The Pro Draft - Signing Date

      Everytime I see the words "under the radar," my first question is usually - "whose radar?" A recent headline in the C-bus Dispatch mentioned NFL radar. Of course, I read the article to find "whose radar." In this case Urban Meyer referred to the NFL staffs. With college recruiting, I always feel that it is the "media radar."
      Was Kenton's Noah Furbush under the radar? Not my radar. Because the recruiting media did not know about him was because many recruiting reporters go by college lists. If a college coach did not know, they need to work harder. Plain and simple. Maybe not in the NFL, but in college recruiting "under the radar," is a cop out. To some extent, I know what Coach Meyer must be feeling to have some Buckeye players not get drafted.
      In high school, good football players get their hopes up in the recruiting process. Players start getting texts and emails from college coaches. Part of the recruiting process means getting written about by internet recruiting sites. Good exposure, but then some of those recruiting reporters "blow kids up" and should not.  College coaches stop by the school. The coaches are not supposed to talk to the players. That is a "bigtime joke." The "bump rule" is in effect. Then one of most storied programs in the country stops by the school. That could be schools like Nebraska, Michigan, Alabama, LSU, or Ohio State. Moms and dads, as well as the prospect, get crazy. Sometimes justified, sometimes not.
       Urban Meyer said with the NFL Draft, "everyone gets their hopes up, and no one really knows until people start selecting names. This happens "bigtime" in college football recruting. I get calls from parents all of the time. I get calls from high school coaches. "What does this offer, really mean/" "They told us that he was on the board." They want him to come to camp." They like him at camp, but they want to see the first three games." "This a conditional offer. If you come to camp and do well, then this will be a real offer." "Who else is recruiting you?" "Did _____ offer you?"
      NFL prospects work out at the NFL Combine. Colleges have their own ":Pro Day" for NFL Scouts. High school players go to college summer camps and to combines. Stress big time. All of this is good. But video does not lie. You have to make plays and play fast.  A "decision maker" has to like you. Most times you have to fill a need. Honestly, I just wonder how many young coaches at either level really understand "what to look for " when evaluating a prospect.
       Urban Meyer has really good relationships with many coaches and executives in the NFL. With his success, he should and what he says is very credible. And it should be. He said that he "vouched for the ability and the character of all the seniors." Obviously, he is correct. But high school coaches do the same thing about their college prospects. When I talk to college coaches, I give my honest opinions and thoughts. But just like with Coach Meyer sometimes that is not enough. Now I am not on the same plateau as Urban Meyer, but have the same opportunity to give my thoughts on college prospects.
      The NFL Draft and Signing Day travel the same path in alot of ways. Simply too much "noise." Both college and high school coaches can lobby for their players. Too much dishonesty. Too much "smoke." Too many "self-proclaimed "experts.
      The answer is that if a prospect on either level continues to work hard, he has a chance. If some coach likes him or he fills a need, he has a chance. I still believe a person needs more than talent, but talent will get him "in the door." If that does not work, get a real job. (humor)

Football Players in Track

       After the Ohio High School Football Coaches Regional Directors meeting last Friday, I  walked over to the Edwin Moses Relays at Welcome Stadium . On Saturday, I drove to Cleveland Heights to watch another invitational. Without programs at either place, finding football players was a little hectic, but I was able to watch some. Missed the North/South Allstar games, but watching football prospects is really enjoyable.

