Athlete Stories
Stories of kickers, punters, and long snappers building their path through discipline, development, and steady progression.
Each athlete story on OTU is built to highlight more than a highlight reel. These stories capture the work, mindset, family support, setbacks, and growth that shape a specialist over time.
Sam Dolphens | Chosen While It Was Still Quiet
Read the Off The Uprights commitment story of Sam Dolphens, a 2026 Long Snapper from Papillion- La Vista South High School in Papillion Nebraska.
Julian Trujillo | Built for the Team First.
Read the Off The Uprights story on Julian Trujillo a Class of 2028 specialist from Eaglecrest High School in Centennial Colorado.
Blake Thompson | Built for the Snap. Born for the Moment.
Read the Off The Uprights commitment story of Blake Thompson, a Class of 2026 FAU Long Snapper from Viera High School in Viera, Floridia and the journey that led to FAU.
Drake Ford | Confidence Clicked. The Climb Changed
Read the Off The Uprights athlete story on Drake Ford, a 2027 specialists from Yorktown High School in Yorktown, Indiana,
Niko Dragin | Earned Through the Return.
Read the athlete story of Niko Dragin, a Class of 2027 specialist out of Palos Verdes High School in Palos Verdes, Californian.
Lucas Tenbrock: Size Doesn’t Save You. Work Does.
Lucas Tenbrock is an elite punter committed to Penn State. This story explores the patience, field-flipping ability, and long-term development behind one of the nation’s top specialists.
Ethan Curry | Built for the Reset.
Read the Off The Uprights athlete story of Ethan Curry, a Class of 2027 specialist from Bettendorf High School in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Clark Drcar | Built on Clean Strike.
Read the Off the Uprights athlete story on Clark Drcar, a class of 2027 specialists from Torrey Pines High School in San Diego California.
Seamus McIntyre: Was Ready When It Counted
Seamus McIntyre is a specialist from Concord, New Hampshire, committed to UMass. This story follows the power, team-first mindset, and steady rise that helped earn his opportunity.
Travis Given | Purpose Over Praise
Read the off The Uprights athlete story on Travis Given, a class of 2027 specialists from Cole Valley Christian High School, in Eagle Idaho.
Joel Bazinet: No Rush. No Noise. Just Results.
Joel Bazinet is a 2026 long snapper from Oakleaf High School committed to Tulsa. This story highlights the fundamentals, patience, and consistency that built his recruiting journey.
Maxx Rossow | Snap Fast. Stay Steady.
Maxx Rossow is a 2027 long snapper from Wesley Chapel High School in Wesley Chapel, Florida. This story highlights the discipline, trust, and steady development shaping a national-level specialist built for one of football’s quietest jobs.
Balint Vorosmarty: The Calm That Wins Games
Balint Vorosmarty is a 2026 kicker from Roswell, Georgia, committed to Georgia State. This story highlights the calm, consistency, and quiet confidence that shaped his path.
Jacob Baggett: The Road to the Largest Stage in College Football
Jacob Baggett is a 2026 kicker from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina, committed to Michigan. This story follows the patience, precision, and elite kickoff ability that shaped his path.
Eli Deutsch: Starting Late, Finishing Strong
Eli Deutsch is a 2026 long snapper from Franklin High School in Wisconsin committed to Alabama. This story follows the late-start journey, persistence, and trust that built his opportunity.
Waylon Payne | The Joy Is Loud. The Standard Is Real
Waylon Payne is a 2027 specialist from Medina Valley High School in Castroville, Texas. This story highlights the joy, trust, and steady growth shaping a young athlete with a big future.
Luke Crudgington: Built for the Long Marathon & The Mean Green
Luke Crudgington is a 2026 kicker and punter from Plano West Senior High School in Texas committed to North Texas. This story highlights the steady development and consistency behind his path.
Felipe Neves | He Chose the Lights
Felipe Neves is a rising specialist whose path into football is built on curiosity, adaptability, and belief. This story follows the unique background and mindset fueling his development.
Trace Rudd | Is Built, Not Given
Trace Rudd is a 2026 kicker from Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas committed to Oklahoma. This story explores the relationships, belief, and long-term work that shaped his journey.

