Freakonomics is a weekly podcast that studies the behavioral economics of every day things. This week's episode discusses the economics of specialization, specifically, the long snapper. So many interesting things in this episode, including:
- Changes to the rules of football overtime that led to the specialization of the long snapper
- Bill Belichek explaining why he spends a whole roster spot on the long snapper
- An extended interview with Chris Rubio, who is the best long snapper coach in the nation, and the go-to long snapper resource for college recruiting services and college football coaches
- Interviews with some of Rubio's pupils, many of whom have gotten scholarships to Bama, LSU, etc
Rubio's comments are particularly interesting.
On what he looks for in a long snapper:
Number one, a big head. I'm talking physically, the larger a human being's head, the better long snapper they're going to be. Second, the bigger the butt, a better long snapper they're going to be. That's to do with power. Longer arms, that helps. And fourth, and usually the most crucial part, the dumber a long snapper, the better.
A scouting report Rubio gave to LSU coaches on a recruit:
"One of the most dominant long snappers I've ever had with me. He has exceptional form, and his body is perfect for Division-One long snapping and beyond ... Moves well, and he is thick ... When he snaps, people notice ... Terrific work ethic."
Click to listen, or read the transcript
Hopefully, some of you find this as fascinating as I did.
Comments
Long snappers are really interesting. I know a lot of people hate on Pat Mcafee, but all the time he goes into why long snappers are so important if not more than the holder. The long snapper is the one with the responsibility to get the laces in the same direction on every snap. The holder is there to catch and put it down.
Well, maybe, but most holders can adjust the ball position better than a snapper. I was a holder in high school and got particularly good digging "worm burners" off the ground and getting them in position for the kicker - our centers weren't great snappers in those days. But the XP/FG snap is so short, like 7 yards, so I really don't think that's where the long snapper's skills come into play as much as the punt snap, where you're talking about a 12-15 yard sling shot. The snap for XP/FG attempts is nothing more than the typical Shotgun snap to the QB, which essentially should be in the center's skill set nowadays, considering having a QB under center seems to be a thing of the past. So basically, why not have a center that is a long snapper, if every snap is essentially 7 yards or longer?
Also, don't all NFL teams have a roster position dedicated to a long snapper, or is this something Belichick was on the forefront of (along with getting caught spying on other NFL teams)?
It's relatively new. Per the podcast, the Punter, Long Snapper, and FG Kicker all practice together, and one of the other two is place holder for the FG Kicker. The fact that the 3 players spend all practice together helps them to further specialize.
So he likes big butts ....
But honestly, I think Shane is 0/4 on the qualities of a long snapper.
I was about to reference Shane. Glad I checked first!
1) I got a melon of a head
2) I got quite the caboose on me
3) I was a pitcher with swimmer length arms
4) I'm dumb as shit
Really missed the boat on my true calling in life.
I've got the first two down. Size 8.5 hats don't even fit me that well. Not so much the last two.
well, this is a humble brag if ever I've seen one
I didn't think I'd get so engrossed in this read. Very interesting.
I was a long snapper in high school
My dad has diabetes
Holy balls a 13 month hiatus from TKP and you break it with this?! I'm honored but you silly goose pls never leave like that again!!!
oh hai dere
I can't stop laughing at criteria #4 - "the dumber the better."
He goes on to explain that smarter long snappers overthink everything, and you'd rather just get a guy doing it off muscle memory. That all makes sense. Still, what a hilarious way to describe it.
Thought of this thread last night during the Superbowl when the rams couldnt get the ball placed for the pat
Draft Kings shoulda put that other prop bet out there.
Did you guys notice last night when they ran through the starting line ups they included the Long Snappers with the specialist? I think that is the first time I have seen that, or at least the first time I noticed it.
I came across this video talking about why teams still use a roster spot on long snappers a few days ago:
Five Point Vids is always a good watch, along with UrinatingTree.