Edwin Moses Relays

       The first time that I have seen DLTito Odenigbo, Centerville's OL/DL guy. Put the shot over 47 feet. The nice thing about him is that he will continue to grow and get stronger. Like his balance.         
       Troy's RB Miles Hibbler (2014) long jumped. high jumped, and ran on the relays. Excellent explosion. Not as fast as I thought he might be, but strong, powerful runner.
       Trotwood's DB Reon Dawson (2103) ran on two relays and looked strong. Believe that he was under-rated last season. If he keeps working hard and stays focused, he will be an excellent shut down corner. Think that he is a Michigan commit. Long and has good hips. Like his recovery speed.  
       One to watch is Toledo Whitmer's WR Chris Boykin (2014). Actually have watched him as a wideout, play varsity basketball, and now run and jump with the track team. Needs to get physically stronger. Like his speed and his WR swagger.
      WR Thaddeus Snodgrass (2013) from Springfield looked strong. When Thaddeus was a sophomore at my Showcase, he was a "WOW guy." Ran fast, caught the ball well, and could separate. Since that time he has overrated himself, has listen to too much "noise," from the recruiting reporters, and let the recruiting process hurt him. I do believe that if he ever gets focused he could be very good.
      Spent sometime talking with DL Kenny Coleman (2014). Last year Kenny played DL for Dublin Scioto at about 6'3-215. Over the winter, he has moved to Northmont High School to spend his senior year living with his dad. Also he now weighs 245. Northmont is a stop on almost every recruiter's map. Class act. As he continues to grow, he has a chance to be an excellent "DL guy." An OLB would be a long shot. Also enjoyed talking with dad, former O-State football player, Kenny senior. Another class act.
       Sophomore Eric Cospy from Trotwood looked good with the shot put. Also did well at my combine last March. Another T-M guy was RB Ashton Jackson (2014). Runs well. Needs to have a breakout year his senior year.
      Spent some time talking with Springfield LB DeVonte James (2014). 6'3 frame and like him as an LB. Actually first saw him play football as a sophomore. Needs to be more consistent this fall. Really like him, but hope that he develops a stronger LB mentality.
       During the winter I did a blog on Lovell Peterson, football/track guy from Wayne High School. At this meet, he throw the discus 184 feet. Not bad. Throwing in college was a good decision for him.
       I have missed some guys, I know. Do know Trotwood has some fast guys. Speaking od the "Wood," I talked with Coach Maurice Douglas. "Mo," along with being the head football coach at T-M, is now the head boys track coach.

Cleveland Heights Track

      Saturday, drove to Cleveland Heights to watch their invitational. Again, no programs, but found some "guys." If I were evaluating girls track performers, it would have been a "money" day. Heights and the Cleveland schools have excellent track performers. Did see some football players on the track.
      A sleeper in the 2014 Class. As a sophomore RB, I really liked the potential of Cleveland JFK's Ronald Jefferson. Strong, quick burst, and confident. Maybe too much at times. Last year a knee injury forced him to miss his junior year. Last Friday, he was cleared, after having ACL surgery last fall. Probably 6'1-220. Needs to prove that he can pick up where he left off, but think that he will. Will need to get faster and train hard. With no technique, he put the shot 41 feet. Real confident, but has done anything to earn that yet.
      Remember the name Kavontae Woods from Akron Buchtel. Last fall watched him play OLB as a sophomore. Probably 6'3-225. Liked him on the football field. Last Saturday tossed shot 49 feet and discus 146 feet. Not finished growing. Could be very good.
     Another sophomore - Marquise Lewis from Glenville. Probably 6'3-240. Played DE last year. All strength - no technique. Big frame. Excellent attitude. Moves well. Good balance.
     A top rated football recruit for me last fall, with a low rated attitude. Cleveland Heights WR/DB Shelton Gibson (2013) ran strong. Fast enough, with natural ability. Reminds me of a WR/DB who played at Glenville a few years back, but I believe he got lost in the crowd. Hope this does not happen to Gibson. His choice to get better, not mine.
      Glenville's Singleton Grant (2013) anchored the 4X100. Fast and actually will be getting faster by the end of the season. Like his frame.
      Akron Buchtel's Chris Davis (2014) ran the sprints. Plays QB at Buchtel. Undersized at QB, but really like his leadership skills. Really athletic. Looking forward to watching him this fall. Solid speed, but not a burner.
       The head football coach at Heights has always been good to me, but he "dances to a different drummer." Good coach, but we differ in coaching philosophies. However, Athletics Director Kristin Hughes does an excellent job promoting her athletes. Also, does an excellent job running the athletic program. As with any good athletics director, she must live at the school on some days.

