Three sprinters that I am excited about watching are Jaylon Brown (2014) from St Clairsville, Parris Campbell (2014), and Franshon Bickley (2014) both from Akron St Vincent-St Marys. All three are short RB's with a tremendous burst. All three run legs on both the 4X100 and the 4X200.
Martine Perez (2014) from Eastmoor performed well at my combine in March. Fast, tough, and has a good burst. Potentially a very good football prospect as a corner. Martine is running on the relay teams.
The one special guy for me to evaluate tomorrow is from St Clairsville. College coaches believe as of now that he could be one of the very top guys in his Class of 2014. Listed at 6'3-230, he runs well. Michael Ferns should be a top linebacker prospect. College coaches say this, not the recruiting writers on recruiting websites. I am really looking forward to watching him.
QB Maty Mauk (2012) finished second at the State Meet last spring. Leg injuries have limited his jumping almost all season, but he joins a group on nine jumpers who have qualified at 22'0 plus.
The Division 3 shot put event will showcase four very solid football players. Nick Demaline (2014) from Liberty Center plays linebacker in the fall. Listed at 6'1-245 he is powerful and plays with a nasty attitude. Jacob Carrizales (2013) plays DE for Patrick Henry. Probably be a linebacker at the next level. DL David Paliscak (2013) from Rootstown has done well at my combines, but needs to keep getting bigger. One of my favorite football players in the 2013 Class is Ryan Kortokrax. Listed at 6'5-250, he qualified with a put of 53' 04. Coming from Wayne Trace High School, he will have to hit the camp circuit this summer.
For me, alot of the fun in scouting football players who come out of nowhere. At the State Track Meet, I always find more kids who have been under the radar. Looking forward to tomorrow, but it is a long, long day.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Evaluating Football Players at the Ohio HS State Meet
Friday I will make my annual trip to the Ohio High School State Track Meet at the Jesse Owens. Having been both a high school track coach and track official, I still enjoy watching young people compete on the track and in the field. But, from a business sense, the Meet is a great place to evaluate football talent.
My approach to evaluating players at track meets is a little different than most. Instead of the finish line, I like to be at the starting line. When watching football players on relays, I like to be at the actual exchange zone. In the field events, I get as close as I can. When the distance runners compete, I go to the concession stand.(humor). To avoid being a distraction, I never talk with football players until after they compete.
The following are some of the football players who I will be watching pretty closely. Of course, I am more concerned about the Classes of 2013, 2014, and 2015, but I will watch some of the seniors, before they head off to college.
DB Caleb Day (2013), from Hilliard Darby is competing in the 110 meter hurdles. Good time to watch for burst and hip rotation.
The 100 meters for Division 1 will be exciting. Solon's RB Khoury Crenshaw (2103) qualified with a 10.56. Smokin! Two players from the Class of 2015, RB Shaun Crawford, from Lakewood St Ed's and RB DeVohn Jackson, from Cincinnati Northwest will be running side by side. Crawford qualified with a 10.9. WR Anthony Young (2013) from St Eds qualified with a 10.8. WR/DB Shelton Gibson (2013) from Cleveland Heights clocked 10.67.
Trotwood Madison has the same speed guys on the football field, as they do on the track. Cameron Burrows (2013), Reon Dawson (2013) both DB's and sophomore RB Romello Crisp are running on all three relay teams, the 4X100, the 4X200, and the 4X400.
One of the top RB's in the Class of 2013, Godwin Igwebuike from Pickerington North anchors the 4X200. Also running in 4X200 for Solon is DB Darian Hicks (2013).
One of the more underrated football players in the Class of 2012 is DB/WR Nana Kyeremeh who is running on both the 4X200 and the 4X400. Joining him on both relays is one of the better athletes in the Class of 2014, QB/DB Jalen Wells. Wells has a chance to be special. He is also running the 300 m hurdles. Jalen and Nana are representing Thomas Worthington.
Also get a chance to watch one of my favorites from the Cleveland city school Rhodes High School. Lakeith Walls from the Class of 2012 is running a leg on the 4X400.
Two sophomores from Sylvania Southview are running legs on the 4X400. WR Jernard Pinckney and DB Nate Hall both are very good young football propects. Jernard also qualified in the long jump at 23'01".
The discus could be big. LB Grant Cartwright (2013) from Olentangy Liberty qualified with a 174 throw. Two of the top offensive linemen in the Class of 2013 are throwing back to back. Fitch's Billy Price and Wayne's Lovell Peterson qualified with throws of 177'10 and 183'02 respectively. This will fun to watch. Price has also put the shot put 58'01.
Two of my favorites in the Class of 2102 are competing in field events. QB/ATH Jalin Marshall from Middletown qualified in the high jump with a jump of 6'8. Also comes in with a long jump of 22'06. Of course, I am dumb enough to believe that his overall QB skills are under-rated by everyone, including O-State. Mr. Three Sport Guy, Whitmer's Chris Wormley has qualified in the discus with a toss of 184'09 and a shot put toss of 58'03.
Of course, I have omitted some in the Divison 1 meet, and I apologize for that. I could win some football games with this talent. Later tonight, I will mention some of the football players running track in Divisions 2 and 3.
My approach to evaluating players at track meets is a little different than most. Instead of the finish line, I like to be at the starting line. When watching football players on relays, I like to be at the actual exchange zone. In the field events, I get as close as I can. When the distance runners compete, I go to the concession stand.(humor). To avoid being a distraction, I never talk with football players until after they compete.
The following are some of the football players who I will be watching pretty closely. Of course, I am more concerned about the Classes of 2013, 2014, and 2015, but I will watch some of the seniors, before they head off to college.
DB Caleb Day (2013), from Hilliard Darby is competing in the 110 meter hurdles. Good time to watch for burst and hip rotation.
The 100 meters for Division 1 will be exciting. Solon's RB Khoury Crenshaw (2103) qualified with a 10.56. Smokin! Two players from the Class of 2015, RB Shaun Crawford, from Lakewood St Ed's and RB DeVohn Jackson, from Cincinnati Northwest will be running side by side. Crawford qualified with a 10.9. WR Anthony Young (2013) from St Eds qualified with a 10.8. WR/DB Shelton Gibson (2013) from Cleveland Heights clocked 10.67.
Trotwood Madison has the same speed guys on the football field, as they do on the track. Cameron Burrows (2013), Reon Dawson (2013) both DB's and sophomore RB Romello Crisp are running on all three relay teams, the 4X100, the 4X200, and the 4X400.
One of the top RB's in the Class of 2013, Godwin Igwebuike from Pickerington North anchors the 4X200. Also running in 4X200 for Solon is DB Darian Hicks (2013).
One of the more underrated football players in the Class of 2012 is DB/WR Nana Kyeremeh who is running on both the 4X200 and the 4X400. Joining him on both relays is one of the better athletes in the Class of 2014, QB/DB Jalen Wells. Wells has a chance to be special. He is also running the 300 m hurdles. Jalen and Nana are representing Thomas Worthington.
