Last week had or made the chance to watch Toledo Whitmer football players do their thing on the basketball court. And do their thing is just what they did. Most of you can guess, as long as it is of benefit in his growth as a football prospect, playing as many sports as possible is wonderful. In this day of specialization, high school coaches in any sport do not always agree with me. So what!
The Hayes boys from Whitmer are special guys. Excellent athletic skills with tremendous bodies. Oh my!! Junior Kenny, already with a verbal to Ohio State, plays hoops much the same way as he plays defensive end. Full speed and aggressive and uses his 6'5 - 230 frame to make room under the iron.(too much play by play on the tube). Brother Niguel a 6'4 freshman is equally impressive, considering his age and experience. Smooth and fluid, much the same as a receiver/qb on the football field. With all of his b-ball ability, playing football next fall may be a "tough sell."
Although Chris Wombley played just okay in the game I saw last fall, he really came on later in the season. At 6'4-215, he played the other bookend. As a sophomore I might add. He, too, looked smooth last week. Chris is just going to keep getting bigger and bigger. The nice problem for Head Coach Joe Palka will be to get him in the right position, for he can play many. Of course, these men are really "freaks," when it comes to the combination of athletic talent and size.
I met Ken and Niguel's parents last summer. Maybe the best news of all, is that they are really nice people. In this case, maybe the "apple does not fall far from the tree."
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Football Combines in December
From the way I slant my blogs, most readers must get the sense that I am "old school," or better yet the "old guard," as "money guy" once referred to me. But, I would rather think that I just use common sense. Anyway, here is my take on combines in December.
First, a football combine in Texas does not nothing to help you be a recruitable football player. If you are good, O-State, Michigan, Florida, and everybody is going to know a little about you. The bigs, and really , even the mid majors, are going to see you this spring and summer. Most of the schools highly suggest that they will not offer you, unless you attend camp. With some schools, I buy into that.
Secondly, at this time of the year, most athletes are not in competitive shape. What happens if your times are bad? What happens if you pull or tear a muscle or ligament? Is it worth it?
Third is the cost. Most everyone has to pay the expenses. Probably looking at 1200-1500 dollars. Of course, that is "chunk change" to some, but for me that is a little bit of money. I could but two more Visio flat screens with that money. For the most part, was it cost effective?
Now, the "carrot" is that if you go to the combine as an underclassmen, quite possibly you could get an offer to play in the All-American game in Texas next year. Not a definite, but a possibility. You better have a banner fall, and put up impressive performances.
A situation told to me by a high school coach last week is what really "pulled my chain." An Ohio 2011 prospect whose name will not be mentioned is going to the combine in Texas this month. A solid player as a DB this past fall. Good size and runs pretty well. My worry is that last fall, when he is on the field, he did not"play every down. Anyway, that is not the point of this example.
This young man is not playing varsity basketball until after Christmas. Right now he has a personal trainer, and he is working out in order to put up good times at the combine in Texas. Not only is he letting his team down, but he is missing valuable practice time on the basketball court, time that would improve his game. Ironically, without getting into my thoughts, being in shape and putting up fast times, may not be his problem in regards to being highly recruited this spring and summer.
Little can be done, I am afraid. When basketball AAU started, everybody(including HS coaches) thought that AAU was the greatest thing since "slice bread." Not so now. My fear is that high school football is going to let this happen. The sad thing is that there is little one can do to prevent it.
Be a kid!!! Do not leave school early to participate in spring practice. Do not quit a sport to concentrate on strength training. Do not get caught up in the recruiting crap on the websites. Be leary of people trying to "get into your head," about what camps and schools that you should attend. Be a kid!!!!!
First, a football combine in Texas does not nothing to help you be a recruitable football player. If you are good, O-State, Michigan, Florida, and everybody is going to know a little about you. The bigs, and really , even the mid majors, are going to see you this spring and summer. Most of the schools highly suggest that they will not offer you, unless you attend camp. With some schools, I buy into that.
