When your team is punting in a high pressure situation, where a bad snap could cost you the game, it is important that you have a long snapper you can trust. For Bradley Central in Cleveland, TN, they have one of the best. Maddox Hampton #36 is only a Sophomore, but he does his job very well. He has had a passion and love for this position since he was in the 7th grade.
Last year, even as a freshman, he made a big play against the Maryville Rebels. It was in a playoff game and the senior long snapper had a helmet issue. Maddox was told to go in. After snapping the ball, he was able to get downfield and was inches from getting the tackle on the punt returner. It seemed that the moment was not too big for him. This year is starting the same way, except he is now the starter.
His skills as the starting long snapper was put to the test on Thursday August 23, when the Bradley Central Bears hosted the McMinn County Cherokees, from Athens, TN. It was a tough loss for Bradley, but Maddox was a bright spot in the game. He put on display the skills needed for a long snapper to be a great one.
He was accurate at getting the ball where it needed to be every time, without the punter having a fear of having to make a major adjustment, the ball sailing over his head, or getting the kick blocked. To do so required him to be consistent each time he snapped it with great rotation and speed.
He is also a kid that showed toughness and grit against the Cherokees. He was not just the guy who got the ball accurately to the kicker, but he was ready to tackle the ball carrier, and he had great speed getting downfield to try to make that happen. He was also ready to hit someday to keep the kick from getting blocked.
Maddox has worked extremely hard to get to the place where he is. He takes practice seriously, both with the team and on his own. He has also went to great camps. One of those was the Kohl’s Professional Camps. Maddox competed with other long snappers from around the United States. They listed him as a four star and he was #1 in his class.
He has a long way to go before worrying about where to play at the next level, but helping his team make a run in the playoffs is the goal for Maddox. While working at trying to get better as an individual, he is also the kind of kid who is all about contributing to make sure those around him are successful as well.
Well written Jamie, keep up the good work