Sunday, April 29, 2012

Ohio High School Players - Drafted

A few years ago I began looking at the NFL Draft list to find which draftees had Ohio high school ties. Honestly, doing the research was the only thing that I did with the draft. I am not a great NFL fan and listening to Mel Kiper gets really amusing.  NFL teams spend hours on end researching draft choices and trying to meet their needs, only to have sports talk shows give the NFL teams a grade. Back to the draft choices who have Ohio high school ties. The Toledo Blade only put Ohio Sate players in bold, but I thought that all of players drafted deserved bold.

Most of the comments are about each player's high school playing days. I saw all of them play, but for Vinny Curry who played for Cincinnati Harmony. Of course,  remember, I am an Ohio high school football guy and the NFL is something to watch as I prepare for a nap.

First Round
   Luke Kuechly - LB - St Xavier HS - Boston College - Carolina. Liked him as a strong  
 safety/linebacker. Only about 210, but ran really well. Huge motor. Smart. Tough. Closed well.
   Whitney Mercilus - LB - Akron Garfield HS - Illinois - Houston. Played DE/TE. Excellent bender. Athletic. Did not take plays off. Fast off the edge. Good hips. Loved his potential.

Second Round
   Mike Adams - OT - Dublin Coffman HS - Ohio State - Pittsburgh. Long. Tall. Really athletic. Excellent feet. Needed to be a better bender. More aggressive as run blocker. Did not realize had issuses. Questioned his toughness, but super athleticism. 
   Derek Wolfe - DE - Beaver Local HS - Cincinnati - Denver.  Like his aggressiveness. Excellent quickness. Saw him play well against Mooney in a scrimmage. Personal issuses were of a concern. Really liked his potential.
   Jerel Worthy - DL - Wayne HS - Michigan State - Green Bay. Excellent quickness. Good balance. Excellent first step. Got off blocks. Played hard. Finished plays.
   Isaiah Pead - RB - Columbus Eastmoor HS - Cincnnati - St Louis. Got north/south. Burst. Ran high at times. Good ball skills. Played hard. Excellent work habits.

Third Round
   DeVier Posey - WR - Cincinnati LaSalle HS - Ohio State - Houston. Fast. Excellent hands. Separated from defender. Excellent burst. Big play potential. Excellent character.
   John Hughes - DL - Gahanna Lincoln HS - Cincinnati - Cleveland. Really improved in college. Strong. Moved well. Concern about grades. Tough run stopper.

Fifth Round
   Zebrie Sanders - OL - Dayton Northmont HS - Florida State - Buffalo. Always liked him. Excellent frame. Natural left tackle. More aggressive run blocker. Very good pass blocker. Did not question desire. Light came on at FSU.
   Najee Goode - LB - Cleveland Benedictine HS - West Virginia - Tampa Bay. A QB in high school. State finalist in discus. Tough competitor. Good balance. Good hips. OLB instints. Needed to improve burst.

Sixth Round
   B J Cunningham - WR - Westerville South HS - Michigan State - Miami. Excellent ball skills. Faster when ball was in air. Good burst. Climbed for the ball. Strong hands. WR mentality. Tremendous competitor.
   Nate Ebner - DB - Hilliard Davidson HS - Ohio State - New England. Never evaluated. Did not play high school football.
   Daniel Herron - RB - Warren Harding HS - Ohio State - Cincinnati. Tough north/south runner. Good burst. Good hips. Durable. Changed direction well. Good hands. Thought that he a solid runner in high school.  Got much stronger in college.

Seventh Round
   Gregg Scruggs - DE - Cincinnati St Xavier HS - Louisville - Seattle. Really did not remember much about Gregg. More of LB type, but played DE. Ran really well. Stayed on his feet. Good burst off edge. Had to look back in notes.
   Jordan White - WR - North Ridgeville HS - Western Michigan - Solid speed guy. Good hands. Fast. Also played some defense. More of a multi-purpose in high school. Looked in notes.
   Jeremy Ebert - Hilliard Darby HS - Northwestern - New England. Fast. Quick release off LOS. Tough competitor. Played QB at times. Excellent athlete with speed. Can make plays.