Secondly, at this time of the year, most athletes are not in competitive shape. What happens if your times are bad? What happens if you pull or tear a muscle or ligament? Is it worth it?
Third is the cost. Most everyone has to pay the expenses. Probably looking at 1200-1500 dollars. Of course, that is "chunk change" to some, but for me that is a little bit of money. I could but two more Visio flat screens with that money. For the most part, was it cost effective?
Now, the "carrot" is that if you go to the combine as an underclassmen, quite possibly you could get an offer to play in the All-American game in Texas next year. Not a definite, but a possibility. You better have a banner fall, and put up impressive performances.
A situation told to me by a high school coach last week is what really "pulled my chain." An Ohio 2011 prospect whose name will not be mentioned is going to the combine in Texas this month. A solid player as a DB this past fall. Good size and runs pretty well. My worry is that last fall, when he is on the field, he did not"play every down. Anyway, that is not the point of this example.
This young man is not playing varsity basketball until after Christmas. Right now he has a personal trainer, and he is working out in order to put up good times at the combine in Texas. Not only is he letting his team down, but he is missing valuable practice time on the basketball court, time that would improve his game. Ironically, without getting into my thoughts, being in shape and putting up fast times, may not be his problem in regards to being highly recruited this spring and summer.
Little can be done, I am afraid. When basketball AAU started, everybody(including HS coaches) thought that AAU was the greatest thing since "slice bread." Not so now. My fear is that high school football is going to let this happen. The sad thing is that there is little one can do to prevent it.
Be a kid!!! Do not leave school early to participate in spring practice. Do not quit a sport to concentrate on strength training. Do not get caught up in the recruiting crap on the websites. Be leary of people trying to "get into your head," about what camps and schools that you should attend. Be a kid!!!!!
College Nights
Just finished attending four college recruiting nights this past week. Oh my, alot of traveling - Columbus, Cleveland, Akron, and Canton. Of course, well worth it. You see, at college nights, the high school coaches in that area get together at a central location and provide information to college recruiters throughout the country. Usually, just seniors are profiled, but some coaches provide information for underclassmen. A ton of video is also given out. Great gig for me.
The negative for the college recruiting nights is that the powerful NCAA has said that Division 1A schools cannot attend these information gathering meetings.
1. Bad for the high school coaches, because they still have to provide the information, so why not be able to promote their prospects to D-1A schools.
2. Bad for me, because I miss communicating D-1A schools.
3. Good for everybody, because the meetings go faster.
4. Good for D-1A schols, because one less function to have to be in attendance.
5. Good for D-3 schools because they get to spend more time gathering information.
6. Really, honestly, I still get my information, and I still touch base with the high school coaches
There will be one held in the spring and I would highly suggest coaches take advantage of the opportunity to promote "kids."
The negative for the college recruiting nights is that the powerful NCAA has said that Division 1A schools cannot attend these information gathering meetings.
1. Bad for the high school coaches, because they still have to provide the information, so why not be able to promote their prospects to D-1A schools.
2. Bad for me, because I miss communicating D-1A schools.
3. Good for everybody, because the meetings go faster.
4. Good for D-1A schols, because one less function to have to be in attendance.
5. Good for D-3 schools because they get to spend more time gathering information.
6. Really, honestly, I still get my information, and I still touch base with the high school coaches
There will be one held in the spring and I would highly suggest coaches take advantage of the opportunity to promote "kids."
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Football Players in Other Sports
One of the tasks that I really enjoy is evaluating college football prospects playing other sports. Basketball is one my favorite sports to watch. First, the weather is really nice inside. Always warm inside the gym. Secondly, you get really close to the action. Lastly, you can watch a players every move. Really watch their bench attitude.
Last night, I went to the local Upper Sandusky game. The Rams were playing Wynford and the main guys just finished football last week. Wanted to see one of my favorites, Teven Eatmon. If he can handle the social issues and disciplines of college life, he has a chance to be a really good player at Kentucky. If Teven had played at Glenville for four years, everybody would have recruited hime. A very good athlete (55ft shot put/160ft discus)Comes from a very confused home life, but thanks to teammate, Tyler Brause( also going to Kentucky), Teven has survived. Both guys will need to learn to "bite someone," but should be okay.
