HOMETOWN HERO

BY RJ HOSAY

After years of training, senior Peyton Naylor announced his commitment to Florida State University (FSU) on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat on June 19 after a conversation with FSU special teams coordinator John Papuchis and head coach Mike Norvell. Naylor has accomplished his dream.

“I chose Florida State because it’s been my dream school since I can remember,” Naylor said. “I fell in love with the culture that the football program has surrounding it.”

Naylor has lived in Tallahassee for his entire life and started out playing football for Deerlake Middle School. His long snapping career began in the eighth grade. Quickly spreading his name across the nation as a long snapper, he proceeded to play for Lawton Chiles High School for his freshman and sophomore years. He played for Maclay High School for his junior year and will finish his last season with them this coming August.

“What makes Peyton a great teammate is his compassion for others,” senior Michael Smith said. “He’s a really caring and uplifting person. He’s always gonna give a consistent, positive and competitive energy which brings out the best in others.”

Throughout Naylor’s years as a long snapper, he has trained with his school and with his private coach John Spradlin from Rocket To The Top. He has participated in college camps across America, and has been ranked in the top five for long snappers for over a year now.

“Peyton is and always has been extremely committed to snapping since he started,” Christy Naylor said. “Not only is he committed to it, he loves it.”

Naylor is ranked through two programs. The first program, Kohl’s, has him listed as a five star recruit and ranked third in the United States. The second program, Rubio, has him listed as a five star recruit and ranked fifth in the United States.

“His success is all due to his work ethic,” Smith said. “I’ve worked with him for four years now and his determination and passion for the sport is second to none.”

Naylor’s first offer came from the United States Air Force Academy, but it was too early in his career to make a big decision. Once FSU offered, Naylor accepted, and he plans to officially sign in December.

“I think the biggest difference will be the pressure,” Naylor said. “Snapping in front of 1,000 people is a lot different than 79,000 screaming fans.”

Design By Meghan Goletz