Feature on Jake Ingram after he won the long-snapper job for New England

WEEI Note: "The rookie out of Hawaii said Tuesday morning he owes a sizable debt of gratitude to Nathan Hodel, the veteran who was also invited to training camp by New England this summer. Hodel was released by the Patriots on Monday, leaving Ingram as the lone long snapper on the roster."

About how the advice that Hodel gave him will benefit him throughout his career, Jake Ingram said:
“He definitely, definitely did help me. He’s never a guy who was trying to treat me like a rookie. It seemed like he was more trying to help me out, trying to help me get better. And also, we were pushing other, hopefully making each other better. It was awesome having him around, and I wish the best of luck to him and his family. I’m sure he’ll get a job soon.” (WEEI)

WEEI Note: "Pattriots coach Bill Belichick called the competition this summer between Hodel and Ingram “very competitive,” and added that during his Tuesday morning press conference that with the preseason dwindling down to the final few days, the decision to cut Hodel loose was more of a “timing thing.” "

Expecting another NFL team to pick up Hodel, Bill Belichick said:
“I would expect to see Nathan in the league this year." (WEEI)

About winning the long-snapper job for the Patroits, Ingram said:
“I’m honored. That’s why you come here, to work hard and win a job on the team and help contribute to some wins. Obviously, I did what it took to get me to this point and allow them to trust me with the responsibility of being their long snapper. Now, the work really starts. Now that it’s my job, I really need to take it in stride and come to work every day and get better, and that’s what I’m here to do.” (WEEI)

WEEI Note: "Ingram, a sixth-round pick out of Hawaii last April, is a 6-foot-3, 220-pounder who was one of the finest collegiate long snappers in the country last season. He was one of two long snappers invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, and he also garnered an invite to the Senior Bowl."

Praising the selection of Ingram for the long-snapper job, Mac said:
“At his college position, he was the best in the country. Period. I’ve had him here the last two years, and he was 100 percent on all snaps. I don’t want to hex him, but I’ve never seen a bad snap from him. I think Bill Belichick has made an outstanding decision.” (WEEI)

About replacing long-time Patriot long-snapper Lonnie Paxton, Ingram said:
“I know he had a long, successful career here. I could only hope to be half as successful as he is. I know he’s doing a great job over there in Denver right now.” (WEEI)

About having to cut his ponytail and get his hair braided as part of the rookie haircut tradition, Ingram said:
“I have to get my hair braided. I think that’ll happen [Wednesday]. I just realize the task at hand … I have a lot of work to do,” he added. “That’s all I can really think about, just coming in here every day ready to go to work and just have a positive attitude.” (WEEI)

http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/newengland/football/patriots/2009/09/01/ingram-last-long-snapper-standing/