Kicker Vincent Blanchard, of the Rouge et Or, of Laval University, bet big and his bet allowed him to become known by the NFL world.
• Read also: Matthew Bergeron motivated to play for new Falcons head coach
After two weeks of training in San Diego and Arizona and spending more than $10,000 US, Blanchard played big on February 17 during Gary Zauner’s evaluation camp bringing together 73 kickers and long throw specialists eligible for the draft. the NFL.
Owner of a school of specialists (precision kickers, punts and long throw specialists), Zauner is a leading authority in the field. Special teams coordinator for 13 years in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, the Baltimore Ravens and the Arizona Cardinals where he concluded his career in 2006 and 11 years in the NCAA, he has his entries all over the circuit Goodell and the teams trust him. This was the 15th edition of his camp.
Photo credit: Richard Boutin
Whether coaching in the NFL or now teaching at his school, Zauner has coached 20 kickers to the Pro Bowl.
60 yard precision kick
Blanchard hit the mark on a 60-yard field goal to win the showcase in a tie with Brayden Narveson of North Carolina State. He made 11 of 13 attempts, missing his last from 63 yards. He also averaged 75.6 yards on his kickoffs.
“I had already made 60-yard field goals in training, but it was a first in such an important situation,” said the RSEQ special teams MVP last year. On 63 yards, I lacked a little power, but the precision was there. A couple of kicks made the difference in getting me through to the final. Scouts are not allowed to be present at this type of event, but Gary sends our films to all the NFL teams.
Very happy with his performance, Blanchard received good news a few days after his return to Quebec. His agent Rob Fry, who is Gil Scott’s right-hand man, whose agency represents several NFL and CFL kickers including David Coté of the Montreal Alouettes, communicated to him the rankings that Zauner prepared at the end of the camp.
“Gary graded the kickers from A to D and there are only two of us in Group A,” Blanchard said. It’s very positive. We’ll see what happens next, but I could have a proday in Laval or in the United States if teams show interest.”
Last year, according to statistics on Gary Zauner’s website, a total of 12 kickers who attended camp in Arizona earned NFL contracts.
A unique opportunity
In San Diego, Blanchard participated in the CFL evaluation camp reserved for kickers on January 25 and he also worked with Nick Novak who played in the NFL from 2005 to 2017 and who set up a kicking school. kickers upon retirement.
When he returned from California, a virus struck him down and caused him to lose 10 pounds. Bouchard was hesitant to travel to Arizona due to his medical condition. “I almost didn’t go, but my agent advised me to go,” he said. It was my only chance to get seen by NFL teams. Sick, I trained only two days before attending the camp. I knew I wasn’t ready, but I always had confidence in my abilities.”
It was this confidence that convinced him to pay such a large sum of money to get the much-needed exposure. “It was extremely expensive, but it was the only opportunity to show myself to NFL teams and get exposure. The NFL has always been on my radar. I always had big ambitions and I didn’t want to have any regrets.”
Important changes
In his desire to make the jump to the professional ranks, Blanchard focused solely on spotting and kicking. He dropped punts in January.
“My chances of playing at the next level are through precision kicks,” he explained. Even in the CFL, no one does both. Boris [Bede] is excellent on punts, but he only does spot kicks anymore. I’ve been doing both since I started, but it’s more natural for me to do kicks and kicks because of my background as a soccer player.
Blanchard also got rid of the tackle that kickers use in Canadian football. “It’s different for the support foot, but my technique was unlocked in two training sessions under the watchful eye of Gary. I continue to train without a plate.”
2024-02-29 00:30:00
#US10000 #pay #Rouge #kicker #NFL #world
