Long snapping is an art and it is one that is a family affair for Jesse Schmitt. The Louisville Trinity (Ky.) standout committed to Purdue last month and continued what his father started long ago.
"My dad taught me to long snap when I was in the 5th grade," Schmitt said, "He played in college for Morehead State."
The position has come a long way since then. Usually only recognized when a mistake is made, college coaches understand the importance of a reliable deep snapper.
"When my dad played in college, you had to play tight end or another position too. Now the game's come far enough for me to be offered as a straight up long snapper. It's a big deal and something every team needs to have."
Schmitt does play center as well for Trinity, but will only be a longsnapper when he gets to West Lafayette. He also had an offer from Eastern Kentucky, but had been recruited by Purdue for quite some time.
"I went to their camp going into my junior year and I guess they considered me the best longsnapper up at the camp, so they started sending me letters after my junior season. I talked to my special teams coach and I came on their senior day and they offered me."
After that, Schmitt made a commitment to head coach Danny Hope and company and ensuring that another Schmitt will be long snapping on Saturdays.
"It is a great feeling," he finished.