Going to watch Kenton QB, Maty Mauk play at Marion Harding tonight. His dad and I are good friends, so I have been able to watch Maty grow-up. Only a sophomore, but, of course, everyone wants to compare him to brother Ben. Totally different athletes. No controversy here, but Maty is a very good athlete. Ben was a very good QB.
Back to the Upper Sandusky game. Sometimes the "apple does fall far from the tree." Although I have only talked to Jon Diebler five times, he is a favorite of mine. Starting his third year at O-State, he represents what character is all about. He has worked hard on the basketball court. He represents "the small town guy," which should encourage every youngster to work hard and to set his goals high. One never knows. I have known his dad, since my days at Lakota HS and his at Gibsonburg HS. Still the same showboat that he always has been. Complaining to officials, ripping his players' every little mistake, and entertaining the crowd are just some of his antics. Of course, the officials let him get away with walking all over the court. Yes, thank goodness the " apple does fall far the tree," sometimes.
Wrestling is on my schedule, but only the big tournaments. Track and baseball in the spring. Weight rooms are a part of my evaluations. Seeing football players doing other sports is both enjoyable and educational for me.
Last night, I went to the local Upper Sandusky game. The Rams were playing Wynford and the main guys just finished football last week. Wanted to see one of my favorites, Teven Eatmon. If he can handle the social issues and disciplines of college life, he has a chance to be a really good player at Kentucky. If Teven had played at Glenville for four years, everybody would have recruited hime. A very good athlete (55ft shot put/160ft discus)Comes from a very confused home life, but thanks to teammate, Tyler Brause( also going to Kentucky), Teven has survived. Both guys will need to learn to "bite someone," but should be okay.
Going to watch Kenton QB, Maty Mauk play at Marion Harding tonight. His dad and I are good friends, so I have been able to watch Maty grow-up. Only a sophomore, but, of course, everyone wants to compare him to brother Ben. Totally different athletes. No controversy here, but Maty is a very good athlete. Ben was a very good QB.
Back to the Upper Sandusky game. Sometimes the "apple does fall far from the tree." Although I have only talked to Jon Diebler five times, he is a favorite of mine. Starting his third year at O-State, he represents what character is all about. He has worked hard on the basketball court. He represents "the small town guy," which should encourage every youngster to work hard and to set his goals high. One never knows. I have known his dad, since my days at Lakota HS and his at Gibsonburg HS. Still the same showboat that he always has been. Complaining to officials, ripping his players' every little mistake, and entertaining the crowd are just some of his antics. Of course, the officials let him get away with walking all over the court. Yes, thank goodness the " apple does fall far the tree," sometimes.
Wrestling is on my schedule, but only the big tournaments. Track and baseball in the spring. Weight rooms are a part of my evaluations. Seeing football players doing other sports is both enjoyable and educational for me.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Sunday night, the house is quiet and I am still feeling the effects of all of the food from Thanksgiving. To make matters worse, there are alot of leftovers in my fridge. Not good. Had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I, like you, have so many things for which to be thankful. Since this is a football centered blog, here are some football related things for which I am thankful.
As I watched Carey play Ada in the playoffs with the stands being filled, thank goodness we have 6 divisions and the playoffs were expand a few years ago. Bright, sunny day and both small towns were closed down so that everybody could watch the game.
As I watched inner city football this year in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, and Columbus, I am so pleased that young Black coaches are coaching and serving as role models for kids. Years ago, I felt so many Black coaches were there in body, but had no clue how to coach football, or relate to young people. Times are changing and Black coaches are doing a wonderful job as coaches and teachers.
Football officials are finally taking their bodies seriously and have eliminated the big overhangs on their wasteline. The game is getting so fast that officials have to be in shape. Plus, I watched an official this year who could not lay the ball on the ground. He dropped it and then put his foot on it to place it. Thank goodness officials are conerned about appearance.
