For years, kickers and punters at every level was viewed as a position that was really not needed on a football team.

Most position players would often look down on those specialists, claiming that they were not football players. But that changed – and it changed quickly.

Games, playoffs, and world championships started to come down to key punts and game-winning kicks. Suddenly the position that nobody took seriously was very serious.

Enter the long snappers. Long viewed as a wasted roster position, these specialists started to become more and more vital to the success of teams across the country – at every level.

The modernization of the long snap football player position belongs to the Washington Redskins in 1971. The head coach and GM, George Allen, had George Burman fill the long snapping role exclusively. Interestingly enough, Burman was in retirement when the Washington Redskins asked him to be their dedicated long snapper on the team that season.

Most casual fans won’t know many long snappers by name in the NFL. That is because the position is invisible, and most people don’t recognize them unless they make a bad snap during a play. Most long snappers get picked up as undrafted free agents by teams, so their name is not televised.

LONG SNAPPING AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL CONTINUES TO GROW

Over the past decade there has been more and more attention paid to the long snappers.

What had caught on in college and in the NFL had found its way to high schools across the nation – with former professionals starting to teach the position.

Take a look on any college roster and you will find a long snapper, on scholarship, from the state of Florida and more importantly, from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Today, we bring you five top-flight prospects that are regarded at the national level:

2026 – Charlie Becker, 6-1, 202, Miami St. Brendan. A versatile talent who is not only an outstanding underclass long snapper, but also lines up at a number of other positions for head coach Steve Smith and the Sabres. He continues to do extremely well at showcases and is among the top 10 in Florida.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16260331/Charlie-Becker

2026 – Holden Harkins, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. He is in a position to become one of the best in Florida over the next few years. Not only is he getting it done on the football field, but he has tremendous grades (3.6 GPA) in the classroom and is the water polo team captain.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17993595/Holden-Harkins

2025 - Chase Ortiz, 6-1, 190, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Easily one of the best at the position in the state of Florida and among the elite in the country. Has won his share of showcase events and was responsible for the Raiders winning yet another state title and boasting some of the best special teams in the state. His stellar 4.8 GPA in the classroom is also something that colleges and universities love. By the way, he also can play tight end if needed.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPo-ZCbA9ZI

2025 - Chase White, 6-4, 240, Miami Ransom Everglades. This imposing 4-star prospect has truly emerged as one of the elite long snappers after a solid season and a very productive off-season. His performances at showcases have given him a lot more exposure. Also holds down a 3.6 GPA in the classroom.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16041779/Chase-White

2026 – Joshua Silverstein, 6-2, 285, Plantation American Heritage. Following in the footsteps of his older brother who now attends college, he is coming off a solid year with the Patriots after coming over from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. In addition to what he does on the football field, his work in the classroom (3.5 GPA) will also help in the process. He is going to have a tremendous 2024 season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18387541/Joshua-Silverstein

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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..