Aaron Golub's story of hard work to overcome his lack of sight in one eye takes on an even more inspiring role when factoring in his preferred walk-on status at Tulane this upcoming season.
Photo courtesy of Aaron Golub
Chris Rubio laughed while describing his first look at
Newton South (Mass.) long snapper
Aaron Golub.
"This kid tried, but he was not really that good. He was very, very raw. He had to get the form down," Rubio told MaxPreps.
Less than two years later, Rubio, a long-snapping expert who runs camps throughout the country, says emphatically, "It's amazing the improvement he has shown. He was so dedicated. He has a good frame (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) and a good head on his shoulders. He probably communicated with me over 500 times (mostly texts and emails) the last year and a half. I'd definitely say he's a perfectionist and he's doing everything he can to be the best he can be."
Aaron Golub, Newton South
Photo courtesy of Chris Rubio
He has a little bit more to overcome than other players: Golub is legally blind. He was born with no sight in his right eye and very limited sight in his left eye.
Today Rubio ranks him as the No. 63 long snapper in the nation and No. 1 in New England. He is ranked even higher (No. 12)
by 247Sports.
All that has come together to give him a preferred walk-on role at Tulane University. He also had the same offer from the University of
Illinois.
In his mind, Golub has no handicap. He related, "I personally don't feel it's much of one, because I've had it my whole life."
Rubio backs him up when he adds, "He's so driven and determined that's he's so stoic. He never wanted anyone to get in his way and never wanted his vision to be an issue."
As a young boy Golub fell in love with football by watching it (seated very close) on television. He was a center from grades seven through 10 before he chose to become a long snapper.
Newton South coach Ted Dalicandro pointed out the pros and cons.
"As a coach, you always worry about safety," he conceded. "It's a tight rope to walk. You want to give kids an opportunity to play and to be safe. He was a determined kid and his parents never worried about that (a possible injury)."
Golub explained, "At the end of my sophomore year (when he played JV center and some defensive tackle) I decided I wanted to play more and to play in college. I was in a position that I wouldn't be able to play in college. I felt there weren't that many snappers who were that good. I was very excited and it definitely took a lot of hard work. I probably snapped (one hour) and lifted weights (two hours) every day."
The position switch also pleased Dalicandro, who said, "I thought that was great. It was a good fit for him to stay involved. He wasn't that good at first. It's a very technical position. He struggled but never gave up. He actually (mastered the new position) pretty quick. He just put in the time. He was a weight room warrior and always a leader. He's a great kid who has a big heart."
Golub can bench press 285 pounds and he is such a driven lifter that he has been tagged an "animal" in the weight room.
His rapid improvement also came from attending at least six Rubio and several college camps.
"They (camps) were a huge part," he said. "Without Rubio's help I wouldn't be able to play in college. I definitely owe a lot to him. I sent him videos and asked him to help me with my form. He always was happy to help."
Rubio compares long snapping to a golf swing. "Once you get it (the form) down, everything falls into place."
Golub got his form down so well that he was the Lions' No. 1 long snapper as a junior and senior and twice won the team's newly created Courage Award.
He noted, "I'm happy they made it and it fit me well. I hope they keep giving it out and find other kids that it might fit."
Perhaps the most amazing fact about Golub's transformation is that he made only one bad snap in two years.
"It's not one I really like to talk about," he admitted. "It was the first snap of that game (early in his senior year). It went low and I made sure it wouldn't happen again."
In addition to accuracy, his snaps have power, as evidenced by the day he had no net to aim at in practice and elected to use a sign on the baseball field that marked the distance from home plate to the fence. One of his snaps shattered the sign and it fell off the fence.
In addition to football, Golub also has a passion for snowboarding as a participant and teacher.
He noted, "I'm a volunteer snowboard instructor for people who have disabilities, mental or physical. I've been doing it a few years. It's gone well and it's nice to help other people."
His immediate future includes bidding to be an instructor at Rubio camps.
Tulane coach Curtis Johnson says, "Aaron is a tremendous young man who has not let adversity overcome his desire to fulfill his dreams of playing college football. We look forward to having him as a part of our football program this fall."
Golub, who has a B average and wants to study economics, pulled no punches when he said, "My goal is to win the starting job. Right now I'm going in as a backup."
Rubio even hinted that the NFL might not be out of the question for his young protege after college.
Golub's reaction: "I don't really think about it. If I got the opportunity, I would absolutely take it, but I'm going to school to be a student."
No matter how far he takes football, however, Golub has firmly established himself as a poster child and a great role model for people who desire to rise above circumstances that may limit them.
He insists, though, "I don't see myself as (handicapped). I think it's great that other kids can see that and accomplish their goals based on it."
Rubio still gets the last word.
He noted, "I think it's great for his team and him, but it's also great for others. I've got a 2016 kid from Georgia (vision problems) and another kid in Aaron's class who's hearing impaired. He's got to inspire other kids. There are other little Aaron Golubs running around out there."