I am thankful my very good friend Ted Ginn Sr. has led Glenville to the state championship. We go back to the day when Glenville was struggling and nobody cared about them. Now with their success, everybody is concerned about them. Yes, I know all about the open enrollment and all of that stuff, but I am glad they have made it.
John Reed, head coach at Coldwater, and I go way back to Upper Sandusky High Shool days. He represents everything good about a teacher, coach, and person. Coldwater is in the state finals again. John is in the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. As John leads Coldwater into battle this weekend, he has a bigger battle off of the field. Late summer, cancer was discovered. Coach will always be one of those "guys" whom I really admire and thankful that we are good friends.
Maybe silly, but I really appreciate the time and help that high school coaches give me. Of course, I am older than most of them, so maybe they feel sorry for me. I do know with the internet websites able to second guess coaches and rip coaches and players and the market getting larger with high priced recruiting services, I am fortunate that coaches on both the high school and college level trust me. There is just so much out there.
I am really thankful that a friend of mine here in Upper Sandusky understands computers and websites like no other. The man is unreal. Never played football in his life, but understands computers.
Lastly, no sympathy here, but I am 61 years young and really enjoy what I do with football scouting. As most college coaches know, I am a "kids guy," almost to a fault. I enjoy working with them, and, honestly, it keeps me young. My wife lost a battle with cancer seven years ago. My "adult kids" have left the nest. Some consider me the "old guard," but Papa Joe and Bobby are still "hangin," so maybe I have a chance. Take care and I hope that you have had a wonderful Turkey-Day.
As I watched Carey play Ada in the playoffs with the stands being filled, thank goodness we have 6 divisions and the playoffs were expand a few years ago. Bright, sunny day and both small towns were closed down so that everybody could watch the game.
As I watched inner city football this year in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, and Columbus, I am so pleased that young Black coaches are coaching and serving as role models for kids. Years ago, I felt so many Black coaches were there in body, but had no clue how to coach football, or relate to young people. Times are changing and Black coaches are doing a wonderful job as coaches and teachers.
Football officials are finally taking their bodies seriously and have eliminated the big overhangs on their wasteline. The game is getting so fast that officials have to be in shape. Plus, I watched an official this year who could not lay the ball on the ground. He dropped it and then put his foot on it to place it. Thank goodness officials are conerned about appearance.
I am thankful my very good friend Ted Ginn Sr. has led Glenville to the state championship. We go back to the day when Glenville was struggling and nobody cared about them. Now with their success, everybody is concerned about them. Yes, I know all about the open enrollment and all of that stuff, but I am glad they have made it.
John Reed, head coach at Coldwater, and I go way back to Upper Sandusky High Shool days. He represents everything good about a teacher, coach, and person. Coldwater is in the state finals again. John is in the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. As John leads Coldwater into battle this weekend, he has a bigger battle off of the field. Late summer, cancer was discovered. Coach will always be one of those "guys" whom I really admire and thankful that we are good friends.
Maybe silly, but I really appreciate the time and help that high school coaches give me. Of course, I am older than most of them, so maybe they feel sorry for me. I do know with the internet websites able to second guess coaches and rip coaches and players and the market getting larger with high priced recruiting services, I am fortunate that coaches on both the high school and college level trust me. There is just so much out there.
I am really thankful that a friend of mine here in Upper Sandusky understands computers and websites like no other. The man is unreal. Never played football in his life, but understands computers.
Lastly, no sympathy here, but I am 61 years young and really enjoy what I do with football scouting. As most college coaches know, I am a "kids guy," almost to a fault. I enjoy working with them, and, honestly, it keeps me young. My wife lost a battle with cancer seven years ago. My "adult kids" have left the nest. Some consider me the "old guard," but Papa Joe and Bobby are still "hangin," so maybe I have a chance. Take care and I hope that you have had a wonderful Turkey-Day.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The "Old Guard" are Retiring
Football coaches just seem to know the timing to retire or resign. Lou Holtz once said, "if you can walk way and not miss it, then the decision was the correct one." Some of my long time friends have been announcing their retirements the last few days. With the chatrooms and the unaccountable ways idiots make comments, I sometimes wonder why more head coaches do not contemplate retirement.