As you read through the list and through the comments, there is one other point that I want to make. Ohio State is one of the top football programs in the country. There is no question about that.  Many young Ohio high school football players become discouraged, if there is no Ohio State offer. Regardless of what college that a player attends, if he works hard and stays with it, he has a chance to get drafted. Nate Ebner was a walk-on who never played high school football.

Every year Ohio has its share of home grown prospects getting a shot at the pro-level. The NFL also signs many free agents who grew up on Ohio high school football. As Coach Hayes used to say,"Yea Ohio!"

  
                     

Thursday, April 26, 2012

National Combines/Camps

This morning I received an email from a really good Ohio Class of 2014 prospect from southern Ohio. Actually first saw him at a college summer camp last year. I have continued to follow him. The email was similiar to many I get, especially this time of year. "Could you give us your thoughts on this camp or combine?"

First I must tell you that I have my own camps and combines. These are done with the endorsement of the Ohio High School Football Coaches Associations Regional Directors. Ohio high school football coaches are some of the instructors. MSROHIO has expanded to four combines and four(maybe five) camps to lessen the travel for campers. No individual awards, no "move-on" combines, and no " feel good times." The major emphasis is on learning and exposure. BUT THIS IS NOT WHY I DO NOT ENDORSE most of the combines/camps out there.

Marketing and money. Isn't that what is really about? The camp that was the subject of this morning's email will be held in Florida this summer. "Having the potential to be a potential 3 star, 4 star, or 5 star" recruit." That is why they send out inviations to certain prospects. Cost - 400 dollars, rooms - 100 dollars, meal money for breakfast and dinner - ??. The cost of the round trip ticket was not mentioned. Bring a strong desire to work and be considered for All-American events.

There is a national combine for underclassman that comes through Ohio each spring. Last year, I was able to attend one of these camps. Two members of the national combine staff were present. They were more concerned about putting up banners and  did no evaluations. A local high school staff did almost everything. As far as evaluations, the 40's were run on a true grass surface. Problem, it had rained and was raining during the testing. Instead of using the all-weather track to test. the two national combine staff used the wet grass. Cost - 100 dollars.

During Christmas break, national all-star games are held. The Army Under Armour game is out there. National television and everything. Good chance for exposure. The combine, however, is a little over-rated. Parents spend alot of money for exposure. Supposedly, this combine also gets you a possiblity to play in the game the next year. Are you kidding me? I always wondered why an athlete would go all the way to Texas to get national exposure, when, in reality, his parents will not let him leave the Midwest.

A quarterback in the Class of 2014 who I happen to like started receiving some recognition after last year's good season. I told his coach that his QB coach had done well with his mechanics. The player was excited, because he got an invitation to attend a QB school in Florida over the Christmas break. Five days. Expensive. I could have given him the names of at least 5 QB instructors in Ohio whom I respect and saved him some money.

I remember when I was a head football coach back in the day. There was a book called Whose Who in High School Football. Some of my seniors were upset because a back-up junior QB was in the book. They asked me, "why" and I had no clue. Later, I found out his parents filled out the questionaire and mailed it to the company. The book costs - $39.95. By the way, the back up QB quit his senior year.

Nike probably does the best at getting a player's name out there. They are organized. They have a limit on participants, but they will take almost anybody. Rivals does something that I have heard nice comments about. At least for both, you do not have to travel all over the country. They come to Ohio.

With regards to the Elite Eleven QB Camps. Good exposure. The most important thing is who is evaluating you. I have heard comments from some of the people who evaluate QB's. Honestly, we were not watching the quarterbacks, or else I have lost my skills. A bad evaluation can hurt a QB.

The simple answer to what national camps/combines are good and which are bad is easy. The final decision comes from the college coach. Unless a prospect is a "no-brainer," college coaches will not offer a prospect, unless they see him perform. Plain and simple. Focus your energy and MONEY into the college summer camps. One day camps. The BCS schools bring in many college coaches to help and also to evaluate. EXPOSURE. If you are a D-2 or D-3 prospect, almost all of the MAC level schools have D-2 and D-3 coaches working their one days. EXPOSURE. Final answer- college summer camps.