Give it Up for John Simon

      Really good news for me as I opened the Dispatch sports this morning at McDonald's. Although an unbiased fan, I am really excited for Ohio State's John Simon, as he was selected in the fourth round with the 129th pick of the Baltimore Ravens. Disappointed that he did not go higher, but with his injuries this past fall and shoulder surgery and his somewhat limited size, I understand to some extent.
      First saw John in a scrimmage his junior year against Beaver Local. At the time, Cardinal Mooney had four solid senior recruits who all eventually signed football scholarships. I think that two went on to Penn State. Really good players, but as I told Coach Jim Tressel at the time, "the best recruit on the team was junior John Simon." And he was. Tough, excellent punch and burst. motor always running, and finished plays. Was concerned about his height, but he had everything else. Plus he played both ways.
      His supporting cast was not as good his senior year, and he was "dinged up" some. This caused some of the highly intelligent sports writers to question how good he was. I remember telling him, as we watching an OSU practice, to blot out all of the noise. Now that was no earth shattering comment to him, but it made me feel good.
      On to Ohio State University and the rest is history. Ohio State practices were not closed to me his first two years, and I enjoyed watching him practice. Although injuries hampered him this past fall, he had 45 tackles, nine sacks, and 14.5 tackles for loss in 11 games. Having shoulder in February hurt his conditioning for the pre-draft. John claims to be "100 percent," which is good enough for me.
      His work ethic and self discipline are well documented. Urban Meyer has alluded to that many times. Character and quiet leadership are "tens." Simon has what some first round Buckeye draft choices in the last ten years may not have had enough of - toughness and a tremendous desire to compete.
      Baltimore will find a place for Simon. At 6'2-257, his strengths(as I see them) are pass rushing and versatility. Maybe some DE, DT, or maybe OLB. I have enough to worry about scouting high school players, so I will let Baltimore make those decisions.
      Having watched him play football for six years, I have tremendous respect for what he stands for and for his potential at the next level. Some of the sports media questioned his potential his senior year in high school, and some will question his potential to play on Sunday's. But John Simon is John Simon. He represents Ohio State University football. He will do well.

Football Recruiting is a Business

       Last week, I blogged about players that I hoped that I did not leave off my Ohio Class of 2014 list. Think that I listed 11 prospects and put a number beside watch one. The number was not where I rated them in the state. The order was not where I rated them in the state. I re-read the blog a few times and could not find where I said that these were the top players in Ohio.
      Surprised that I had so many visits to read the blog. I never read anyother sites, but one of my McDonald's guys said that he read the blog on the O-Zone. Flattering, but the real recruiting writers are the ones who can rate players. I just provide information.
      Concerning the Ohio List of the 2014 Class, I think that I had roughly 180 prospects listed. I received some emails from parents whose sons were not on the list. Some had not started a varsity game. I understand. Some just do not have the size or speed. I understand. After the summer camps, I will update my list.
      Finally, I do not think that I am being honest with a player, if I "blow him up," and he should not be. Not fair to the high school player.
      The problem is that we are guilty of making some prospect's potential more than it is. That to me is worrying about money and a recruiting reporter's ego, more than a prospect's well being. Now, I am not going to change the recruiting craziness. But college coaches, college recruiting fans, print media, and recruiting reporters can really make it hard for a football recruit. But promoting a prospect through internet media is part of the recruiting process and it is only going to get bigger.
        This morning a high school school football was telling me about the recruiting visit that his player had taken recently. Some good things happened, but the ending was not good. Communication went silent.
        Football recruiting is a business. At times, it can turn into an ugly business. College coaches have a job to do, plain and simple  - WIN football games and get the best players. Recruiting reporters and media have a job to do, plain and simple - Get players exposure, keep recruiting followers happy, and make money. McCallister, plain and simple - honest evaluations and promote players. 
       A parent emailed me last week and called me the "most unbaised and honest" recruiting person in the business, including coaches. Nice compliment and I wished it were true.
      As a parent, be so patient with the "noise" that you hear from anyone (including McCallister) involved with high school football recruiting. Recruiting is a BUSINESS. A fun time, that can sometimes can get really negative. Sometimes a college coach does not say,"Goodbye-Good luck."

