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| Jareth Glanda, one of the heroes of the Sugar Bowl |
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 255 lbs.
High school: Rochester Hills (MI) Brother Rice
Position: Long snapper
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #54
Last year: I did not rank Glanda. He was the starting short snapper (for field goals and extra points) and caught one pass for a first down in the Sugar Bowl.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't know a whole lot about the technical aspects of long snapping, but I do know that it's an extremely important aspect of the game. Good long snappers can be the difference between winning and losing close games. Last season Glanda was the team's short snapper; a short snapper handles field goals and extra points, which are typically about 7-yard snaps. A long snapper has to snap the ball approximately 14 yards for punts, and that duty was handled by the now departed Tom Pomarico.
My guess is that Glanda will take over long snapping duties, but last year, I assumed Pomarico would handle both duties, too. The only other option currently on the roster is redshirt junior Curt Graman, who has yet to see the field in college. Snappers don't have to be huge, but Graman is only 6'5" and 200 lbs., so he might struggle to hold up as a blocker. Furthermore, last year's emergency snapper was defensive end Ryan Van Bergen, who is now graduated. Options are limited, so hopefully Glanda can stay healthy and handle some additional duties.
Prediction: Starting long snapper and short snapper
Magnus, when can we expect a scouting report for Douglas?
ReplyDeleteHopefully this afternoon. I've been on vacation.
DeleteI like seeing you rate our snapping specialist at #33. It helps keep in perspective the value Scott Sypniewski should have for us for 3-4 years.
ReplyDeleteAny thoughts on the suddenly high visibility of long snappers? I'm thinking partly of the scholarships that have been given to those types at high-profile schools. Assuming that there are meaningful differences between guys like Sypniewski and guys like Glanda (or, generically, walk-ons groomed for the role), how could this have been overlooked for so many years in one of the world's most over-analyzed sports?
ReplyDeleteTo put it another way, how is it that coaches are just now figuring out that they should look at that position more closely to gain a strategic advantage?
Just look at the ease and grace with which he catches that ball. Catches it with his hands and away from his body, has excellent concentration. Glanda to WR?
ReplyDeleteOnly if he can beat out our QBs
DeleteKinda like that you put him this high.
ReplyDelete