Opinions are just like noses, everybody has one. When it comes to what is "best for kids," I have opinions. Maybe not always the correct one or what people want to hear, but I "have a nose."





Sunday, April 22, 2012

Maty Mauk's Senior Year

As I watched the North - South All-Star Classic on  Friday, many seniors were ending their high school football careers. Of course for the North, their season ended with, not only being selected for the game, but also coming away with a win. For the South, being selected and playing in the game ended most of the high school football playing days. However. some seniors will play in the "Big 33" game later in June. My heart goes out to QB Maty Mauk from Kenton High School.

Maty dressed, but was not able to play because of a severe hamstring pull. He wanted to, but his father, Head Coach of the South, Mike Mauk, thought better. The game was close, but at the end both Mauks were on the sideline and the temptation was there, but no way. Great decision.

Last year, Maty finished third at the Ohio High School State Track Finals. He placed third overall, with a jump of 22'6. At his first track meet this spring, he long jumped just over 22 feet twice. While running the 100 meters, he tweaked his hamstring. After resting for over a week, he started running again. But instead of working back slowly, the track coaches had him doing full speed relay exchanges. He injured his hamstring more severely this time. No North - South All-Star Classic. Hopefully, the coaching staff realizes that he does not need to compete again until  the middle of May and that he is not a relay guy.

A four year starter in basketball, his senior year was a series of "ups and downs." Because of very severe back injuries from football, Maty was not full go until December. The team struggled, as did he. The season was not what he had hoped.

Leading his Kenton team to the State Championship Final game was not an easy one. To get to the final game, Kenton beat powers- Genoa, Clinton Massie, and Bishop Hartley. Either running or throwing the ball on every down, Mauk took some "big-time" hits. Norwayne beat Kenton in the State Finals. Although Kenton  scored 40 points,  Mauk's back problems were just too much to overcome. His speed and agility were not there.

Living near Kenton, Ohio and being a friend of the family, I have watched Maty  grow-up. We are talking from watching him crawl over the McDonald booths as an eight year old to watching him stand on the sidelines at the North-South All-Star Classic. He was a four year varsity starter in football, basketball, and track. Twelve letters.

Before he leaves in June to continue his football career at the University on Missouri, I hope that I see him standing on the podium at the Ohio High School State Championships, being awarded the medal for first place in the long jump.

I will admit that I was not always a Maty Mauk guy. I expected too much, too early, but I really appreciate what he has accomplished over the years.  In some ways, it seems like yesterday that I watched him tag along with his dad at McDonalds. Hopefully, his senior year does not diminish what he has done in four years of high school.

Good news for opponents. No more Mauks at Kenton. Good news for me. Watching Maty grow-up into an excellent leader. Wow. No more Mauks in Kenton.



Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Off to OSU Football Clinic and North South Allstar Classic

Just a note. Get emails and comments that some readers actually read my blog. With that being said, I am taking a few days away from the site, but will back on next week.

First, I attend all of the Ohio High School Football Coaches Regional Directors Meetings. Of course, I do not vote on anything, but I get to listen and, on occasion, get to give my "two cents." You do know that " my name and $1.75 will get you a free McD's large coffee almost anywhere." We have a meeting on Thursday.

The OSU Football Clinic starts Thursday night. I enjoy listening to speakers at times. Other times, I "work the room," talking to high school coaches about their prospects. Much the same on Friday. Ohio State practices on Friday afternoon. Always get to watch the players close-up and renew friendships with the high school coaches.

The North South All-Star Classic is Friday late afternoon and evening at the Shoe. I worry about the Classic. Lack of attendance and participation is a concern.

Saturday is the Scrimmage. Have not been to one in a few years, because there are always track invitationals to attend to see some football players participate and compete.

Catch back up next week.

Congrats to Elyria's Tracy Sprinkle

Elyria High School's Tracy gave a verbal to Ohio State University last night. Really glad for him. Listed at 6'4-270, he is really athletic and stays on his feet. Playing DE at Elyria, but I would hope that he moves inside for the Buckeyes. With the spread offense, quick and fast tackles are imperative.

When I watched him play last fall, I was impressed most of all that he played every play. Elyria was getting beaten by a good Hudson team, but Tracy took no plays off. Also liked the way he encouraged his teammates. Comes off the edge well. Changes direction. Relentless on pursuit.