Also get a chance to watch one of my favorites from the Cleveland city school Rhodes High School. Lakeith Walls from the Class of 2012 is running a leg on the 4X400.
Two sophomores from Sylvania Southview are running legs on the 4X400. WR Jernard Pinckney and DB Nate Hall both are very good young football propects. Jernard also qualified in the long jump at 23'01".
The discus could be big. LB Grant Cartwright (2013) from Olentangy Liberty qualified with a 174 throw. Two of the top offensive linemen in the Class of 2013 are throwing back to back. Fitch's Billy Price and Wayne's Lovell Peterson qualified with throws of 177'10 and 183'02 respectively. This will fun to watch. Price has also put the shot put 58'01.
Two of my favorites in the Class of 2102 are competing in field events. QB/ATH Jalin Marshall from Middletown qualified in the high jump with a jump of 6'8. Also comes in with a long jump of 22'06. Of course, I am dumb enough to believe that his overall QB skills are under-rated by everyone, including O-State. Mr. Three Sport Guy, Whitmer's Chris Wormley has qualified in the discus with a toss of 184'09 and a shot put toss of 58'03.
Of course, I have omitted some in the Divison 1 meet, and I apologize for that. I could win some football games with this talent. Later tonight, I will mention some of the football players running track in Divisions 2 and 3.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
June is High School Football Camp Time
Just turned the calendar to the month of June. Oh, my! Friday I head to the Ohio High School State Track Championships. Then next week there are football camps, football camps, and more football camps. But first I have to take care of the camps that I direct.
We are holding the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Underclassmen Showcases next week. Rather than just have one in Columbus, we are adding one in Toledo and one between Cincinnati and Dayton. Cleveland always seems to have so much going on with camps that I wanted to wait until next year to see how these progress. Of course, maybe I will find out that just holding one in Columbus for the whole state is the best idea.
Ohio High School football coaches work our camps. There is just so much out there with regards to camps and combines that I put emphasis on the quality of people who work my camps.. The coaches work hard and teach. They are not presenters; they are teachers. This year, Ben Mauk, former UC quarterback is working two of the camps. The son of the late Joe Daniels and QB coach at Toledo St Johns, Matt Daniels will work the camp in Toledo. Matt did a tremendous job instructing last year. Being a QB coach wanna-be, the QB position is really important to me.
Chuck Gresham, Director of college and high school training at D-1 Training in Columbus is one of the few coaches who does not coach on the high school level. Chuch interned at Ohio State recently and brings a wealth of knowledge in the training part of the camp. Plus, Chuck also works with the running backs. All in all, there are forty different coaches working the camps.
Personally, I feel it is important for underclassmen to have some idea of what to expect at the college camps. We expose the campers to almost everything they will encounter at the college camps. from some agility testing to football agility drills to individual specific drills. There are competition drills and the camp finishes with some seven on seven competition.
I read and hear about all of the private football camps available throughout Ohio. Anytime that a person gets a chance to improve his football skills, he should go for it. MSROHIO camps do not have former "pro-football guys" or high profile college players. The camps are not free, but the cost is minimal. Some of the fee is given back to the OHSFCA for the scholarship fund. There are no individual awards.
Really the purpose of the camps is to make players better and to expose them to what camps are all about. Of course, the information and evaluations of many of the campers not only goes on my website MSROHIO.com, but, more importantly, goes out to all of the colleges who buy my service.
We are holding the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Underclassmen Showcases next week. Rather than just have one in Columbus, we are adding one in Toledo and one between Cincinnati and Dayton. Cleveland always seems to have so much going on with camps that I wanted to wait until next year to see how these progress. Of course, maybe I will find out that just holding one in Columbus for the whole state is the best idea.
Ohio High School football coaches work our camps. There is just so much out there with regards to camps and combines that I put emphasis on the quality of people who work my camps.. The coaches work hard and teach. They are not presenters; they are teachers. This year, Ben Mauk, former UC quarterback is working two of the camps. The son of the late Joe Daniels and QB coach at Toledo St Johns, Matt Daniels will work the camp in Toledo. Matt did a tremendous job instructing last year. Being a QB coach wanna-be, the QB position is really important to me.
Chuck Gresham, Director of college and high school training at D-1 Training in Columbus is one of the few coaches who does not coach on the high school level. Chuch interned at Ohio State recently and brings a wealth of knowledge in the training part of the camp. Plus, Chuck also works with the running backs. All in all, there are forty different coaches working the camps.
Personally, I feel it is important for underclassmen to have some idea of what to expect at the college camps. We expose the campers to almost everything they will encounter at the college camps. from some agility testing to football agility drills to individual specific drills. There are competition drills and the camp finishes with some seven on seven competition.
I read and hear about all of the private football camps available throughout Ohio. Anytime that a person gets a chance to improve his football skills, he should go for it. MSROHIO camps do not have former "pro-football guys" or high profile college players. The camps are not free, but the cost is minimal. Some of the fee is given back to the OHSFCA for the scholarship fund. There are no individual awards.
Really the purpose of the camps is to make players better and to expose them to what camps are all about. Of course, the information and evaluations of many of the campers not only goes on my website MSROHIO.com, but, more importantly, goes out to all of the colleges who buy my service.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
It is not Over Until It's Over
All spring I have been telling my good friend, Doug Pearson, head football coach at Toledo St Johns, that I was going to see a St Johns' baseball game. I have watch Doug's son Nate play football, but never baseball. Yesterday, I watched Nate's last high school baseball game.
Fremont Ross was playing St Johns for the Three Rivers Athletic Conference post season tournament championship. Good day for baseball. A one hour drive, but the AC felt good.
Both teams were playing well, for the most part. We had to be back to Upper Sandusky by five o'clock. After 4 and 1/2 innings, St Johns was leading 3-0. Nate had been to bat three times with no hits. He was hit twice and walked the third time. I texted Coach Pearson that he had had three chances and that we had to get back to Upper Sandusky.
Although I knew that Fremont shortstop, Tyler Wolf quarterbacked the Little Giants in the fall, I had forgotten that he played baseball in the spring. Tyler looks the part and is a very good baseball player, as well as, a very solid quarterback. Fun to watch him compete.
As my adult kids will testify to, I hate crowds at the end of games. In fact, I hardly ever stay until a game is completed. For the longest time, my kids never realized that there was such a thing as a fourth quarter. Yesterday was no exception.
I called Coach Pearson last night and the first thing he said was that you should have stayed. Fremont came back and scored four runs to take the lead, 4-3.
In the bottom of the sixth, Toledo St Johns loaded the bases and Nate Pearson came to bat. No place to put him, so they had to pitch to him. Remember, the 6'0-245 pounder had walked once and been hit twice. Nate hit a ground rule double that bounced over the fence. Final score 6-4.