Cap City Preps Works With Central Ohio Players

       Last Friday, I made a trip to C-bus to watch some Cental Ohio high school players workout at the Continent. Cannot remember the name of the facility, but it is behind the Continent.
      Anthony Murphy of Cap City Preps is the director, and puts as much emphasis on academics, as athleticism. Anthony has a website and is considered by many, as one of the best at promoting Central Ohio high school football players. Alonzo Saxton Sr. does much of the instruction and works to promote high school players.
      Because some of the players stayed home to rest for the Rivals Camp in Cincinnati the next day, numbers were small. But, for me, anytime I can evaluate players, it is good. Sometimes in the process of evaluating, I can eliminate. Plus a player can never be evaluated enough. Always something to learn. Always the chance to meet new young prospects.
      RB/DB Tawain Gordon (2014) from Pickerington Central is always working on his game. I have known watched him for two years and he continues to improve. Like him as an RB, he probably is a better slot receiver. Also cold be an inside DB. He works hard and competes. Runs track, and if his time in the 100m is real, could surprise some people.
      Also really focused on Ronald Randolph, a 2015 QB from Gahanna Lincoln High School. He works out with Kenton native, Ben Mauk. Ronald's mechanics have improved tremendously over the past year. Short in height by QB standards, but he has two years to stretch up. Excellent feet, a high release, and can spin it. Understands the position. Looking forward to seeing more of him this summer and fall.
      Watched a receiver from Groveport Madison. Only a sophomore. Raw in regards to route running and gaining separation. Concentrates really well. Strong hands and can get vertical. Already sent me his profile information.  Needs coached up and reps.
      An additional highlight was chatting with Alonzo Saxton Jr. who committed to Duke to play football for the Blue Devils. Have watched him for three years. but injuries over that time have hurt his growth as a football player. Excellent hips. Good burst. Fast. Reads well. Obviously, he has to stay healthy. I like his decision, because Duke is where he wants to be.
      Heading to Akron tomorrow to do much the same. With recruiting getting more dishonest every day, sometimes its refreshing to watch all levels of talent. By that I mean so many people just "use" high school football players. Nice to be able to help all levels of talent get better.

Graduating Early - Sometimes the Right Choice

       Believe it or not, I am gradually changing some of my convictions about the world of high school football recruiting. For so long, graduating early from high school just to play college football was a "no-no" for me. Since each case is different, I have come to realize that some prospects simply need a change of envoirnment. This was no more evident than this past spring. As I watched  both Michigan and Ohio State practice, leaving early is good for some college football prospects.
      Last week I was guest at a University of Michigan's spring practice. Although practices are closed, there is a little more freedom at Michigan. After practice, I spoke briefly with Ohio guys- Joe Bolden, Tom Strobel, AJ Williams, and Chris Wormley, among others. But I also wanted to see the guys who were graduated last winter.
      Spent most of my time watching players from Ohio who were graduated  this past winter and left for Michigan. DB Dymonte Thomas (Marlington) is playing nickel-back with first and second units. Improved overall quickness and speed. Got in alot of reps. DE Taco Charlton (Pickerington Central) has added twenty pounds. His motor ran all of the time in this practice. Heard that he had two sacks in the spring game. DB Ross Douglas (Avon) has slimmed down and is getting faster. Played CB. Needs to get much better, but enrolling early has really helped him. Although he has round shoulders(humor), Jake Butt really looked good at TE. Just so athletic with excellent hands.
      At my two chances to watch Ohio State practice, I was really impressed with Cameron Burrows, Tracey Sprinkle, and William Huston. All three were graduated this past winter and enrolled at O-State for spring quarter.
      Cameron Burrows (Trotwood Madison) has worked hard from day one. Impressed coaches with his work ethic both in conditioning and on the field. He pleasantly surprised me. DE Tracey Sprinkle (Elyria) has added twenty pounds of good weight. Productive and has really improved his balance. Possibly the biggest surprise has been the development of preferred walk-on, FB William Huston(Dublin Scioto). Secondhand information, but heard he was taking some snaps with the first unit. A true fullback, the the Buckeyes are really excited about what he has done.
      Encouraging seniors to graduate early, I always thought was just another way for the colleges to "fatten" themselves, with little regards to the high school athlete. Instead of going to the prom, playing a spring sport, or just hangin with parents, players who are graduated early, practice with the "big boys." Of course, they also get an early start on classes. Really beneficial.
      Like everything else- for different reasons, some college prospects need to leave early, some do not. Each case is different. Discouraging a high school student (boy/girl) of taking a chance to better his or herself, would be tough for me. Of course, if a football prospect leaves early and really works hard, maybe a three year stay at the college level would be good enough. Oh my! that would be a whole different story.

