How big of a factor comes into play for high school players going to camps in the Spring & Summer time?  Does this elevate one’s status?  Is there a certain football circuit you have to be on in order to be recognized?

What are the right steps if you’re an 8th or 9th grader that one should take in order to start getting recognized?

 

 

3 hours ago, gridiron guy said:

No doubt if Quisenberry were 6 foot 190 lbs he would 5 star.

Not sure on the stars, but if there is a better "all around" (offense/defense/special teams) football player in Kentucky then I would like to meet them.  

35 minutes ago, James Graham said:

Not sure on the stars, but if there is a better "all around" (offense/defense/special teams) football player in Kentucky then I would like to meet them.  

Could be 100% true and he still isn't a 5 star recruit because of his size.

College coaches miss on players all the time.  It's called the T-shirt/shorts All Americans at the summer camps.  Players that look the part, have all the measurables but put the pads on and are not football players.  Coaches will trust measurables and 40 times more than the tape/production which can cause them to lose their jobs if they miss too many.  

4 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

Could be 100% true and he still isn't a 5 star recruit because of his size.

Oh, I agree... I get the star deal not equaling the actual football player because of size... See: Moore, Rondale (three or four star receiver depending on publication) and entering year four in the NFL.

59 minutes ago, James Graham said:

Oh, I agree... I get the star deal not equaling the actual football player because of size... See: Moore, Rondale (three or four star receiver depending on publication) and entering year four in the NFL.

The very player that came to mind for me when thinking of a comparison.

1 hour ago, titan101 said:

College coaches miss on players all the time.  It's called the T-shirt/shorts All Americans at the summer camps.  Players that look the part, have all the measurables but put the pads on and are not football players.  Coaches will trust measurables and 40 times more than the tape/production which can cause them to lose their jobs if they miss too many.  

This is true. But it's much easier to explain to your AD or head coach why the 6'2/225 linebacker who runs 4.6 didn't work out as opposed to the 6'/210 guy who runs 4.8, even if the 4.8 kid has much better high school film. 

Taking a bunch of outliers that don't produce is how you get fired asap as a college coach, so you better be right on your eval. 

15 hours ago, The_Bull44 said:

How big of a factor comes into play for high school players going to camps in the Spring & Summer time?  Does this elevate one’s status?  Is there a certain football circuit you have to be on in order to be recognized?

What are the right steps if you’re an 8th or 9th grader that one should take in order to start getting recognized?

 

 

It plays a big factor.  Recruiting boils down to 6 things:

1)  Measureables.  If you have them, great.  If not, there is still a place for you to play college football if the skill level is there, it's just more than likely not going to be D1 or maybe even D2.

2)  Film.  Good game tape matters.

3)  Camps.  It helps coaches fill in the gaps that maybe tape doesn't show like how coachable are you, body language when you lose a rep, etc.  It also helps them see you in person.  Sometimes in person performance, even though not always in pads, matters more than film.  Advice...go to the camps that you have a chance to get an offer.  Example:  If Kentucky Wesleyan is talking to you, but UK isn't, then don't waste your time going to UK's camp.  Also, Junior Days are important to attend.  Go to as many as these as you can.  There is no harm in doing that, but when you do go, make sure you listen and introduce yourself to as many coaches as possible.  Make sure you stand out in a good way.  if you're a middle school kid, I highly recommend doing things like FBU or KY Future Stars.  Those are great organizations and can help get your name out there and the exposure started.  Prep Redzone Next events are also good for MS kids.

4)  Character, grades & high school coach.  These play much more of a factor than people think.

5)  Stay active on social media, particularly X (Twitter).  Post clips of workouts, skill work, hi-lights, etc.  Coaches want to see what you're doing and they like to see those physical attributes they are looking for as well depending on the position.  

6)  Relationships.  This one is huge and the most difficult at the same time.  College coaches recruit many kids and many of them can blend in.  If you build a relationship with that coach, which can be difficult for a HS kid, you have a better chance to get a legitimate offer.  The other difficult part is college coaches are consistently changing schools, which makes it even more difficult.  Case in point, my son.  He wanted to stay within 4 hours or so from home when he went to college, which is great.  He had started to build relationships with multiple coaches at various schools and all were giving him serious consideration and even some offers, but in the matter of less than a year, this is what happened:

1)  DL coach for Miami  OH takes the DL job at Tulsa

2)  DL coach at Ball St. takes the DL job at Buffalo; DC at Ball St. takes the DC job at Boise St.

3)  DL coach at Youngstown St. takes the DE job at Air Force

4)  Almost the entire coaching staff at Austin Peay goes to UTEP.

5)  Safeties coach at Western Michigan (recruited Louisville area) takes the DC position at Gardner-Webb

6)  Almost the entire Murray St. staff left for various other positions when Coach Hood stepped down.

7)  Even the school he committed to, Eastern Illinois (b/c he has a good relationship with the HC, some other coaches on staff & some players on the team), lost their DL coach & also their DC to Southern Miss.

And people wonder why the transfer portal keeps blowing up.  Can't always blame the kids for that.

Anyway, every kid's journey is different.  The kids have to take an active role in their recruitment.  In the end, it's common for most situations to not work out.  That's ok, b/c all it takes is 1 opportunity and 1 situation to work out.  Through all of it, enjoy the ride and process.  Enjoy the camps and coaching you get from them, enjoy the facilities tours.  Enjoy the free college spring games or fall football games.  They've worked for that so enjoy it.

 

 

I once heard someone say when you have all the measaurables colleges look for it's not about proving you can play, you have to prove you can't play to lose offers. 

On 4/17/2024 at 8:52 PM, BillNye said:

I don’t know the criteria for a 3 star, 4 star, or even 5 star. But Javeon Campbell has offers from every school in the SEC along with Ohio St and ND. 

He is a dude for sure, his size doesn't hurt either at 6'5 260.

On 4/18/2024 at 9:49 PM, The_Bull44 said:

How big of a factor comes into play for high school players going to camps in the Spring & Summer time?  Does this elevate one’s status?  Is there a certain football circuit you have to be on in order to be recognized?

What are the right steps if you’re an 8th or 9th grader that one should take in order to start getting recognized?

 

 

Good Question, middle school kids particpate in camps like FBU, KY future stars. You perform well that creates the buzz..For H.S IMO the quicker a kid  plays on Friday nights the better. H.S summer camps, training, alway working on your craft. 

On 4/17/2024 at 8:52 PM, BillNye said:

I don’t know the criteria for a 3 star, 4 star, or even 5 star. But Javeon Campbell has offers from every school in the SEC along with Ohio St and ND. 

Committable offers?  

7 hours ago, FCREMSFC said:

Committable offers?  

I guess we will see.  He already  has official visits set up.  Probably not bringing him in on summer official visits if it isn't committable.

Brock Driver is a DUDE !  That's the post.  

On 4/23/2024 at 9:39 PM, BillNye said:

I guess we will see.  He already  has official visits set up.  Probably not bringing him in on summer official visits if it isn't committable.

I hear he's a great kid, wish him well. watching him play against quality opponents, shows he has a really long way to go with football. I think his offers right now, are based off his frame alone. Kid is big and moves well. hope he has a good season.