Long Snapper??

[ColtfreakDVA]

Can someone explain to me why long snappers are specialist and have to take a roster spot?

 

One would think the center would be a natural at it or at least develop that skill as part of the package or another position would be able to add value to their being on the team kind of like a switch hitter.  

 

It perplexes me that it is all they do on a team.   I haven't looked at every roster but the first 6 I did all had a LS only player.

 

Am i missing something?  (I am not hating on them just wondering why)

[21isSuperman]

1 hour ago, ColtfreakDVA said:

Can someone explain to me why long snappers are specialist and have to take a roster spot?

 

One would think the center would be a natural at it or at least develop that skill as part of the package or another position would be able to add value to their being on the team kind of like a switch hitter.  

 

It perplexes me that it is all they do on a team.   I haven't looked at every roster but the first 6 I did all had a LS only player.

 

Am i missing something?  (I am not hating on them just wondering why)

Long snappers are different from centers in that their snaps must travel a much further distance.  Not only that, but their job is usually snap the ball, block for a bit, then hustle down to the returner (you'll commonly see Overton get to the returner on punts).  They need to have strength to block and speed to act in coverage, so linebackers and TEs are typical long snappers.  I think your confusion is just how you look at it.  Matt Overton could be considered a 5th string linebacker who is a great snapper instead of a great snapper who happens to be a linebacker.  And the chemistry between the three guys on the kicking unit is important, so I have no problem giving a long snapper a spot if it means Vinny and McAfee continue their excellent work

[jvan1973]

12 hours ago, ColtfreakDVA said:

Can someone explain to me why long snappers are specialist and have to take a roster spot?

 

One would think the center would be a natural at it or at least develop that skill as part of the package or another position would be able to add value to their being on the team kind of like a switch hitter.  

 

It perplexes me that it is all they do on a team.   I haven't looked at every roster but the first 6 I did all had a LS only player.

 

Am i missing something?  (I am not hating on them just wondering why)

The regular center doesn't have time to practice special teams with the punter and holder.

[ColtsBlueFL]

It is a very specialized skill, to snap to a punter (15 yds) and FG kicker 8 yds with perfect height and spin every time.  Here are 2 neat little articles-

 

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/11/understanding_the_the_lonely_j.html

 

http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/09/11/ap-fbn-art-long-snapping

[NewColtsFan]

22 hours ago, 21isSuperman said:

Long snappers are different from centers in that their snaps must travel a much further distance.  Not only that, but their job is usually snap the ball, block for a bit, then hustle down to the returner (you'll commonly see Overton get to the returner on punts).  They need to have strength to block and speed to act in coverage, so linebackers and TEs are typical long snappers.  I think your confusion is just how you look at it.  Matt Overton could be considered a 5th string linebacker who is a great snapper instead of a great snapper who happens to be a linebacker.  And the chemistry between the three guys on the kicking unit is important, so I have no problem giving a long snapper a spot if it means Vinny and McAfee continue their excellent work

 

21 has it in the bold.      Nice post.

 

A center might be 300 pounds, perhaps more.     Ryan Kelly is 313.

 

But a snapper,  especially on punts,   is more typically a linebacker size.    Say, 245 pounds.  I think that's what Overton weighs.    Because once he's done snapping the ball, and blocking,  then he's running down field trying to make a tackle.

 

Also,   there is a real art to snapping the ball effectively on both punts and field goals.    Punters and holders want the ball in a certain spot to make the rest of the job easier to perform.     Some do it better than others.  Overton is considered one of the best.     He replaced our previous snapper (Snow?) who was one of the best for about 10 years.      Not all snappers are created equal.      It's not a job that just anyone can do.

 

 

 

[shakedownstreet]

On 10/11/2016 at 7:23 PM, ColtfreakDVA said:

Long Snapper??

 

[ColtfreakDVA]

I appreciate everyone's take on it, especially shakedowns's perspective.  

 

So have there been any or many starting centers that have also been LS?