Also in the article were some comments made by his head football coach. "He was a virtual unknown until he had 80 tackles, eight sacks, and 25 QB hurries as a junior." He went on to say, "He had no recognition until the end of his junior year. He had no rating at all. The only rating he had was after Ohio State offered. Then it was like, 'Who is this guy?'"

Rivals.com and Scout.com rated him a three star, but his coach said that was misleading, because he was not recognized until after his junior year. By the way, I believe you get two stars on who has offered a prospect.

Point One - His coach was wrong about being unknown, because on my 2013 list that went out a year ago, he was rated a 1-01A, which is about as high as he can be rated. My evaluation to the colleges last fall was that he could be a "top guy." Now this is in print, not just talk. I like his coach alot, and I am sure that he got caught up in the excitement. But , "No," he was not a "virtual unknown" to the college coaches. Maybe to recruiting sites, but not to the college coaches.

Point Two - The "Star Rating System" makes for enjoyable reading and helps players get recogntion. Most of the time they are sound. But, please do not evaluate a college's recruiting success on the number of four and five star players. Do you know that many of the people who give the "stars" do not see all of the players, personally, or some have not even watched video. How can you rate someone whom you have never seen?

The "Star Rating System" is a whole different blog for me. I do not want to take away "giving it up" to Tracy Sprinkle. He has worked hard and, hopefully, he will continue to do so the rest of his high school career. Quickness and relentlessness are his strengths.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Sports Media Interviews- How Much News?

As I was driving home from Syracuse yesterday, I caught just a little of a sports talk show in Northeastern Ohio. Two sports media guys were interviewing wide receiver Justin Blackmon from Oklahoma State. For the most part, I do not listen to sports talk shows or follow recruiting websites, like Rivals or Sport.com. But, I was bored from listening to the music Michael W. Smith and decided that I needed some sports talk.

The radio guys began by asking questions about his visits to different pro camps. They also asked him about the Browns. From the beginning of the interview, I knew that he was not going to give them specific information. Everything he said was general and vanilla.. They were constantly trying get him to evaluate the Browns and to rank the Browns on his list of favorite teams. The interview went south in a hurry. Blackmon probably should have never granted the interview. If he was going to be so evasive, he shoulld have not done the show. Plus, the interview should have been cut short. For me, I thought it was funny, because most sports media personalities have such a high opinions of themselves and the importance of their job.

That fiasco started me thinking at high school football recruits and the media. At 63I am have the "Woody" and "Bo" mentality. Although I get tired of Bobby Knight because he thinks that is bigger than basketball, I like his frankness. To some extent, the same with Charles Barkley. Radio and internet sports media think that they are entitled to all information and pretty much entitled to ask any question.

Today I read where basketball player JD Weatherspoon is leaving the Ohio State basketball program. He quoted Coach Matta. All of what was said was not really necessary. Conversations between coach and player do not have to be made public. Of course, sports media writers love the information.

Years ago Allen Wallace of Super Prep would tell recruits, "if you do not give me the information that I need, I will not rank you high nationally." Recruiting reporters are much the same today. They believe that they are entitled to get any information from a prospect. They need the "insider information." They want to know how you feel about certain college programs and how your visits went. Tell them generally what you feel, but nothing controversial. You, simply, do not have to share everything with them, even when they guarantee it will not be printed.

My advice to the college football prospect. Be careful and be selective. Do not say anything negative about any college program, whether for print or "off the record." One - it paints a bad image for the recruit. Two - Negative "stuff" sometimes makes for big news for the recruiting reporter. Finally, many of the people who write recruiting articles are "boys" of a certain college program. For example, if you say something negative or positive about Indiana "off the record," a writer will share that with Indiana. Of course, if a recruit wants Indiana to know something, tell that writer. Most college programs have "boys."

My point - Football recruits and parents as well should really use good judgment in what news that they "put out there" to the public. Negative news sometimes stirs more interest among the football recruiting readers, but positive comments from high school football always speaks well for a young man's character. Hopefully, high character still has its reward in the world of college football recruiting.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Ohio North - South All-Star Classic

Before heading to Syracuse to see my father-in-law tomorrow morning, I wanted to encourage high school football fans to attend the Ohio North South All Star Classic at Ohio Stadium this coming Friday, April 20, beginning at 4:00.