Chris Fields - Congrats

       Really want to applaude the work and growth of wide receiver, Chris Fields of Ohio State. I read in the Dispatch that Urban Meyer named him a starter going into to fall ball. I have not seen him play personally, but going on what Meyer said he has been more consistent and has put out tremendous effort.
      Coming out of Painesville Harvey High School, I thought Chris Fields was a stretch for Ohio State. Not great size, okay speed, and, for me, was not a "WOW" guy. Always felt there were other reasons for him becoming a Buckeye. Coach Tressel liked him and things have worked out well.
      Chris has worked hard on all areas of his game. Since I saw only two practices, I can only go on the coaching staff's comments. More importantly, I bet that he has matured much away from football. For me, to see a player prove me wrong is good.
      Although he is senior, the light has really come on for Chris. For me, that is huge. Improving as a person, (although this sounds silly) is as important  as improving as a football player. They both go hand in hand.
      Congrats to Chris Fields. His hard work and patience has paid big dividends! He should be a model for high school players of what hard work and determination can do.

Working on my Ohio Class of 2014

There is always something to do with my scouting service. Now, I am working on list of members of the Ohio Class of 2014. The format is the same as last year's class. No heights, weights, 40's, or GPA's. Those kinds of information are usually so unreliable. Not necessary now. The plan is to get some prospects some recognition.

My blog readers need not respond, because I am just thinking out loud. Just going to list some prospects that hopefully belong on my list. From what I have seen, they should be on my list of 170 players and I hope that I do not omit them.
      1. Marsean Lattimer - Cleveland Glenville - WR. Although he plays both ways, he is a better slot receiver. Excellent athlete. Smart. Explosive. Separates well. Big play guy.
      2. Erick Smith - Cleveland Glenville - DB. Physical. Excellent run stopper. Backpedals. Fast. If he gets bigger may have to move inside.
      3. Sam Hubbard - Cincinnati Moeller - OLB. Tall, big athletic FS. Moves to OLB next level. Closes well. Changes direction for size. Excellent character. Smart.
      4. Kyle Trout - Lancaster - OL. First impressed me at my combine last year. Good punch. Good bender on run blocking. Needs to work on feet in pass protection. Physical.
      5. Vayante Copeland - Dayton Marshall - DB. Special guy. Runs well. Good hips. Explosive runner. Like him more as a possible corner. Needs to continue to improve speed.
      6. Kyle Berger - Cleveland St Ignatius - LB. Runs downhill well. Excellent burst. Finishes plays. Needs to add alot of good weight. Physical.
      7. Dameon Willis - Cleveland St Ignatius - SS/OLB. Very physical. Excellent closing speed. Solid hips. Plays pad under pad. Better than recruiters think.
      8. Parris Campbell - Akron St Vincent-St Marys - ATH. Possible slot receiver. Track fast, but football tough. Excellent burst. Excellent hips. Really young for class. Tons of potential.
      9. Mike Edwards - Cincinnati Winton Woods - DB. Possible corner. Excellent speed. Burst. Physical. Could be a FS. Also excellent punt/KO return guy.
     10. Daryl Long - Westerville South - TE. Really worked in off season. Good speed. Blocks. Will catch over the middle. Could get really big.
     11. Noah Furbush - Kenton - DE - Outstanding at my combine. 6'4-235. Verticaled 35' Ran 4.22/Shuttle. 7.32 L-Cone. Excellent closing speed. Bender.  Physical. Will be known soon.

I hope I can remember to put these names on my list. Back to work.