Bob Ramsay, Dalton High School, has spent 35 years in the business. I coached football and track against Bob, when he was an assistant at Orrville and I was at West Holmes.(God's country). He went to Dalton as head football coach and stayed for 29 years. Excellent football coach, but a better coach at working with young people. We see each other at clinics and camps, and, of course, always chit-chat. Now he has put on some weight, but other than that, same old Bob. Led his school to seven league championships in the always tough Wayne County League. Remember two things as you drive SR30 thru Dalton: Bob Ramsey and the cop that sits at Wendy's.
Greg Bailey, Lakota East High School, is stepping down. We go way back to his Fredericktown days. Tremendous individual. Excellent football coach. For some reason "fast horses" gives one a chance to be a good head football coach. Greg always was honest in his player evaluations. Moreso, he was always promoting his players and trying to do the best for them.
Some more of my old coaching "boys" are making retirement plans and will be announcing soon. Retirement is not the worst "gig" in the world. From first hand experience, life is short. Play hard and take time to smell the roses.
Bob Ramsay, Dalton High School, has spent 35 years in the business. I coached football and track against Bob, when he was an assistant at Orrville and I was at West Holmes.(God's country). He went to Dalton as head football coach and stayed for 29 years. Excellent football coach, but a better coach at working with young people. We see each other at clinics and camps, and, of course, always chit-chat. Now he has put on some weight, but other than that, same old Bob. Led his school to seven league championships in the always tough Wayne County League. Remember two things as you drive SR30 thru Dalton: Bob Ramsey and the cop that sits at Wendy's.
Greg Bailey, Lakota East High School, is stepping down. We go way back to his Fredericktown days. Tremendous individual. Excellent football coach. For some reason "fast horses" gives one a chance to be a good head football coach. Greg always was honest in his player evaluations. Moreso, he was always promoting his players and trying to do the best for them.
Some more of my old coaching "boys" are making retirement plans and will be announcing soon. Retirement is not the worst "gig" in the world. From first hand experience, life is short. Play hard and take time to smell the roses.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Bowsherville University - new program
Something I rarely do any more is provide fuel to the media. Interviews are limited. One radio show I do occassionally, and then sometimes talk with good friend, Bill Conley on his pregame show. One thing certain, if you read anything remotely associated with Lee Shearer and his "Bucknuts Boys, " it is not from me.
Years ago, I wrote a column for "Scarlet and Gray Illustriated," called "Around the State." The mag was good, but went "bottom-ups," and , of course, no job or owed money for me.
Bowsherville University is the school starting a football program. These are my recruits. Of course, just from Ohio. Naturally, people will differ on my choices and they should. Please do not get offended, if you are not on my team. I am not trying to cause controversity. Have some fun with it. I am far from an expert like all of these internet guys who make up the "star" system.
Going to Fremont to watch Avon Lake and Toledo St. Francis.
Years ago, I wrote a column for "Scarlet and Gray Illustriated," called "Around the State." The mag was good, but went "bottom-ups," and , of course, no job or owed money for me.
Bowsherville University is the school starting a football program. These are my recruits. Of course, just from Ohio. Naturally, people will differ on my choices and they should. Please do not get offended, if you are not on my team. I am not trying to cause controversity. Have some fun with it. I am far from an expert like all of these internet guys who make up the "star" system.
Going to Fremont to watch Avon Lake and Toledo St. Francis.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
All Everything Awards
With the high school football regular season coming to a close, the All-League, the All-District, All-City, All-County, All-Websites(?)and All-Ohio teams will soon be selected and announced in November. Also selected will the Player of the Year awards. Both defensive and offensive players will be selcted, culminating with the announcement of "Mr. Football."