Two or three years ago, with the help of Jim Tressel, the OHSFCA moved the game to Ohio Stadium, in hopes of improving attendance. Lights were used, but they were just too expensive. Now the game begins at 4:00 with no lights, which still gives the game plenty of daylight. I worry that Ohio Stadium may not be the answer.

College bound football players are leaving early for summer school. Some college coaching staffs are insisting that their players not participate. Yes, they do, but they deny it. The "Big 33" game is also in June. Some parents are concerned about their son getting injured. The cost of admission continues to increase. All of these facts continue to hurt the game.

All-Star games are fun. Players get recognition. Fans get to be inside the Ohio Stadium. But as hard as the OHSFCA works at keeping the Game going, I worry about the declining attendance. Poorer the attendance, the poorer the financial situation.

If you are a serious high school football fan and have a suggestion, please email me with your suggestion. I attend every OHSFCA Regional Directors Meeting and am allowed to contribute, but obviously, not vote. Please, this is not a "message board," so do not be cute or sarcastic. Be constructive in your suggestions.

Hope that you can make the game and support our high school football players. If you see an old guy with a wide-brim hat and , wearing khaki pants, say "hi" to him. I would love to chat with you.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Ohio Class of 2014 List - Too early?

When I was a head football coach back in the seventies/eighties, I filled out every college reference card during March. I did not have too many top D-1 prospects. Mostly, D-III level players. Some years, I would just print "no prospects." Those prospects were for the coming high school season. They were juniors going into their senior seasons.

Times have changed. My directory for the coming 2012 football season is mailed in late January or early February. In some cases that is already old news. I ask Ohio High School coaches to get their information to me during December. By then, my directory is 50% done. I would have been four months.

This morning, my list for the Ohio Class of 2014 numbers 367 prospects. Names, schools, measurements, GPA's, phone numbers, and some cases, emails are included. Probably the most difficult part is getting a true evaluation of each prospect. To give the colleges an idea about each prospect's potential, I rate players. In some way, I have seen most of the prospects personally. Of course, this is just a starting level. I do not rank players. One recruiting site ranks prospects, but not all of the recruiting reporters see each prospect. How can one rate players who they do not see?
01A - National recruit
1 - Definite Divsion I
2 - Possible Division I
3 - Marginal Division I
4 - Definite Division 2
5 - High academics
6 - Too early to predict

College coaches are now asking for my top 25 prospects in the Class of 2014. Doing an honest list of the top 25 is hard right now. Just too early to list 25 top prospects. However, no brainers on that list would be Dante Booker-Akron St Vincent- St Marys, Derek Kief-Cincinnati LaSalle, Jim Byrne-St Ignatius, Alonzo Saxton-Columbus Hartley, Marcus Whitfield-Massillon, DeShone Kizer-Toledo Central Catholic, and Doran Hendricks-Dayton Wayne. Maybe I could list a top 25, but I will let the experts do it.

With the success of the MSROHIO combines and high school coaches, there are roughly 142 prospects from the Class of 2015 on that list.

High school coaches, you just have to find a way to get the information on your players to the college programs as early as you can. If you are not getting the correct information out to the college coaches, somebody else will. Many times that information is not always correct. If you are not getting the player information out there, somebody else will.

Since I work closely with the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association, I have to be as exact as possible. Not always easy, but the fewer mistakes the better. The combines help, watching parts of 79 games last fall helps, and working closely with the high school coaches is huge.

Times have changed over the last 30 years. For the most part, the changes have been good. I question how thorough the colleges can evaluate prospects in the shorter time. But the promoting our high school football players is extremely important. Coach get the player information out as early as possible, before someone else does.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Keep High School Football Honest

Two things to remember as you read this blog entry. One, I have as many "skeletons in the attic," as anyone. When I was a young football coach, I made many mistakes in judgment. Dishonesty in football will never improve. There are too may egos and too many entitlements.