Maybe someday I will stay and watch four quarters. I applaude the determination of Nate Pearson. He gave me a lesson. I drive 60 minutes and can not stay til the end and miss one of the biggest hits of his senior year. I guess I will have to catch a University of Toledo baseball game next spring to watch him again.
Fremont Ross was playing St Johns for the Three Rivers Athletic Conference post season tournament championship. Good day for baseball. A one hour drive, but the AC felt good.
Both teams were playing well, for the most part. We had to be back to Upper Sandusky by five o'clock. After 4 and 1/2 innings, St Johns was leading 3-0. Nate had been to bat three times with no hits. He was hit twice and walked the third time. I texted Coach Pearson that he had had three chances and that we had to get back to Upper Sandusky.
Although I knew that Fremont shortstop, Tyler Wolf quarterbacked the Little Giants in the fall, I had forgotten that he played baseball in the spring. Tyler looks the part and is a very good baseball player, as well as, a very solid quarterback. Fun to watch him compete.
As my adult kids will testify to, I hate crowds at the end of games. In fact, I hardly ever stay until a game is completed. For the longest time, my kids never realized that there was such a thing as a fourth quarter. Yesterday was no exception.
I called Coach Pearson last night and the first thing he said was that you should have stayed. Fremont came back and scored four runs to take the lead, 4-3.
In the bottom of the sixth, Toledo St Johns loaded the bases and Nate Pearson came to bat. No place to put him, so they had to pitch to him. Remember, the 6'0-245 pounder had walked once and been hit twice. Nate hit a ground rule double that bounced over the fence. Final score 6-4.
Maybe someday I will stay and watch four quarters. I applaude the determination of Nate Pearson. He gave me a lesson. I drive 60 minutes and can not stay til the end and miss one of the biggest hits of his senior year. I guess I will have to catch a University of Toledo baseball game next spring to watch him again.
Monday, May 28, 2012
The "Elite 11"
Nike has the marketing and the financial backing to control combines and camps for high school football players across the country. For the most part, they probably do an excellent job of running their football camps and combines. Have not been to one in years, so I can just go on what I hear.
I attended the "Elite 11" at Ohio Dominican University a few weeks back. One thing for sure, they have nice equipment to work with. There were alot of QB's in attendance and from all over the country. Impressive. However, many of them will have a hard getting a four year scholarship. But, some of the top dogs were there. That made my 45 minutes interesting.
One of the things that bother me is the pressure that they put on QB's to attend. Supposedly, if they do not show, they will not be invited to the "Opening." Seriously, what if the top seven QB's in the Midwest did not show?
Some QB's are just not "camp guys." Mitch Trubisky is not a camp guy. He drops down sometimes and has a little quirk in his release at times, but all he does is manage games and win. I think he is the top QB in the Class of 2013, with Malik Zaire, a really second. Deshone Kiser, Ohio Class of 2014, is not a camp guy either. But, he is one of the top QB's in his class.
Kiser has the done the right thing, however. Going to the "Elite 11" as a sophomore gives the experience for next year. If he has time, he should to more than one. Learn what Nike wants and the third time should be a charm. This is pretty much what Malik Zaire has done. Malik's QB presence has really improved, as has his feet.
Had a chance to watch QB Cody Calloway from Midview High School workout last week. Cody is in the Class of 2014. He should be one of the top five QB's in his class, but he is also and excellent baseball pitcher. Next spring, if he participates in the "Elite 11," he will have to adjust his throwing motion.
Surprisingly, all of the top rated QB's had major college scholarships. What would happen if the judges had no idea who the QB's were and did not know to what school they had committed. I wonder if the results would be the same. More than likely, yes. At least I hope so.
Anything done the right way and is not terribly expensive in promoting young people is good. But I have always believed that "big is not always better." Learning and getting better is what it is all about. If the "Elite 11" does this, good. If it does not, do not attend.
I attended the "Elite 11" at Ohio Dominican University a few weeks back. One thing for sure, they have nice equipment to work with. There were alot of QB's in attendance and from all over the country. Impressive. However, many of them will have a hard getting a four year scholarship. But, some of the top dogs were there. That made my 45 minutes interesting.
One of the things that bother me is the pressure that they put on QB's to attend. Supposedly, if they do not show, they will not be invited to the "Opening." Seriously, what if the top seven QB's in the Midwest did not show?
Some QB's are just not "camp guys." Mitch Trubisky is not a camp guy. He drops down sometimes and has a little quirk in his release at times, but all he does is manage games and win. I think he is the top QB in the Class of 2013, with Malik Zaire, a really second. Deshone Kiser, Ohio Class of 2014, is not a camp guy either. But, he is one of the top QB's in his class.
Kiser has the done the right thing, however. Going to the "Elite 11" as a sophomore gives the experience for next year. If he has time, he should to more than one. Learn what Nike wants and the third time should be a charm. This is pretty much what Malik Zaire has done. Malik's QB presence has really improved, as has his feet.
Had a chance to watch QB Cody Calloway from Midview High School workout last week. Cody is in the Class of 2014. He should be one of the top five QB's in his class, but he is also and excellent baseball pitcher. Next spring, if he participates in the "Elite 11," he will have to adjust his throwing motion.
Surprisingly, all of the top rated QB's had major college scholarships. What would happen if the judges had no idea who the QB's were and did not know to what school they had committed. I wonder if the results would be the same. More than likely, yes. At least I hope so.
Anything done the right way and is not terribly expensive in promoting young people is good. But I have always believed that "big is not always better." Learning and getting better is what it is all about. If the "Elite 11" does this, good. If it does not, do not attend.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
A Fifties Comment Today
Leaving church this morning, I walked to meet one of the area graduates who is attending a Division II college school to play football next fall. I had never met him before, but I had heard good things about his ability.
After introducing myself, I wished him good luck. As we were walking out the door, I asked him how two of his former high school teammates were doing in college football. One, he said is doing well after a position change in the spring. The other, or as he said, "The big colored guy," was a back-up on the offensive line. Yes, he said the "big colored guy."
I suggested that he probably should not use the word "colored" around his teammates next fall. Then I reminded him that this is 2012. Yes, this conversation actually took place. Sadly, the young man never apologized. Actually, I think that the comments went right over his head.
Sometimes bigger schools and "inner city" schools are considered aloof and hard to communicate with. For me, the irony is that I have a tougher time communicating with the smaller rural schools. In fact, last spring I introduced myself to a young sophomore from Marion County at an Ohio State football practice. His dad looked at me like I was selling Amway products.
Many people blow smoke up my nose about my abilities evaluating high school football players. I will be the first to tell you that I am highly over-rated. But, gosh, small schools you need more help with getting recognized than big schools. Use all of the help that you can find.
Finally, I guess nothing surprises me anymore. I have an 84 year old neighbor who sometimes says the word "colored," but an 18 year old. How sad!