Every year I get emails and player profiles from college prospects listing all of the awards that the young man received. I applaud the efforts of these young men. They have had a really good season and have been instrumental to the success of each ones team's success. But the recognition is just that. A post season award is not necessarily an indication he is a D1 scholarship prospect.
Height and weight are still important. Speed and footwork are important. Grades and test scores, obviously, are very important. As much as I hate to admit it, level of competition is important in some cases. I do not necessarily agree with all of this, but, as I often say,"It is what it is."
Detailed profiles and DVD's with music and flashing lights do not really influence many college recruiters. Save your money and time. Give college recruiters the basic information, but be complete. Do not put too much emphasis on your post season awards, but, of course, mention them.
Sometimes awards can be very political. When I was a head football coach many years ago, we were the northern most D5 school in the Central District. We were almost certain to get a first team All Central District player every year. Why? Because the AP wanted our area of the Central District represented.
If a team has had a really, really GOOD year, more than likely they will have a large number of players selected. Although they deserve the recognition, that does not mean that they are all scholarship prospects.
This is not meant to be a negative view point. Having high school football players "frustrated," is never fun for me. I try to be as honest, as I can be. Sometimes I am honest to a fault. If you, as a prospect, ever need advice please contact me.
Every year I get emails and player profiles from college prospects listing all of the awards that the young man received. I applaud the efforts of these young men. They have had a really good season and have been instrumental to the success of each ones team's success. But the recognition is just that. A post season award is not necessarily an indication he is a D1 scholarship prospect.
Height and weight are still important. Speed and footwork are important. Grades and test scores, obviously, are very important. As much as I hate to admit it, level of competition is important in some cases. I do not necessarily agree with all of this, but, as I often say,"It is what it is."
Detailed profiles and DVD's with music and flashing lights do not really influence many college recruiters. Save your money and time. Give college recruiters the basic information, but be complete. Do not put too much emphasis on your post season awards, but, of course, mention them.
Sometimes awards can be very political. When I was a head football coach many years ago, we were the northern most D5 school in the Central District. We were almost certain to get a first team All Central District player every year. Why? Because the AP wanted our area of the Central District represented.
If a team has had a really, really GOOD year, more than likely they will have a large number of players selected. Although they deserve the recognition, that does not mean that they are all scholarship prospects.
This is not meant to be a negative view point. Having high school football players "frustrated," is never fun for me. I try to be as honest, as I can be. Sometimes I am honest to a fault. If you, as a prospect, ever need advice please contact me.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A True Fulltime Player
Last Friday, I stayed home for a little respite from traveling and watched my hometown Upper Sandusky Rams host Tiffin Columbian. The Rams played a really good first half, but lack of depth did them in the second half. Love the Rams, but really came away impressed with Tiffin standout, senior Derek Kneeskern. You see, he never left the field until the outcome was decided.
Kneeskern, 6'2-200, all purpose player may not a top D1 prospect, but he is a scholarship player. Solid speed, but needs to continue to get faster. His competitive speed combined with strength makes him special. On one TD run, he literally ran over three defenders. Needs to be more flexible with hip rotation, but he has long jumped 22 feet. Also carries a 3.3 in the classroom.
As a WR, he had 3 catches for 80 yards and 2 TD's. After TC scored he kicked the PATS(5). Punted twice for 81 yards. From his CB position, he had 5 solo tackles and 1 pass break up. Returned punts. At half-time, he sold raffle tickets(attempt at humor).
Alot of high school teams have a Derek Kneeskern, but I am not always able to watch those kind of athletes with level of competition I usually see. Very refreshing to watch a high school player do alittle of everything, but do it well.
Kneeskern, 6'2-200, all purpose player may not a top D1 prospect, but he is a scholarship player. Solid speed, but needs to continue to get faster. His competitive speed combined with strength makes him special. On one TD run, he literally ran over three defenders. Needs to be more flexible with hip rotation, but he has long jumped 22 feet. Also carries a 3.3 in the classroom.
As a WR, he had 3 catches for 80 yards and 2 TD's. After TC scored he kicked the PATS(5). Punted twice for 81 yards. From his CB position, he had 5 solo tackles and 1 pass break up. Returned punts. At half-time, he sold raffle tickets(attempt at humor).
