Name: Andrew Rakers
School: Wisconsin-Platteville
Position: LS
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 235

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

Before my senior season, my three main goals were to effectively lead the team to a turnaround season as a second year captain; have a clean season of snaps; and receive All-American honors. I’m proud to say that my team went from being a below .500 team in 2018 to being a top contender for a conference championship in 2019. In addition, I had an effective season of blocking and snapping (some reported that it was a “perfect” season of snapping, but I think that’s a bit bold); earned All-Conference (Special Teams) honors; received the Max Sparger Award as the top scholar athlete in the WIAC conference; and was named to the 51-man Academic All-American team for DIII (Environmental Engineering). You could say that I had a successful senior year, and while I was somewhat satisfied with my results, I am still hungry for more.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches and teammates would say I am a detail-oriented, focused player with a strong work ethic and charismatic personality. I take what I do very seriously, yet I don’t take myself too seriously.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

Long snappers have to be meticulous in order to improve on a daily basis. To do that, I watch film regularly and focus on the minute mechanics of my form and technique. In addition to putting in the work on continually improving my snapping, I also believe it’s very important to challenge myself on film and in the weight room to develop other aspects of my game, such as blocking and coverage, in order to have a greater impact on the field.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

The majority of long snappers pursuing the next level can snap proficiently. However, in addition to snapping effectively, it’s size, strength, and athletic ability that separate pro prospects at my position. I believe my size, strength, and athletic ability, paired with a consistent and high quality snapping ability and a calm, unshakeable demeanor on the field separate me from the pack of those pursuing the next level.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I am preparing for two events that take place this January – the College Gridiron Showcase in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX and the Husted College Senior Combine in Mobile, AL. I am currently training with my personal trainer, Coach Cameron Gonring, to further enhance my explosiveness and strength needed to be an effective long snapper at the next level. On top of this, I have worked with long snapping coach Kyle Stelter of Special Teams U for the last 6 years in order to develop my skill as a long snapper.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

Two distinct traits come to mind when I think of what impact I can have on a team on and off the field. The first is my ability to lead. I was a two-year captain at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and I believe that gave me an opportunity to deepen my relationships with my teammates and coaches as well as learn a lot about myself and what it takes to create a more cohesive, supportive, and motivated team. The second is my intelligence. I have earned several academic honors and have earned a GPA of 3.92 in Environmental Engineering and tutor students in upper-level mathematics and engineering courses. I have always been a critical thinker and good problem-solver in the classroom and on the job, and I have used this in the past to help scheme up defenses in high school and special teams units in college.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?

With my diverse athletic and educational background, I believe I can not only be an effective long snapper at the next level, but also make a substantial difference to a team as a leader and teammate. I won’t let you down and I will continually work to be my best and earn your respect.