After introducing myself, I wished him good luck. As we were walking out the door, I asked him how two of his former high school teammates were doing in college football. One, he said is doing well after a position change in the spring. The other, or as he said, "The big colored guy," was a back-up on the offensive line. Yes, he said the "big colored guy."
I suggested that he probably should not use the word "colored" around his teammates next fall. Then I reminded him that this is 2012. Yes, this conversation actually took place. Sadly, the young man never apologized. Actually, I think that the comments went right over his head.
Sometimes bigger schools and "inner city" schools are considered aloof and hard to communicate with. For me, the irony is that I have a tougher time communicating with the smaller rural schools. In fact, last spring I introduced myself to a young sophomore from Marion County at an Ohio State football practice. His dad looked at me like I was selling Amway products.
Many people blow smoke up my nose about my abilities evaluating high school football players. I will be the first to tell you that I am highly over-rated. But, gosh, small schools you need more help with getting recognized than big schools. Use all of the help that you can find.
Finally, I guess nothing surprises me anymore. I have an 84 year old neighbor who sometimes says the word "colored," but an 18 year old. How sad!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Noah Spielman from Upper Arlington
Last year, at the Herbstriet Classic was my first chance to see sophomore Noah Spielman from Upper Arlington do battle on the football field. Actually, I first saw him at a summer football camp, before he went into his freshman year. Up until last Tuesday, I was concerned about his overall size to play on the defensive line. Not now.
Strength, toughness, or playing every down should never be a problem with Noah. Being a real teammate who leads by example will never be a problem. Not for me, but I am sure some recruiters will hestitate at his height. Right now, he is squeezing 6'0. Plus he weighs around 240. After meeting him briefly, size will not be an issue for me. One thing for sure, he is "puffed-up." I mean he has spent some time lifting weights. He is taller than I expected him to be.
Watching him grow the next two years will be fun. Evaluating him as a football player both in camps and on Friday night, is something I am looking forward to doing. Hope that he plays pad under pad and gets off blocks. His motor running full speed on every play will not be a problem.
Everybody talks about how great a kid he is and that he is a really good teammate. Those are the remarks from coaches, when I asked about him. Talking to him, I really like his attitude. He tilts his head to the right just like his father. As he continues through the football recruiting process, he will need to be able to communicate with recruiting writers and coaches. Answering the same questions over and over will get to be old stuff,. Anyone can guess two on the most asked questions.
I like Noah Spielman alot. For me, and I cannot explain it, but some players just have the "it" factor. Only a sophomore, I know, but he may have the extra "stuff" needed to be good. Again only a sophomore, but he will convince evaluators that at 6'0, he can play. I mean, it is what it is, but Rosey Nix is having a tremndous career at Kent State and he may not be 6 feet tall.
Finally, maybe the biggest pressure that he faces is that Chris Spielman is his proud father. Yes, the same Chris Spielman, who is one of the most recognized personalities in not only Columbus, but throughout the country. In a ten minute conversation with Noah, I like his chances of handling that pressure. If he has the determination of his late mother, I like my chances of being "on" with Noah Spielman's potential.
Strength, toughness, or playing every down should never be a problem with Noah. Being a real teammate who leads by example will never be a problem. Not for me, but I am sure some recruiters will hestitate at his height. Right now, he is squeezing 6'0. Plus he weighs around 240. After meeting him briefly, size will not be an issue for me. One thing for sure, he is "puffed-up." I mean he has spent some time lifting weights. He is taller than I expected him to be.
Watching him grow the next two years will be fun. Evaluating him as a football player both in camps and on Friday night, is something I am looking forward to doing. Hope that he plays pad under pad and gets off blocks. His motor running full speed on every play will not be a problem.
Everybody talks about how great a kid he is and that he is a really good teammate. Those are the remarks from coaches, when I asked about him. Talking to him, I really like his attitude. He tilts his head to the right just like his father. As he continues through the football recruiting process, he will need to be able to communicate with recruiting writers and coaches. Answering the same questions over and over will get to be old stuff,. Anyone can guess two on the most asked questions.
I like Noah Spielman alot. For me, and I cannot explain it, but some players just have the "it" factor. Only a sophomore, I know, but he may have the extra "stuff" needed to be good. Again only a sophomore, but he will convince evaluators that at 6'0, he can play. I mean, it is what it is, but Rosey Nix is having a tremndous career at Kent State and he may not be 6 feet tall.
Finally, maybe the biggest pressure that he faces is that Chris Spielman is his proud father. Yes, the same Chris Spielman, who is one of the most recognized personalities in not only Columbus, but throughout the country. In a ten minute conversation with Noah, I like his chances of handling that pressure. If he has the determination of his late mother, I like my chances of being "on" with Noah Spielman's potential.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Thoughts on Competitive Balance
After two defeats with his competitive balance proposal and both times trying to "push" his proposals through, Dan Ross has finally backed off for while. Now all I hear is the proposal to divide private and public schools. After the emotions pass, I question if this is best for everyone. With everything on the table, high school sports should take a deep breath and stay with the current system.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association is hurting big time for money. If the competitive balance system was put into place, how many more people do they hire to run the program? Of course, they just hired a financial officer, so that may help. How would you tie in free and reduced lunches? Why would you penalize winning programs?
With the economic problems that families are having, fewer people are being able to pay the tuition to go to private schools. Of course, there are all forms of scholarships given to private school students, but even those programs are being fewer and fewer. More of the top athletes are staying at their home school.
Also, Catholic families are not as large as they used to be back in the day. I do not know the exact numbers, but I was told this by some private school coaches. Smaller families equals lower enrollment to private schools. Not today, of course, but this tend could also have effect on the dominance of private schools.
Defending Delphos St Johns High School. Some of the recent excitement about private schools versus public schools came after St Johns hammered Shadyside in the state championship game. The mainstays of the St Johns team were three year starters and were good. Shadyside was just totally outmatched.
Last year Pickerington Central was beaten soundly by Cincinnati St Xavier the second game of the season. However, in the playoffs, Pick Central beat St Xavier. Pickerington Central just found a way to win in the second game. Although Cleveland St Ignatius beat Toledo Whitmer, the game could have been closer.
Teams just have to keep getting better. For high school football, I really believe the level of competition between public and private is narrowing. I have no exact proof, but I just sense it with all of the football games I attend.
Do you realize the amount of recruiting that would go on if the the privates and the publics separated? No holds barred. Could you imagine what would take place in the Cincinnati area alone? Private schools would have a wide range of athletes from which to select .
Last fall I was told by someone involved with the competitive balance committee that public schools would be allowed to schedule private schools if there ever was a split. Legally, I question that, but, on the otherhand, private school schools in Toledo could go across the border into Michigan to play quality opponents. Cincinnati would play Kentucky and Indiana schools. This year Moeller only plays four Ohio schools, and they are all private.
Maybe one solution would be to have "open enrollment" state wide. Once a player begins his sophomore year, he would be committed to that high school. If he transfers, he has to sit for one calendar year.
