Commentary

Chicago Sailer Kicking Camp recap

Updated: July 28, 2011, 3:26 PM ET
By Chris Sailer | ESPN Recruiting

Specialists from 13 states participated at the Midwest stop in Chicago for the Chris Sailer Kicking Camp summer tour. The talent was outstanding, and the atmosphere was intense. Some great players stepped up and stood out in the crowd.

Kicking champion

[+] EnlargeMichael Geiger and Connor Shennan
Chris Sailer2103 kicking prospects Michael Geiger and Connor Shennan dominated at the Chicago camp.
Michael Geiger (Toledo, Ohio/Ottawa Hills, 2013) -- Geiger had a tremendous all-around day. He won two of the four major competitions and showed great skill at all three kicking positions. Geiger was the best player at the camp start to finish. He proved very quickly that he is a big-time prospect in next year's class and a top scholarship pick.

Long snapping champion

Scott Sypniewski (Ottawa, Ill./Ottawa Marquette, 2013) -- Sypniewski was as good as I have seen him over the past couple of years. His form is impeccable and his drive is just as solid. He has a good frame and is very accurate with his snap.

Top 2012 kicker

Anthony Farinella (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) -- Farinella is an incredible talent. The kicker is an outstanding athlete who shows tremendous potential. He has all the tools to be high-major kicker. Hit a kickoff 60-plus yards with 4.15-second hang time into a stiff wind. Anthony is a top prospect in the Midwest and should earn a scholarship.

Top 2012 long snapper

Scott Daly (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) -- Daly is a tremendous talent that just continues to grow. The Notre Dame commit never rests on his laurels and simply keeps improving. He has an excellent frame and a smooth snap that gets back their like a rocket.

Top 2013 kicker

Connor Shennan (Plymouth, Mich./Canton) -- Behind champion Michael Geiger, Shennan was the next-best prospect in the class of 2013. He also won two of the four major competitions. He has a big-time leg and shows phenomenal potential. Shennan has a chance to be a scholarship pick with continued hard work.

Top 2014 kicker

Mick Ellis (Allen, Texas/Lovejoy) -- Although I normally don't mention talent this young, Ellis deserves it. He kicked as well as most of the 2012 and 2013 prospects. He is a great athlete and future star in this class.