Alot of high school teams have a Derek Kneeskern, but I am not always able to watch those kind of athletes with level of competition I usually see. Very refreshing to watch a high school player do alittle of everything, but do it well.
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Fight in the Dog
Former O-State football coach, John Cooper once told me, " It is not the size of the dog, but amount of fight in the dog." No more evident than as I watched Parma Normandy host Garfield Heights last night. Jake Suirek, 5'10-200, senior running back from Normandy has a lot of fight and determination. However, this has not caught on with the college recruiters.
Read about Jake's exploits during his sophomore and junior years, but for some reason I could never get any contact information on him. Last night, I made the trip to Cleveland to see him first hand.
Strong, second effort runner with solid speed. Deceptive quickness to get to the edge. Tough runner after initial contact. Good balance. Scored on short runs of 6 and 15 yards. Coming off an injury, so his DB time was limited. Though at times last night he was showing some of the rust from a tough season. I watched his highlight from last season. Although this year's OL is good, it may not be quite as good as last year's. All things considered there is a lot of fight in this old dog.
Also made the chance to meet Jake's parents. His dad is from Cleveland and played for the Oakland Raiders back in the day. A class guy who "has been there" and understands his son's strengths and weaknesses. Mom is a "football player's mom." Like many mom's, she does not understand the recruiting process, but is proud of her son. Tremendous mom, as well as a person.!
I wish there was a way that we could educate all parents and prospects about recruiting. I mean insert the "like it is," and "it is what it is," statements. Be realistic. Do not sugar coat everything. Jake's parents are learning like everyboddy else. With all of the media hype and pressure on college coaches, recruiting can turn into an ugly business. When I tell them that, parents just smile. Months later for some, those smiles have turnd into frustration. But things usually workout.
During my coaching and teaching days, I would say, "If the truth is negative, then sometimes I am negative." Hopefully, people do not consider me a negative person. I try to be brutally honest.
Honestly, I cannot say for sure what level Jake can play. Maybe not a big time D1 guy, but in the right situation, maybe he is a scholarship guy. I can say, however, that he has had a wonderful career, is raised by very good parents, and will play at the next level. Along the way, the Squireks have learned alot about the football recruiting process. Warts and all.
Read about Jake's exploits during his sophomore and junior years, but for some reason I could never get any contact information on him. Last night, I made the trip to Cleveland to see him first hand.
Strong, second effort runner with solid speed. Deceptive quickness to get to the edge. Tough runner after initial contact. Good balance. Scored on short runs of 6 and 15 yards. Coming off an injury, so his DB time was limited. Though at times last night he was showing some of the rust from a tough season. I watched his highlight from last season. Although this year's OL is good, it may not be quite as good as last year's. All things considered there is a lot of fight in this old dog.
Also made the chance to meet Jake's parents. His dad is from Cleveland and played for the Oakland Raiders back in the day. A class guy who "has been there" and understands his son's strengths and weaknesses. Mom is a "football player's mom." Like many mom's, she does not understand the recruiting process, but is proud of her son. Tremendous mom, as well as a person.!
I wish there was a way that we could educate all parents and prospects about recruiting. I mean insert the "like it is," and "it is what it is," statements. Be realistic. Do not sugar coat everything. Jake's parents are learning like everyboddy else. With all of the media hype and pressure on college coaches, recruiting can turn into an ugly business. When I tell them that, parents just smile. Months later for some, those smiles have turnd into frustration. But things usually workout.
During my coaching and teaching days, I would say, "If the truth is negative, then sometimes I am negative." Hopefully, people do not consider me a negative person. I try to be brutally honest.
Honestly, I cannot say for sure what level Jake can play. Maybe not a big time D1 guy, but in the right situation, maybe he is a scholarship guy. I can say, however, that he has had a wonderful career, is raised by very good parents, and will play at the next level. Along the way, the Squireks have learned alot about the football recruiting process. Warts and all.
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