These are just some ideas thrown out there. Please do not hammer me on the message boards. Truthfully, I really believe that high school football in Ohio has to stay the course right now. I am sure there is a solution, but please no knee-jerk reactions or muscling. In our "everybody gets a trophy" thinking, we need to somehow work with what we have now. Maybe sometime changes can be made, but leave "winning traditions" out of the equation. Good luck.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association is hurting big time for money. If the competitive balance system was put into place, how many more people do they hire to run the program? Of course, they just hired a financial officer, so that may help. How would you tie in free and reduced lunches? Why would you penalize winning programs?
With the economic problems that families are having, fewer people are being able to pay the tuition to go to private schools. Of course, there are all forms of scholarships given to private school students, but even those programs are being fewer and fewer. More of the top athletes are staying at their home school.
Also, Catholic families are not as large as they used to be back in the day. I do not know the exact numbers, but I was told this by some private school coaches. Smaller families equals lower enrollment to private schools. Not today, of course, but this tend could also have effect on the dominance of private schools.
Defending Delphos St Johns High School. Some of the recent excitement about private schools versus public schools came after St Johns hammered Shadyside in the state championship game. The mainstays of the St Johns team were three year starters and were good. Shadyside was just totally outmatched.
Last year Pickerington Central was beaten soundly by Cincinnati St Xavier the second game of the season. However, in the playoffs, Pick Central beat St Xavier. Pickerington Central just found a way to win in the second game. Although Cleveland St Ignatius beat Toledo Whitmer, the game could have been closer.
Teams just have to keep getting better. For high school football, I really believe the level of competition between public and private is narrowing. I have no exact proof, but I just sense it with all of the football games I attend.
Do you realize the amount of recruiting that would go on if the the privates and the publics separated? No holds barred. Could you imagine what would take place in the Cincinnati area alone? Private schools would have a wide range of athletes from which to select .
Last fall I was told by someone involved with the competitive balance committee that public schools would be allowed to schedule private schools if there ever was a split. Legally, I question that, but, on the otherhand, private school schools in Toledo could go across the border into Michigan to play quality opponents. Cincinnati would play Kentucky and Indiana schools. This year Moeller only plays four Ohio schools, and they are all private.
Maybe one solution would be to have "open enrollment" state wide. Once a player begins his sophomore year, he would be committed to that high school. If he transfers, he has to sit for one calendar year.
These are just some ideas thrown out there. Please do not hammer me on the message boards. Truthfully, I really believe that high school football in Ohio has to stay the course right now. I am sure there is a solution, but please no knee-jerk reactions or muscling. In our "everybody gets a trophy" thinking, we need to somehow work with what we have now. Maybe sometime changes can be made, but leave "winning traditions" out of the equation. Good luck.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Always Evaluating Football Prospects
Friday I did something really questionable as far as my financial situation goes. While I was in Tiffin, ohio picking up some pool supplies, I stopped to watch some of the District Track Meet at Columbian High School. How far does one go with regards to evaluting high school football players.
The ticket was six dollars. Needed a program, which was another two dollars. Thank goodness I was not hungry. The problem was that I only watched the high jump, discus, 110 meter hurdles, 100 meter dash, and the 4X100 meter relay. I spent eight dollars, which I could have used at Arby's for my dinner.
At the discus event, I watched Norwalk's Donald Eastman who is the Class of 2013 and plays on the OL at Norwalk. Powerful and explosive. Hoped that he was little taller. One that I will evaluate this fall. Mike Brown(2012) from Sandusky is a beast. Recruiters were concerned about his height. Watched him since his sophomore year.
One of the prospects who I really wanted to see was Marion Harding sophomore AJ Jones. Friday was not a good day for him. His 11.1/100 meter time was tops coming into the finals. His 6'2 high jump was one of the better heights coming into the high jump event. AJ did not qualify for the regionals in either event. But I like his potential. Talked with for a few minutes. Bright and sharp. All of 5'10, he is explosive. Needs to continue to get stronger.
Also watched Findlay's Joseph Davidson run the high hurdles. Solid 15.5 hurdler. Although I did not see the 300 meter hurdles final, Joe did have a 42.5 qualifying time. Always amazing to me is that he is 6'6-6'7 and very athletic. Like him on the football field, too. Plays free safety and wide receiver. I think that he be "red-zone" guy or a tight end at the next level.
Skylar Reffner(2012) from Fremont Ross ran in the 100 finals, but did not place. Skylar is going to play football at Ashland next fall. When I coached and taught at Lakota High School many years ago, I had Skylar's dad in freshman English class. Eventually, MAC coaches will realize that they missed the boat on Skylar Reffner.
The running event finals started at 5:30. Now I really enjoy track meets, but too much work to do on my four acres outside of Upper Sandusky. But in reality, all I wanted to see were Jones, Davidson, and Reffner. There are some relay members who I have to follow-up. But it cost me eight dollars.
The ticket was six dollars. Needed a program, which was another two dollars. Thank goodness I was not hungry. The problem was that I only watched the high jump, discus, 110 meter hurdles, 100 meter dash, and the 4X100 meter relay. I spent eight dollars, which I could have used at Arby's for my dinner.
At the discus event, I watched Norwalk's Donald Eastman who is the Class of 2013 and plays on the OL at Norwalk. Powerful and explosive. Hoped that he was little taller. One that I will evaluate this fall. Mike Brown(2012) from Sandusky is a beast. Recruiters were concerned about his height. Watched him since his sophomore year.
One of the prospects who I really wanted to see was Marion Harding sophomore AJ Jones. Friday was not a good day for him. His 11.1/100 meter time was tops coming into the finals. His 6'2 high jump was one of the better heights coming into the high jump event. AJ did not qualify for the regionals in either event. But I like his potential. Talked with for a few minutes. Bright and sharp. All of 5'10, he is explosive. Needs to continue to get stronger.
Also watched Findlay's Joseph Davidson run the high hurdles. Solid 15.5 hurdler. Although I did not see the 300 meter hurdles final, Joe did have a 42.5 qualifying time. Always amazing to me is that he is 6'6-6'7 and very athletic. Like him on the football field, too. Plays free safety and wide receiver. I think that he be "red-zone" guy or a tight end at the next level.
Skylar Reffner(2012) from Fremont Ross ran in the 100 finals, but did not place. Skylar is going to play football at Ashland next fall. When I coached and taught at Lakota High School many years ago, I had Skylar's dad in freshman English class. Eventually, MAC coaches will realize that they missed the boat on Skylar Reffner.
The running event finals started at 5:30. Now I really enjoy track meets, but too much work to do on my four acres outside of Upper Sandusky. But in reality, all I wanted to see were Jones, Davidson, and Reffner. There are some relay members who I have to follow-up. But it cost me eight dollars.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Good News for Toledo City League
I read some exciting news about the Toledo City League sports programs. The TPS has found the money to reinstate some of the freshman sports that were done away with in 2010. Junior high and freshman sports were done away with because of the huge budget deficit and improve the public perception with voters.
