year.