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.
Knox Dean | Chasing the Name
Knox Dean is still early in his long snapping journey, but the 2029 specialist from Sandpoint, Idaho is already building with purpose, chasing consistency, and working to become a name others from his state can follow.
Colton Wagner | Built for the Prove-It Year
Colton Wagner is entering a prove-it year with purpose. A 2027 long snapper from Powell, Ohio, he is working to turn development, consistency, and opportunity into the next step of his specialist journey.
Tyce Portera | Made in the Setbacks.
Read the off the Uprights athlete story on Tyce Portera, a Class of 2028 Specialists at Red Bank Catholic High School in Freehold, New Jersey.
Lincoln Neubauer | Built Where Nobody Sees.
Read the Off The Uprights athlete story on Lincoln Neubauer, a Class of 2027 specialist from Appoquinimink High School in Middletown Delaware.
Ryan Comeaux | Built Through the Climb.
Read the Off The Uprights athlete story on Ryn Comeaux, a 2027 specialist from Destrehan High School in Destrehan, Louisiana.
Steven Vaughan: Earned Through the Work
Steven Vaughan stepped into long snapping with an opportunity in front of him and quickly learned there was more to the position than simply getting on the field. His story is about discovering the craft, embracing the details, and earning growth through the work.
Andrew Webb | Three Weeks. Full Command.
Read the off the Uprights athlete story on Andrew Webb, a class of 2026 specialists from North Stafford High School in Stafford Virginia.
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.

