OXFORD, Ohio— To Hudson Powell, long snapping is about chasing perfection.
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"It's attention to detail and repeatability," Powell said after practice this morning. "It's being as close to perfect as possible, which is impossible.
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"That's what I'm addicted to: Just trying to find that perfect rep over and over again to see how many times I can do it. There are so many small things; it's a game of inches when it comes to snapping…stuff I can control that can help the rest of the unit be as successful as they can."  Â
Powell didn't begin snapping until midway through high school, but quickly made up for lost time. "I was a baseball guy…it wasn't until between sophomore and junior year that I realized I'd probably regret it if I didn't play high school football," he recounted. "I was thinking primarily offensive and defensive line, and I did that, but I was also contacted by the special teams coach about an opportunity to long snap since the previous snapper had just graduated.
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"I started watching YouTube videos; I watched every YouTube video there is about snapping, which is not a lot! And then I worked in the backyard: Me and my dad all the way through, with me snapping probably three times a day and 100 balls every session. I knew I was late to this thing and behind on reps…and I just totally fell in love with it."
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After working with coaches like Craig Montgomery and NFL veteran Matt Overton to fine-tune his technique, Powell performed well at enough camps to earn recognition as a five-star long snapper and one of the top 20 athletes at his position in the country. That led to his opportunity to join the Red and White in 2022.
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"It wasn't until after my senior year that I had a college offer," Powell said. "Miami felt like home. I ended up committing here, and it's been the best decision I ever made!"
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Dzioban (31) boots a field goal at practice this week
after another successful snap from Powell (59)
By the fall of 2024, Powell had earned a starting job with the RedHawks. The first month of that season was a bit of a blur, including a highlight moment at Notre Dame where he recovered a first-quarter muffed punt and then a dramatic walk-off comeback win against UMass where Powell snapped for two clutch Dom Dzioban field goals (one to tie and one to win).
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"He's as elite as they come in the country when it comes to long snapping," Dzioban said confidently.
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And as if that September needed any more memorable moments for Powell, the walk-on Real Estate major from Nashville found out in a team meeting a few days after Miami's opener at Northwestern that head coach Chuck Martin was awarding him a scholarship.
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"That was one of the best feelings I've ever felt," Powell smiled. "I had no idea that we had any scholarships available [or] that I was the guy who'd be worthy…
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"So much racing through my head, thinking about those days I was snapping hundreds of balls with my dad in the backyard."
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When the meeting concluded, Powell hastily texted his family group chat to invite them to join a call a few minutes later – without telling them what it was about. Getting to share the good news with the most important people in his life that day is something Powell will remember forever. "They were beyond thrilled," he recounted. "They were in my corner from the very beginning, so to see me be able to have that moment, they were as proud as they could be."
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While Miami enters the 2025 season without a lot of experience on offense or defense, Martin and the RedHawks are supremely confident in their veteran special teams unit, which always starts with Powell snapping the ball.
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"Specialists have a crazy pride," Martin said. "They're like golfers. They practice probably more than anyone to perfect what they do…
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"They're obsessed with perfecting their craft. Hudson was really good in high school, and we're fortunate that he's been great here."
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So when No. 59 takes the field for the Red and White this fall, before letting your eyes follow the ball to another successful punt, field goal, or extra point, take a moment to enjoy the routine that makes long snapping appear…well…routine.
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From Powell's point of view, that looks like:
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"Left foot first. Right foot second. Getting my stance, bending my knees out, and putting pressure through my feet on the ground. Looking back at the kicker for field goals and watching his steps; he's going to go three back and two to the side. Once he takes his steps vertically, I get over the ball to time up well with [him].
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"Then once I get down on the ball, it's feeling the ball, feeling the laces on my fingers, and seeing what's most comfortable. From there, you just stop thinking and throw your ball. Trust your technique. Trust your training.
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"I've done this thousands of times, if not tens of thousands…a lot of people struggle having that trust in [themselves]. Your mind can race to so many places. But when you're over the ball, you've got to think good thoughts, know that you've prepared for that moment, and just go out there and let it fly."
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From Powell's point of view, that looks like:
