StarBulletin.com

Ingram working for the weekend


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POSTED: Monday, April 20, 2009

Whether landscaping or long snapping, Jake Ingram has shown a willingness to chip in when needed.

As he awaits his professional future, Ingram has been working with a friend in his free time with side jobs here and there, doing some handy work or tree cutting or whatever needs to get done.

“;It's always good to get in some hard work,”; Ingram said after completing a job last weekend.

               

     

 

Jake Ingram

        Pos.: Long Snapper

        College: Hawaii

        High School: Mililani

        Height: 6-foot-3

        Weight: 232 pounds

       

Combine stats

        » 40-yard dash—5.09 seconds

        » Bench press (225)—15 reps
       

 

       

Combine note

        » One of two long snappers invited to the NFL Combine. Michigan's Sean Griffin was the other.
       

 

       

Ingram thought he was just helping out a few years ago when Hawaii needed someone to fill in as a long snapper. It wasn't long before then-head coach June Jones made the move permanent, a decision Ingram struggled with for a while.

Turns out, Jones' call will have Ingram waiting by the phone on Sunday, the second day of the NFL Draft.

Whether that call comes during the draft or after with the offer of a free-agent deal, Ingram is looking forward to a shot at making a roster.

“;Before I wasn't really thinking about (the draft),”; said Ingram, who will spend Sunday at his Mililani home, “;but it's getting closer and I am starting to get a little anxious.

“;To get a call and have a team have enough confidence to use a draft pick to select me, that would be unbelievable. Especially as a long snapper.”;

Ingram walked on at Hawaii with visions of contributing as a defensive end. But Jones saw value in Ingram's ability and reserved his action for punts and place-kicks. While it took Ingram a while to embrace his specialized role, he is now regarded as the top long snapper in this year's class.

Whether Ingram is drafted will depend on the value a team places on long snappers and if the organization feels a pressing need to stabilize that position. The Seattle Seahawks used their sixth-round pick last year—the 189th of the draft—to select a snapper, San Diego State's Tyler Schmitt, who then sat out the season due to a back injury. Success at the position is best measured by anonymity, and it can offer longevity in the league.

Ingram's agent, Wynn Silberman, said he's been in contact with teams since shortly after Hawaii ended the season in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.

“;They've been in constant contact with us,”; Silberman said. “;Every team I've spoken to is very confident he's going to get drafted.”;

Ingram's proficiency as a snapper earned him invitations to the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. He also performed for the scouts at Hawaii's pro day, where a scout from the Cincinnati Bengals put him through a 30-minute workout after the drills.

Along with the velocity and accuracy of Ingram's snaps, Silberman said teams are interested in his ability get downfield to help cover kicks.

While he awaits word on his next step, Ingram continues to work out to improve his strength and practices snaps five days a week. He said he's also working on tips he picked up from the NFL scouts on blocking techniques.

But for now, the future is out of his hands.

“;Now I have to just wait and see what happens,”; Ingram said.