Irish Add Preferred Walk-On Long Snapper

Notre Dame added another piece to the 2018 class on Tuesday morning as 2018 New Trier (Ill.) long snapper Michael Vinson accepted a preferred walk-on spot.

Vinson took to Twitter to announce this decision:

“Wow, what a journey! First off, I’d like to thank my parents and family for always supporting me and my dream. A big thank you to Chris Rubio and the entire Rubio Snapping staff for everything they have done for me. A big thank you to Nolan Owen, who has made me a better snapper and better competitor. Thank you to all the New Trier football coaches for an incredible four years. Specifically, I want to thank Coach Chiodo for being my specialist coach, Coach Naps for allowing me to be a starter and help the punt and field goal units succeed, Coach Spags for being the best timer at practice and lastly, Coach Doll for everything he has done for me and my family. I can’t thank him enough.

“Thank you to all the schools that recruited me. It was an honor. With that being said, I will be continuing my athletic and academic career at Notre Dame. Thank you Coach Polian and Coach Peloquin for giving me this opportunity!”

The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder is also a product of Chris Rubio Long Snapping, which has produced the last three Notre Dame long snappers, Jordan Cowart, Scott Daly and current Irish long snapper, John Shannon. 

Illinois has been kind to the Irish at the position as Vinson, Shannon and Daly all hail from the Land of Lincoln. 

Rubio is high on the character of Vinson, but also his potential at the collegiate level.

“Vinson can dominate a room with his charisma,” stated Rubio. “His ball is very consistent with times always hovering in the mid to low .7s. His frame is good and still could grow if needed.

“Improving his overall athleticism and speed on the ball will be huge for Vinson moving to a 5-star Rubio Long Snapper. Big things ahead for Vinson, no matter what he is doing.”