Some Uneducated Opinions on Mike Rice's Firing

        Much has been written and commented on about the recent antics of former Rutger's basketball coach, Mike Rice. After video surfaced showing Rice throwing basketballs at his players, grabbing his players, and using tough language, he is no longer the basketball coach.
       First, do not forget, I am a Woody Hayes disciple, but not a Bobby Knight guy. Coach Hayes was just a tough, hardnosed coach. He did as much good for people. Plus, I always thought that he used some of his temper outbursts for motivation. All of those watches that he ripped off were 100 dollar watches. Knight, excellent coach, but thought that he was "bigger than basketball." Times have changed and, mostly for the better.
      Too many coaches who rant and rave do it for show. Anytime a coach who wants the attention of fans and takes it away from the players is wrong. The game belongs to the players. The sad thing is that a coach who does all of the yelling and screaming and has the "tough guy" image is usually the one who was a back-up, or who "played hard on little talent." Bobby Knight during his playing days at Ohio State was a pain for Coach Fred Taylor. Not really cracking on Coach Knight, but he was a "spoiled boy" as a high school player at Orrville High School.
      AAU Coach Dave Spiller in Westerville said that we need to educate coaches more. WOW, does he realize that you can "lead a horse to water, but you can not make him drink." I mean, you can have all of the seminars, all of the classes, and read all of the advice columns that you want, but that will not change most of the problems. A coach will give "lip service," but will not change his behavior. The problems change when the AD lays out the expectations and follows through in evaluations. The key is the athletics director.
      Obviously, I realize that some college football and basketball coaches are more powerful than the AD's. No need to mention names. Sad, but sometimes that happens in high schools, as well. Again, here no need to mention names. In high schools, that trend is changing.
      In high schools, the athletic director MUST run the show. If he cannot make the "tough" decisions, you get a new one. Plain and simple. If, on the college level, the athletic director MUST make the "tough" decisions. That is his job. Of course, I realize that the pressure to "fill the seats" and the pressure "to win," is huge in today's world. Resign, if you, as the AD, cannot make the tough calls. I realize that the alumni have big money. Ask Ohio State. But the athletics director has to look at himself in the mirror every day. Every day.
      Athletes are raised to respect the coach. What the coach says, goes. What the coach does is okay, because he is the coach. I watched two high school senior football players a few years ago, start to walk off the field, because the head football coach called them "quitters" and said that they "quit on their teammates." They stopped, turned around, and came back. The coach could not put two sentences together without cursing. I knew one player very well, and he would have never quit on his teammates. Maybe the coach, but not the team. The AD never was tough enough to make the call.
      I asked my junior high students this question once. If while I was teaching language arts, I used the F-bomb frequently, took the Lord's name in vain, and used racial slurs, when I got upset, what would happen to me. Every student answered, "You would get fired." Of course, I agreed. Then I asked what would happen if I was coaching football and used the same language. "Probably nothing, because you are the football coach." Our young athletes are raised to respect the coach. Plus, inner kids realize that sports maybe their "way-out." Bite your lip and play.
      Mike Rice will get another job coaching basketball. By the end of the week, ESPN will look for some other controversy and Rice stories will be history. Some athletic's director will give him another shot. I mean, look at Western Kentucky. I never really respected Miles Brand, but he had the strength to remove Bobby Knight. Hopefully, this very "sad example of an out of control coach," will be a classroom for young coaches. No extra classes, just watch the video and then remember what happened to Mike Rice. Shouldn't that be enough.
      Simple Advice. In the day of the internet and cell phones, coaches and players cannot use bad judgment. When I speak to football players, I say "someone is always watching you." Both on and off the football field, someone is watching. They will probably have a cell phone. Coaches or players cannot make bad choices. Somebody is always watching with a cell phone.
      Tiger Woods and NIKE have a  new slogan about  winning. Sad, but he might be true when it comes to coaching. But as the song goes, "Times are a changing." Maybe for the good.
      The Athletics Director at Rutgers resigned over his failure to immediately fire Rice after the video showed him kicking, hitting, using anti gay-slurs at practice. Four months ago, he suspended and fined Rice. He tried to give him a second chance, but in today's world, not good enough. Probably would still be the Rutger's athletics director, if he would have taken a long look in the mirror four months ago.

