TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Being a specialist, a kicker, a long snapper, a punter, comes with a big responsibility. Sometimes the outcome of a game depends on you. Three Tallahassee specialists love the pressure, and they're living up to it in a big way to start off the new year.
The Kohl's National Underclassman Challenge is the Super Bowl of specialist camps, and Peyton Naylor, a long snapper from Chiles, is one of just two sophomore longs nappers nationwide invited to the camp. He's joined by Lincoln long snapper Tyler Riley and Leon kicker Jack Brooks, for the three Tallahassee specialists that have sealed their spot in the invitation only showcase.
"It's massive. It feels so good," said Naylor.
All three are ready to represent the Big Bend.
"It's amazing, going down there with these guys I work with everyday," said Riley. "They're like my brothers."
"We all took a picture with all the guys who made it," added Brooks. "When I saw those guys walk over to us, it put a big smile on my face to know we all get to go down there together."
The experience of their young careers, and one they plan on taking full advantage of.
"People come in there with zero looks and they come out there with multiple offers," said Brooks. "It's a big one. It's definitely going to be the most high pressured camp we've been at, but we're all ready."
"I definitely don't take anything for granted, especially this huge invitation," said Naylor. "I want to pull another dub out. I want to go down there and do the best that I can."
The best they can, with the backing of a lot of hard work.
"I worked really hard over the summer to get where I am today," said Riley. "It's a huge relief to get into this camp. I just want to do right."
A huge relief, for a huge opportunity. The National Underclassman Challenge is this weekend in Miami.