The TPS is going to restore freshman football, basketball, and volleyball, along with some other programs. There is no guarantee the restored programs will be offered for more than one year if the levy fails in November. My guess, very little chance.
When the athletic cuts were made, more than 2,000 students left the city schools. Can you blame them? Although there is no way of knowing how many left because of sports cuts, my guess is that it was a significant number. With open enrollment to some of the suburban schools and the private schools, the numbers could be huge.
For all of my 31 years in education, I have preached about the importance of loyalty to your school. Over the last few years, honestly, my viewpoint has and is changing. My comment is "What is best for the student." I wrestle with this alot. I see it a lot. Kids open enroll or transfer to give themselves a better chance at the next level. In some situations, this is the right move. I have come to the conclusion that each case is different.
One of my favorite sayings is "If you are good enough, a college recruiter will find you." Of course, this is directed to sports, but the saying includes all areas of education.
City schools throughout Ohio are all experiencing the same situation. Students are transferring to the suburbs or attending private school. When Glenville was not winning, nobody cared. Over the last ten years, people have become critical of their success. There is no sense to name schools, but this happens often now and all over Ohio. A player who I like as a player and a person recently left Dayton City Schools and enrolled in a neighboring school. Last summer he asked me what I thought, and my answer was that I could see both sides of his story. "If you are good enough, they will find you." He stayed last year, but made the move this spring.
My concern is always about the improvment of city league football. I wish I had the answer about funding programs. Possibly the best answer is that coaches just have to work their butts off to find ways to make money and promote the importance of participating in sports. The Head Coach at Columbus Marion Franklin is a prime example. He has fund raisers and works hard to promote his program. Back in the day, I mowed the football field, helped line the field at times, washed the kids' uniforms, sat on a dunking machine, and even stayed "UP"all night at the boosters' tent at the Marion County fair. That was the old days, but the work ethic is still necessary today.
Being "lily white," and living in rural communities all of my life, I do not know what "inner city" life is all about. But, whether it be inner city or a school on a country road, I have a huge concern for making kids better and for giving them a chance to succeed. The problem is that I do not have the resources to do that. I can only suggest ideas, and anyone can do that.
Congrats to the Toledo Public School systems for reinstating freshman football. Hopefully, the TPS can attract some good role models to coach these young people. (That is a whole different topic). Remember, "IF YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH, A COLLEGE RECRUITER WILL FIND YOU." Just work to be good enough.
The TPS is going to restore freshman football, basketball, and volleyball, along with some other programs. There is no guarantee the restored programs will be offered for more than one year if the levy fails in November. My guess, very little chance.
When the athletic cuts were made, more than 2,000 students left the city schools. Can you blame them? Although there is no way of knowing how many left because of sports cuts, my guess is that it was a significant number. With open enrollment to some of the suburban schools and the private schools, the numbers could be huge.
For all of my 31 years in education, I have preached about the importance of loyalty to your school. Over the last few years, honestly, my viewpoint has and is changing. My comment is "What is best for the student." I wrestle with this alot. I see it a lot. Kids open enroll or transfer to give themselves a better chance at the next level. In some situations, this is the right move. I have come to the conclusion that each case is different.
One of my favorite sayings is "If you are good enough, a college recruiter will find you." Of course, this is directed to sports, but the saying includes all areas of education.
City schools throughout Ohio are all experiencing the same situation. Students are transferring to the suburbs or attending private school. When Glenville was not winning, nobody cared. Over the last ten years, people have become critical of their success. There is no sense to name schools, but this happens often now and all over Ohio. A player who I like as a player and a person recently left Dayton City Schools and enrolled in a neighboring school. Last summer he asked me what I thought, and my answer was that I could see both sides of his story. "If you are good enough, they will find you." He stayed last year, but made the move this spring.
My concern is always about the improvment of city league football. I wish I had the answer about funding programs. Possibly the best answer is that coaches just have to work their butts off to find ways to make money and promote the importance of participating in sports. The Head Coach at Columbus Marion Franklin is a prime example. He has fund raisers and works hard to promote his program. Back in the day, I mowed the football field, helped line the field at times, washed the kids' uniforms, sat on a dunking machine, and even stayed "UP"all night at the boosters' tent at the Marion County fair. That was the old days, but the work ethic is still necessary today.
Being "lily white," and living in rural communities all of my life, I do not know what "inner city" life is all about. But, whether it be inner city or a school on a country road, I have a huge concern for making kids better and for giving them a chance to succeed. The problem is that I do not have the resources to do that. I can only suggest ideas, and anyone can do that.
Congrats to the Toledo Public School systems for reinstating freshman football. Hopefully, the TPS can attract some good role models to coach these young people. (That is a whole different topic). Remember, "IF YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH, A COLLEGE RECRUITER WILL FIND YOU." Just work to be good enough.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
A Week of Travel
Last week was a week of recruiting for me. Very could be one of the things that I enjoy most in my business. Of course, watching games on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays is the most fun. Going to camps and 7on7's is second. Visting with the high school coaches and meeting many of the top prospects is probably third. Writing blogs is really not near the top. Humor.
As always made all types of observations along the way. Some funny and some more serious. Here are just a few things that I observed.
The "bump rule" is a joke. Recruiters have a hard enough time evaluating prospects to fit their programs. Spending time talking with a recruit is necessary. A recruiter should not offer a prospect at this time. Just visiting with a prospect should suffice. Also, if the rule is followed to the law, some prospects think that a recruiter is not showing much love. That bothers some recruits. But the coach is just following the rule.
As always made all types of observations along the way. Some funny and some more serious. Here are just a few things that I observed.
Bump Rule
The "bump rule" can be stretched a long ways. I sat in on a meeting three college recruiters. They were not from the Midwest. As the prospect left after 30 minutes, one coach said, "Remember we did not talk with you. Another time a recruiter took a prospect to a different office. Finally, at another school, the recruiter just said, "Hi" and wished the recruit good luch at the track meet. The "bump rule" is a joke. Recruiters have a hard enough time evaluating prospects to fit their programs. Spending time talking with a recruit is necessary. A recruiter should not offer a prospect at this time. Just visiting with a prospect should suffice. Also, if the rule is followed to the law, some prospects think that a recruiter is not showing much love. That bothers some recruits. But the coach is just following the rule.
College Nights
When I first started the scouting business, college nights were tremendous for me. College nights are nights that different high school football coaches associations meet with college coaches to give information on their football prospects. Some are held in motel rooms and others are held at a local high school. This is a wonderful opportunity for high school coaches to not only give out information, but also to meet the college coaches.
Three years ago the NCAA band Division 1A coaches from attending these college nights. Now only D-2 and D-3 coaching staffs can attend. I see a few problems with this move. Some high school coaches worked harder on preparation, because D-1A schools were going to there. Some high school coaches skipped the meeting entirely. College were and concerned about the turnout of high school coaches.