Sean Peyton was denied his appeal today. Many pro-football teams have rewards for QB sacks, interceptions, big plays. Only one team had the "bounty" system. What goes un-noticed is that the Saints were warned and told to drop the "bounty" system last year. They did not and now are paying the price.

Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino has cheated truth his entire career. At Louisville, he denied interviewing for other jobs, when actually he was. He walked out on the Atlanta Falcons, after 13 games into the season. Most recently, he wrecked his motorcycle, but forgot to report that a 25 year female passenger was riding with him. No problem, except that is married with four children. His passenger just happened to be a 25 year old former volleyball player who recently went to work for him. Never called 911.

My friend, former Ohio State football coach, Jim Tressel lost his job because of coverups. If the truth were known, he really only told one lie that sealed his fate. Of course, the trustees and the overwhelmed ahtletic director over-reacted to the media. Tressel deserved better.

I listen to high school football coaches talk about workouts. Of course, no football coaching goes on at these workouts. One team rents a facility every sun to workout. Footballs are used. Three springs ago, I walked into a gym in April to find the whole football team running plays on both offense and defense. A few years ago a well respected coach was in attendance at his sixth 7on7 camp. He could not coach, so some of his former players were in charge.

Two years ago in Columbus, an assistant football coach met a family from a neighboring high school for dinner. During the course of conversation he gave many reasons why their son should play football in this assistant coach's system. The parents reported this recruiting attempt, and the coach was suspended for a year. Much the same happened at Toledo Whitmer, but the OHSAA did not want to battle a big school like Whitmer.

Two weeks ago I was talking with a coach about one of his high school sophomores running a 4.5/40 in front of me. I felt good, until he told me that his player was disappointed, because he has clocked 4.35. o you know what top college players run? Enough said. Last year, we measured a prospect at one of our combines and he was 6'0, but his mother was upset, because his doctor had measured him two inches taller during the week before. We were correct, by the way. Tell recruiters the truth.

With college football recruiters, please do not forget that they are in the sales business. They need to be successful. They may stretch the truth. Sometimes even lie. Recruiting reporters need you to talk to them, or they have no content. No content, means no stories. They are going to tell you how good you are, because they need you. Handlers" - People responsible for getting super recruits on campus are dishonest. They will tell recruits anything.

I am starting to ramble, so I will finish. High school football recruits be as honest as you can be. Recruiting is a dishonest business. Be honest about your times and meaurements. Be honest about your visits. Be honest about your intentions with regards to what colleges that you like. Be honest to your high school coach. Be honest with your parents on how the recruiting process is going. Most of all, do not lie to yourself. Be honest to yourself in what you expect of yourself.

Just like Bobby Petrino, lies catch up to you. When you hit the wall, it hurts.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Meet Charles Gresham

With the success of what I do, I meet alot of people who want to be a part of MSR football scouting service. MSR does not have the financial backing, as many of the very high profiled recruiting services do, nor do I want that backing. MSR is just a small "mom and pops" scouting service trying to help people. However, I do get people wanting to help my service grow. Being a former average head football coach, I am a micro-manager and sometimes not easy to work with. One young man, I have started trusting and enjoying his input is Columbus native, Charles Gresham.

First saw Charles back in 2003 at a 7o7 passing tournament at Walnut Ridge High School. He was playing linebacker for Columbus Eastmoor. Too short for most standards, but he was intense and worked hard. He went on to Wittenberg and finished at Youngstown State. Charles really got into strength and conditioning and credits Central Ohio coach, Mike Flusche with motivating him to go in that direction. For two years, Charles worked with the football program at Ohio State University.

Ran into Charles last spring at an underclassman combine at Licking Heights High School. The highly over-rated national combine was such a joke that I will not credit it. Anyway, Charles was not involved with the combine, but had brought some young athletes from Columbus to get tested. After chatting with him, I asked him to work my Underclassman Showcase that June at Dublin Scioto High School.

Charles was tremendous at the Showcase. Well organized and well prepared. In fact, he brought his own footballs and cones. But for me, his strength was communicating his ideas to the campers. Plain and simple, he was a teacher/coach, not a presenter. No non-sense, no "tough-guy," and no "clock watcher." His work and effort really impressed me that day.

