The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1520409
60 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JUNE/JULY 2024 ❱ WHERE ARE THEY NOW? "I just thought it was going to be a side business in addition to teaching," Kornblue said. "I was a high school teacher at the time and I loved it. After two years, it just took off. Part of why it took off was because I was asked to run the Michigan kicking camp in 2008 for the first time. That really spring- boarded everything else from there." Kornblue has had a hand in a ton of talented players' careers and develop- ment, headlined by his work with U- M's Jake Moody and Brad Robbins, who were selected in the third and seventh rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, respec- tively. He has also worked with several other star specialists, including cur- rent punter Tommy Doman. While it helps that he has a connec- tion with his alma mater, he wants to make sure he helps support the goals and dreams of each prospect he works with. However, when Michigan makes the call, it does not hurt to have him on their side. "Not every kid dreams of going to Michigan, so if a coach or a kid has a dream of going to a different school, I try not to get in the middle of it," Ko- rnblue said. "I want them to be where they want to be, but if Michigan comes to me and says, 'We need help find- ing the best guy in the country,' since 2008, I've been able to do a pretty good job of that. "I think 12 of the last 13 guys that Michigan has offered a scholarship to come out of high school have been through our program. It's a pretty good track record of when they ask for my help, I'm happy to give that info. It's the same way with other programs, but yeah, it's a little easier just because of what Michigan has to offer." Michigan is one of the bigger name- brand schools in the country that will emphasize its special teams via allo- cating scholarship spots. Kornblue's kicking prospects are aware of that, and they find their own way. That said, it is hard to ignore the re- sources when decision-making time arrives. "I'm involved to a certain extent and I can share my experience and how amazing it was [at Michigan]," Korn- blue said. "But there's also the fact that Michigan sells itself, and the coaches do a great job at recruiting as well. It's one of those situations where other schools have the ability to ask me for their help, and many of them do. "But very few have all the resources and all the things that Michigan has to offer." ❏ Kornblue founded Kornblue Kicking in 2007, and since 2008 he has been running specialist camps at Michigan and other major universities. He resides in Florida with his wife, Drea, and their three sons Ty, Bryson and Trey. PHOTO COURTESY BRANDON KORNBLUE ❱ The Brandon Kornblue File Michigan Accomplishments: Attended U-M from 1996-99… Member of 1997 national championship team… Academic All-Big Ten in 1999. Professional Accomplishments: Spent six seasons with Florida Firecats in Arena Football League developmental league (af2)... Member of 2004 ArenaCup V Championship… af2's all-time leader in field goals made, PATs made and total points by a kicker … Founded Kornblue Kicking in 2007. Favorite Michigan Memory: "My field goal against Northwestern my senior year. Tom Brady was my holder. If I didn't have that moment, it still would have been just as great an experience there, but that just made it extra special to get in the game." Family: Wife, Drea, and sons Ty, Bryson and Trey.