The Guelph Gryphons are getting a reputation for producing top-level long snappers.
Former Gryphon long snappers Jake Reinhart and Dan MacDonald are currently in the Canadian Football League, Reinhart with the Toronto Argonauts and MacDonald with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Current Gryphon Job Reinhart, Jake’s younger brother, hopes to be the next.
“I’m just getting all the coaching I can get and I’m just trying to fine-tune the long snapping and get better,” Job said following Wednesday’s practice at Alumni Stadium.
Of course, he also gets a lot of help from older brother Jake.
“My brother helps me out every time he can and I try to take all the coaching tips he can give me,” Job said.
Both Reinharts followed the same path into long snapping. Both were quarterbacks with the Guelph CVI Green Gaels in the local District 10 high school league and both were also quarterbacks in the Guelph Minor Football Association. They didn’t become long snappers until they joined the Gryphons and their roles were also changed from the offensive side of the football to the defensive side as both became linebackers.
“I used to play quarterback so I know how to throw it,” Job said of his introduction to long snapping. “When they asked if anyone can long snap, I volunteered. It’s pretty much like throwing it between your legs.”
There is more to long snapping than just getting the ball back so the kicker or punter can do his thing. There’s also blocking and coverage on the opposition’s punt returns involved.
“It’s a good cardio workout, but that’s why you have to practice hard and run all the time so that when you’re in a game you won’t make any mental mistakes and you’re ready to go,” Job said. “You’ve just got to really focus on your technique and make sure you’re sprinting down the field to the right place. You’ve got a designated place you’ve got to go to.”
Before arriving on the campus of his hometown university, Job didn’t think he’d be playing the positions he’s playing now.
“I was always thinking I was going to be a quarterback, but things changed and I’m better suited for defence and long snapping,” he said. “I’m happy where I am.”
One of the things that changed was that he just got physically bigger, mainly due to the amount of time he spent in the weight room. In his last season of quarterback, he preferred to run over opponents rather than run around them.
As for the time lifting weights, another trait he shares with his brother, Job just finds it enjoyable.
“It’s just a fun time,” he said. “I just like getting in the zone and going to work.”
This OUA season has been a different one for the Gryphons. After four consecutive 7-1 seasons, they’re 2-3 this year. However, the attitude around the team hasn’t changed.
“The guys are still really positive,” Job said. “Obviously we’ve lost some key players, but we’ve got some new guys stepping up to fill those roles.”
And the Gryphons aren’t looking back and dwelling on the losses. They’re in the past now and nothing can be done about them.
“The next game is always the most important game because it is the next game,” Job said. “That’s the attitude we have.”
Next game for the Gryphons is Saturday’s match with the McMaster Marauders at McMaster’s Ron Joyce Stadium. Game time is 1 p.m.