Frye

SHEPHERDSTOWN — How can an All-American football player go unnoticed and still give his team a boost toward winning more games?

He can, when his spiraled snaps to punters and holders on placekicks arrive on time and in areas where they can be handled with ease.

That All-American at Shepherd University is long snapper Zach Frye and his command of his trade, not only giving the already-potent Rams a polished weapon but also keeping morale at a high level, because of his unerring competence.

Nothing can demoralize a team quicker than an off-target snap that causes a blocked punt, the holder on a placekick to mishandle the football or a scrambled punt that came because the snap was too slow.

Frye gives the Rams a little-mentioned performance excellence that goes mostly unnoticed by the crowd, but is much appreciated by the Rams’ coaching staff and his teammates.

The so-called “kicking game” usually is only as proficient as the team’s long snapper and his accuracy on punts or placekicks.

Blocked punts change any game’s momentum as quickly as any facet in football. Missed extra points lose games or can completely change late-game strategy.

If a team can’t convert its field goal attempts from 30 yards or closer then that team is doomed to lose a game to a team that can do so.

Frye gives the Rams stability. You don’t have to hold your breath or shield your eyes from any placekick attempt, because he is on-target, on time and delivers his snaps in rhythmic order.

The Rams can win close games because of him. Close wins can bring the playoffs. Close wins can pave the playoff path toward the national quarterfinals or semifinals.

If a punter is delivered the football where he needs it, he doesn’t have to unnecessarily hurry his effort. He can aim at the sidelines inside the 10-yard line or drill a higher punt that forces a fair catch by a return man.

Hurried punts lose games almost as often as lost interceptions or lost fumbles.

Punts delivered on time are covered better by specialists and are not often returned for touchdowns or even long yardage.

An unsung long snapper should have his praises sung to the autumn heavens.

The Rams have such a needed specialist in long snapper Zach Frye.