At a time when Palardy, Gibbons and Lopez could easily pass the Sunday mornings up to sleep in or do other things, they all take part in the workouts because they realize how important the position has become on any football program in the country.

''I learned how to kick and punt at this camp,'' Palardy said. ``Coach Conrad and the staff keeps you in shape and ready year round. This experience is something that I would never pass up.''

For two hours, potential kickers, punters and long snappers, work, learn and get better. Parents also come out and take part in the event by shagging balls and being there for support. They realize that what Tim Conrad, punting coach Mike Crissy (Ohio State and University of Miami) and long snapping expert Chris Cormier do is designed to get them better.

''If you are serious about being the best kicker you can be, this is the place for you,'' Conrad said. ``The kids know what results you get out of this camp. They see the graduates of this program.''

TOP COMPETITION

The competition is fierce and the action is nonstop. From the moment you arrive at the camp, you are working. There is little to no down time at all. If you aren't kicking field goals and extra points, you are working on your kickoffs. If you aren't punting, you are long snapping and learning how to field punts and kicks and how to cover from the center position.

While it's friendly competition, things get heated, and while Conrad loves when players talk the talk, they had better back it up.

''That's what I love about coming here,'' said Gibbons, who is always put in a beat Ohio State, Michigan State and Notre Dame situation by Conrad. ``They put the heat on you to be the best by competing against the best.''

For established and well known kickers such as Gibbons, Lopez and Palardy, it's a matter of staying sharp. For youngsters such as Archbishop McCarthy All-State freshman punter Marshall Morgan, it's the chance to get to the level where colleges are offering.

''Coach Conrad always talks me up,'' said the 6-3 Morgan. ``But to stay at a level where he believes that I should be at, coming to this event is a must.''

OTHER NOTABLES

In addition to Morgan, Douglas kicker Corey Goldstein, St. Thomas backup Ben Hopfinger and Chaminade-Madonna punter Jerry Martin spend Sundays learning and getting better.

While BIGFoot Kicking continues to attract more and more prospects from South Florida all the time, Conrad urges those interested in kicking, punting and long snapping to join him on April 26 at Cardinal Gibbons for the Elite Scouting Services Combine to test their interest.

While college scholarships are tough to attain, Conrad believes that anyone who puts in the time will have the best chance. All those interested are urged to contact Conrad at USATIM@hotmail.com.

Don't forget that we are always looking to help our area recruits for the current Class of 2010, 2011 and 2012. All you have to do is send a DVD and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein, P.O. Box 3181, Hallandale Beach, Fl. 33009.

Larry Blustein is co-host of the Miami Dolphins Gridiron Show every Thursday evening from 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM). Have a comment? E-mail lblustein@MiamiHerald.com.

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