The good news is that college coaches are still attending. Last Thursday at Dayton, many college recruiters were there. The same in Cleveland. For the most part, high school coaches are doing their work preparing handouts.
Two suggestions for coaches. High school coaches (I know that they are really busy) for the spring meetings should try to include underclassmen on their handouts. Include just the better prospects. Young college coaches should get their hands on the profile sheet early. Read over the list and get an idea who they want to talk about. This saves a lot of time.
Recruits
Recruits should be on their best. Stand tall and look recruiters in the eye. Introduce yourself and thank the recruiter for saying' "Hi." First impressions are huge. On this trip I did not talk with alot of propects and I am okay with that. But two schools Trotwood Madison and Cardinal Mooney were really class acts. At T-M, propects are schooled in communicating with recruiters. At Mooney, Coach Fecko introduced me to the some of the best prospects in the Class of 2014.
This Week
Honestly, I am trying get to my blog, but there are more important "to-do's" out there. College night in Central Ohio Wednesday night. District Track meets beginning Tuesday and run through Saturday. Preparations for my three underclassman football camps are at the top of the list.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
LB Prospect Decommitted from O-State
As I read the Dispatch and drank my McD's coffee this morning, I was amused at the comments of the father of LB Alex Anzalone who decommitted to Ohio State yesterday. If the recruit had second thoughts about his commitment to the Buckeyes, no problem. If he was not positively sure that O-State was the place for him, then do not commit. Guessing that he got caught up in the excitement generated by the new coaching staff at OSU, he made his decision too soon.
His father's comments. " You do not want your son to go to place where there's a potential issue(like this). You expect the football staff to have some sort of control on how things are handled with recruits when they visit. This is ridiculous." He did say that he did not think Coach Meyer or his staff were aware of Charles Waugh, but he was still upset. "Of course, who wouldn't be? I'm outraged." Is he outraged because Ohio State did not monitor every move of the recruits, or is he embarrassed for his sone and his family?
Charles Waugh is on the Kentucky sex-offender registry and in 2008 pleaded guilty to possession of materials portraying sexual performances by minors. He had his picture taken with Anzalone and two other recruits at the spring game. The photo later appeared online.
I was told that some recruits were eating at BW3's and Waugh was the "trivia guy" and had a picture taken with the recruits. BW3's is not a dive, but a nice place to eat. How does the Ohio State football staff monitor that? Enough said.
I have some personal friends on the Ohio State coaching staff and also some in the football program. The father for opening his mouth is the one at that bothers me. The entire football department cannot control everything that goes on. Not only at Ohio State, but every college program in the country cannot control everything. Some place, sometime, parents are going to have to realize the crazyness of college football fans. Ohio State is no different than many programs. Fans can be outright silly and, often stupid. This Waugh guy has no direct ties with Ohio State University, but just a fan.
If Alex Anzalone really wanted to be a Buckeye, he would still be a Buckeye. Plain and simple. I would have to believe that he has had second thoughts for awhile. I liked his answer to a Dispatch reporter. "Somewhat, but not the main reason." Asked to make it clearer, he said, " I don't wanna say. Sorry." A young man does not have to say anything to a sports reporter.
I work with all of the Big Ten football programs, except Indiana and Purdue (big deal with these two). But I get tired of the negative press for Ohio State, as I would any other college program.
From this blog, walk away with this. Football recruiting can be an ugly business at times. It can get dishonest. Reruiting puts alot of stress on college coaches. Internet media has made it so much more popular with fans. Parents and prospects simply cannot get caught up in the excitement. Whether a parent or a prospect, bashing a program makes no sense to me. Do you really think that the Ohio State football program can control every fan? Do you really think with all of the "crap" the Ohio State football program has gone through lately, that they are letting a fan, like Charles Waugh be around the program?
His father's comments. " You do not want your son to go to place where there's a potential issue(like this). You expect the football staff to have some sort of control on how things are handled with recruits when they visit. This is ridiculous." He did say that he did not think Coach Meyer or his staff were aware of Charles Waugh, but he was still upset. "Of course, who wouldn't be? I'm outraged." Is he outraged because Ohio State did not monitor every move of the recruits, or is he embarrassed for his sone and his family?
Charles Waugh is on the Kentucky sex-offender registry and in 2008 pleaded guilty to possession of materials portraying sexual performances by minors. He had his picture taken with Anzalone and two other recruits at the spring game. The photo later appeared online.
I was told that some recruits were eating at BW3's and Waugh was the "trivia guy" and had a picture taken with the recruits. BW3's is not a dive, but a nice place to eat. How does the Ohio State football staff monitor that? Enough said.
I have some personal friends on the Ohio State coaching staff and also some in the football program. The father for opening his mouth is the one at that bothers me. The entire football department cannot control everything that goes on. Not only at Ohio State, but every college program in the country cannot control everything. Some place, sometime, parents are going to have to realize the crazyness of college football fans. Ohio State is no different than many programs. Fans can be outright silly and, often stupid. This Waugh guy has no direct ties with Ohio State University, but just a fan.
If Alex Anzalone really wanted to be a Buckeye, he would still be a Buckeye. Plain and simple. I would have to believe that he has had second thoughts for awhile. I liked his answer to a Dispatch reporter. "Somewhat, but not the main reason." Asked to make it clearer, he said, " I don't wanna say. Sorry." A young man does not have to say anything to a sports reporter.
I work with all of the Big Ten football programs, except Indiana and Purdue (big deal with these two). But I get tired of the negative press for Ohio State, as I would any other college program.
From this blog, walk away with this. Football recruiting can be an ugly business at times. It can get dishonest. Reruiting puts alot of stress on college coaches. Internet media has made it so much more popular with fans. Parents and prospects simply cannot get caught up in the excitement. Whether a parent or a prospect, bashing a program makes no sense to me. Do you really think that the Ohio State football program can control every fan? Do you really think with all of the "crap" the Ohio State football program has gone through lately, that they are letting a fan, like Charles Waugh be around the program?
Friday, May 4, 2012
Elite 11 Regional Quarterback Camp
After visiting with my good friend Bill Conley at Ohio Dominican University today, I stopped at the Elite 11 Quarterback Camp. The Nike staff, large in number, did a really good of providing a competitive atmosphere for quarterbacks. In this case, lots of money gets lots of things done first class. Only there for about 40 minutes, but did make some observations.
Many of the top Ohio quarterbacks were there to compete and get exposure. According to list given me, there were 23 QB's from Ohio in attendance. That list covered the Classes of 2013, and 2014. Quarterback prospects from as far as Virginia, Wisconsin, Kansas, Minnesota, Colorado, and Texas also competed. I did watch all 23, but I saw most.
The positives out-weigh the negatives in attending this two hour competition. Any chance a player gets to improve his skills or pick up any little tid-bits about quarterbacking, go for it. The Nike staff does so many of these over the country, including Hawaii, that they have to have some knowledge. This does not make them special, but another set of eyes never hurts. Quarterbacks get a chance to compare themselves with other QB's throughout not only Ohio, but also throughout the Midwest. Finally, exposure the right way is always important. Hopefully good reports go out to the colleges.