"Chuck" now runs the "warm-up" part of my combines, as well as, "coaches-up" the 40 yard test. Being a subborn old football coach, I am not going to follow all of his advice, but I ask him alot about strength testing and testing drills. Being from the inner-city, he also gives me insight about young kids. When you are 63, you want to hear that advice. He, in turn, listens to some of my ideas. I will add one thing. As the saying goes, at times "the dude can be intense."

Charles works for D-1 Training, north of Columbus. He trains all levels of athletes, including some who are either in the NFL, or trying to make it to that level. He also works with high school athletes. Every Sunday night a group of 20 or more, spend two hours getting additional skills training and conditioning. Two weeks ago, I stopped by to watch. If you are looking for a "playtime or social event," do not show-up. The workout session makes me tired just thinking about it.

Most people I come into contact with in the whole football recruiting business have a hidden agenda and usually want to make too much money from parents. Very seldom do I endorse recruiting services or people for that reason. His work and training is not free, but is reasonable. Charles Gresham's "hidden agenda" is to help "kids develop character and athletic skills." I hope that never changes.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

The Lesser Influence of the Head Football Coach

Being a former head high school football coach many years ago, I will tell you that this blog entry favors the head football coach. I am not going to change a reader's idea, nor do I care to.Plain and simple, the role of the head football coach as an advisor to his players is diminishing more and more. I have told high school football coaches that over and over for the last year. Last night, I received an email from a very promising football player. His last question was "Do you know how I can get in contact with college coaches?"

This young man has a ton of potential, and he is an underclassman. His parents are wonderful. If he continues to work hard and get bigger and stronger, he will be one of the tops in his class.I like him and will help him as I do with every player or parent who contacts me.

My first comment is always,"Go through your head coach." I have had parents tell me that the head coach will not help, that the head coach will not take the time, or that the head coach does not think that hmy son can play D-1A college ball. What parents do not realize is that I contact the head coach almost everytime. Of course, having been in this business for many years, I know many of the head coaches. Obviously, I am going to make contact with them.

Recently, a mother was concerned that her son was not "getting any love," on her son's visit to a college junior day. She alluded to the fact that she heard the head coach does not work hard on promoting his players. I just shook my head, because, if anything this head coach over-promotes sometimes. Excellent coach, by the way. Her son is a solid player who could be really good, if he concentrated on another position. Of course, they do not want to hear that advice.

A parent emailed me an article about how well Rivals rated his son who happens to be a quarterback. The son is a good quarterback, but not as good as Rivals implied. I receive links to Rivals, Scout.com, and other sights to read about a son and how high that he his rated by these services. Of course, people know that I feel the "Star" rating system is a joke. The "Star" rating system is about making money. The high school coach is never considered. They are rated sometimes by self annointed experts who have never seen a prospect play. Another story-another time.

Last summer, a player from a very well respected football program in Southwest Ohio was making plans to travel to Oregon to play with a 7on7 team. I called his high school coach, because the guy in charge of this venture was one of the AAU sponsors from Florida featured in SI as a cheater. The player's high school coach knew nothing about it. Problem was the young man did not understand the whole situation. He should have contacted his head coach first.

One high school head coach limited the exposure of his son who happened to be a very good quarterback prospect. The son, nor the dad would take calls. One creative internet media guy used Facebook to get through to the prospect. If you are a college prospect and this happens, share it with your head coach. He should advise you one way or another.

Whenever I talk to groups, I emphasize "going through your head coach." I could go on and on with situations that have come up. Being a parent of two boys who played sports, I understand the thinking of parents. Thankfully, I was able to realize the skill limits of my sons, which were average. My late wife, thank goodness, also understood their skill levels. However, one is now a CPA and the other is coaching college football. She realized their educational skill levels.

Whether it be Chuck Kyle at St Ignatius, Jim Place at Withrow, or Jake Moyer, here in Upper Sandusky, the head coach is losing his influence on his football players. Hopefully, this loss is only in football recruiting, and not the development of young men. The sad part is that the lack of influence of the head coach in recruiting is going to get worse, before it gets better. If you call John McCallister, his first words of advice will be, "First, go through your head football coach."