MSR Known in Canada

       The more that I am around this business, the more nothing surprises me. Learning the internet world is a constant challenge for me. Yesterday, I received a call, from a young recruit in Ottawa, Canada, which educated me on both, "offers" and the internet challenge.
      As many of  you know I take "offers" with a grain of salt. Most recruits and parents of recruits take the word "offer" and run with it. Some recruits collect "offers" as in a contest. Recruiting reporters on recruiting websites really do not want a recruit to commit early, because no more offers - fewer stories about the recruit. Some college programs put out "offers" to every potential recruit. One school in the Midwest sent my 87 year old mother an "offer." Her arthritis hurts her chances at being a quarterback. He still drives a car, however. Finally , some larger programs are sending out "conditional offers." The school will give you an offer, but if you do not perform well at their camp, they can take back the offer. Wow! And, yes, it happens.
       Twin brothers from Ottawa, Canada called yesterday. They are cornerbacks, They reached out to me, because they noticed my website while searching for recruiting services within the USA. They need someone within the United States to aid and assist in their recruiting efforts.
      They have three offers from three schools in the East. But they are looking for someone knows coaches in the Midwest. Someone who can get their tapes out there. Someone who has some connections.
      I told them to send me an email, which they did, and sent me a phone number to contact them. They are willing to send me highlight tapes of themselves,  if needed.
      Being a "kid's guy," I am not making light of this situation, because helping kids is what I do. But out of the clear blue sky, I get this call and then an email. I was beginning to think, "scam." My father-in-law, last fall, got taken for three thousand dollars in a "scam." McCallister is cautious and poor. Maybe I watch too many "20-20" shows.
       This morning I called the three schools who had put out "offers" to this set of twins from Canada. "No, we have not offered them. This has been going on for two years. We get asked about offering them all of the time."  The recruits had no offers. None. If they have no offers at Division II, can they play D-1?
      The lesson to be learned here is simple. If you are being recruited, understand what the word "offer" means. Number two, if you do not have an offer, do not say that you do. Colleges are going to check on you. One young recruit in Ohio had his media day set. But he did not check with his school of choice about making the announcement. The "offer" from the school of his choice was based on some individual changes. Simply put - it did not work out.
      The twin recruits from Ottawa, Canada, will have to do more searching on the internet. They must learn what the word "offer" means. Since I am just a "Mom and Pops" guy, I do not have the reruiting budget to help them. Plus, I am an Ohio High School football person. That is a full time job.

MSR and What's Ahead

        Combines are over. A huge success for our program. Easter Sunday is over. I will say that spending a day with my family(especially the grandbabies) far out weighs spending a day working on the McCallister Scouting Report. Taking my 87 mother and my 85 year old mother-in-law round trip to Hilliard can test the patience alittle.
        Last Friday I began to highlight some of the better efforts of the three combines that we held during March. Today, I shut it down. Too many names and too many chances to miss someone. All of the test results are available. We had some really good efforts during testing. Good efforts from all three Classes in Ohio, in fact.
       In the next two weeks, I will be emailing the colleges a list of prospects in the Class of 2014 and 2015. Sometime after that I will post a list of the Ohio Class of 2014 prospects with  comments. The format will be much the same as last year.
       As I have already announced, the MSROHIO Underclassman Showcase will be held at Thomas Worthington High School (near Columbus) on Sunday, June 9th. The information and registration form will on my website at the end of the week. This is not a combine. Only the 40 and pro shuttle. The camp will be run just like the college one day camps. Campers must bring a helmet.

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly of College Recruiting

      Over the last three years, I have spoken to different groups about the high school football recruiting process. Usually, I speak to both the players and parents at their high school. Players from other schools are welcome to attend.
       The power-point presentation usually lasts for 45 minutes. Although I answer questions during the presentation, there is a question/answer period after the presentation. I stay until all of the questions are answered. Parents, coaches, and players can ask questions on any phase of recruiting.
       As you can guess, my talks are to the point and focus on the realities of high school football recruiting, including camps, recruiting services, recruiting reporters, and the noise that is out there.
       If someone is interested in having me come to their school or area to speak on high school football recruiting, please contact me by email or phone for more information. I do not market this part of the service as much as other parts of the McCallister Scouting Report. However, I do enjoy the chance to talk about high school football recruiting, as well as the chance to meet parents.