These Elite 11 Camps, obviously, hurt a prospect's chances for success. As I always tell parents- "who is doing the evaluating?" Hopefully, for such a big production, the evaluators know their QB- stuff. The evaluators have seen many top players throughout the country, since February. My hope is that they have not raised the bar so high that prospects today still get a fair evaluation.
My biggest concern is that some of the top QB prospects in Ohio are not camp or shorts/tee-shirt guys. They drop their arm sometimes. They over throw receivers, trying to show rpm's. They short-arm. Some QB's have not thrown much this spring. Some are baseball players with baseball throwing motion. But some have worked with a QB coach who sometimes has own thoughts on throwing footballs. Good college recruiters realize it is what players do when in pads, not in the month of May.
Mitch Trubisky from Mentor is not a really a camp-guy, but he is the best in his class. He makes all of the throws, but does not have perfect throwing motion. But he is smart, tough, and completes passes in a game. Fun to watch Malik Zaire. He continues to improve as a camp-guy, but his strength is when players are wearing pads. A Notre Dame commit. Austin Ernst is physically not ready to really show his strength. For me, he has alot of upside. Ricky Davis, on the otherhand, needs game time experience. Does well in camps and has some offers, but needs competition. After three years, finally someone has gotten Kyle Kempt to improve his release and lose his baseball pitcher's release during football time. Today was the best that he has ever thrown. Finally, my top QB in the 2014 class is not a camp-guy yet, but he does well in pads. He lives in Toledo.
Hopefully, I am becoming more open-minded about camps and combines. Actually, I direct some of my own. For me, however, big is not always better. Again, it matters most who is doing the evaluating and the instructing.
Nike has the market of trying to incorporate the AAU mentality into high school football. They do a really good job at what they do. I find it hard to believe that if many of the top recruits missed these regional camps, they would not get invited to the "big show" in Oregon this summer.
Today 23 QB's from Ohio got exposure and a chance to compete against many of the best. For me, I have seen all of the Ohio QB's already, but I did get some sunburn on my hatless-head. My exposure was to the sun.
Many of the top Ohio quarterbacks were there to compete and get exposure. According to list given me, there were 23 QB's from Ohio in attendance. That list covered the Classes of 2013, and 2014. Quarterback prospects from as far as Virginia, Wisconsin, Kansas, Minnesota, Colorado, and Texas also competed. I did watch all 23, but I saw most.
The positives out-weigh the negatives in attending this two hour competition. Any chance a player gets to improve his skills or pick up any little tid-bits about quarterbacking, go for it. The Nike staff does so many of these over the country, including Hawaii, that they have to have some knowledge. This does not make them special, but another set of eyes never hurts. Quarterbacks get a chance to compare themselves with other QB's throughout not only Ohio, but also throughout the Midwest. Finally, exposure the right way is always important. Hopefully good reports go out to the colleges.
These Elite 11 Camps, obviously, hurt a prospect's chances for success. As I always tell parents- "who is doing the evaluating?" Hopefully, for such a big production, the evaluators know their QB- stuff. The evaluators have seen many top players throughout the country, since February. My hope is that they have not raised the bar so high that prospects today still get a fair evaluation.
My biggest concern is that some of the top QB prospects in Ohio are not camp or shorts/tee-shirt guys. They drop their arm sometimes. They over throw receivers, trying to show rpm's. They short-arm. Some QB's have not thrown much this spring. Some are baseball players with baseball throwing motion. But some have worked with a QB coach who sometimes has own thoughts on throwing footballs. Good college recruiters realize it is what players do when in pads, not in the month of May.
Mitch Trubisky from Mentor is not a really a camp-guy, but he is the best in his class. He makes all of the throws, but does not have perfect throwing motion. But he is smart, tough, and completes passes in a game. Fun to watch Malik Zaire. He continues to improve as a camp-guy, but his strength is when players are wearing pads. A Notre Dame commit. Austin Ernst is physically not ready to really show his strength. For me, he has alot of upside. Ricky Davis, on the otherhand, needs game time experience. Does well in camps and has some offers, but needs competition. After three years, finally someone has gotten Kyle Kempt to improve his release and lose his baseball pitcher's release during football time. Today was the best that he has ever thrown. Finally, my top QB in the 2014 class is not a camp-guy yet, but he does well in pads. He lives in Toledo.
Hopefully, I am becoming more open-minded about camps and combines. Actually, I direct some of my own. For me, however, big is not always better. Again, it matters most who is doing the evaluating and the instructing.
Nike has the market of trying to incorporate the AAU mentality into high school football. They do a really good job at what they do. I find it hard to believe that if many of the top recruits missed these regional camps, they would not get invited to the "big show" in Oregon this summer.
Today 23 QB's from Ohio got exposure and a chance to compete against many of the best. For me, I have seen all of the Ohio QB's already, but I did get some sunburn on my hatless-head. My exposure was to the sun.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
McCallister on Yappi
Last night a friend of mine who evidentally reads a site called Yappi, called me to tell me that he read a blog that I had written about recent NFL draftees with Ohio high school football backgrounds taken in the first seven rounds of the NFL draft. He said that it was informative. This was interesting because I do not read Yappi and quit reading JJ Huddle a few years back.
I checked it out and, sure enough someone put my blog entry on Yappi. How does that happen? I mean someone can take an article or blog and post it on a messageboard or whatever it is called. Internet media-WOW.
Felt bad, because nobody said anything positive. But that is really par for the course. The internet is something else. As far as sports message boards, no accountability. Like most "second-guessers," nobody will own up to comments. Of course, sports talk radio, at times can be worse. At least you know who is making the comments.
At a sports banquet once I talked about finding the ideal quarterback. One who could see the field. One who had a strong arm. One who could make check downs. Most of all, one who made the proper play call everytime. I was looking for that QB, but it was so hard to get the person in the stands to come down and quarterback.
Back to Yappi. Why was the reader being sarcastic about me taking a nap while the NFL game was on the flat screen?
I checked it out and, sure enough someone put my blog entry on Yappi. How does that happen? I mean someone can take an article or blog and post it on a messageboard or whatever it is called. Internet media-WOW.
Felt bad, because nobody said anything positive. But that is really par for the course. The internet is something else. As far as sports message boards, no accountability. Like most "second-guessers," nobody will own up to comments. Of course, sports talk radio, at times can be worse. At least you know who is making the comments.
At a sports banquet once I talked about finding the ideal quarterback. One who could see the field. One who had a strong arm. One who could make check downs. Most of all, one who made the proper play call everytime. I was looking for that QB, but it was so hard to get the person in the stands to come down and quarterback.
Back to Yappi. Why was the reader being sarcastic about me taking a nap while the NFL game was on the flat screen?
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