This time every year I'm always surprised by the amount of high school football players from this area that commit to play at small D3 & NAIA schools. Unless you just absolutely love football & can't imagine not playing a few more years, I don't see the benefit. What do you all think?

 

As I see it:

 

Pros: get to play football a few more years, comradery w/ peers, an excuse to stay in shape, takes up spare time - less chance for getting in trouble.

 

Cons: very large time drain from academics, likelihood of severe injury, likelihood of wear & tear on joints that will limit physical activity later in life, little to no fan support from student body (often much less than in HS), very little recognition outside of own program.

 

With a sport like baseball where the likelihood of sustaining injuries that will hinder later-life activity is much lower, I guess I can see it. But with football, I just don't see the upside.

This time every year I'm always surprised by the amount of high school football players from this area that commit to play at small D3 & NAIA schools. Unless you just absolutely love football & can't imagine not playing a few more years, I don't see the benefit. What do you all think?

 

As I see it:

 

Pros: get to play football a few more years, comradery w/ peers, an excuse to stay in shape, takes up spare time - less chance for getting in trouble.

 

Cons: very large time drain from academics, likelihood of severe injury, likelihood of wear & tear on joints that will limit physical activity later in life, little to no fan support from student body (often much less than in HS), very little recognition outside of own program.

 

With a sport like baseball where the likelihood of sustaining injuries that will hinder later-life activity is much lower, I guess I can see it. But with football, I just don't see the upside.

 

If anything, playing football at a challenging school prepared me better for life after football then just being a normal student. The time management skills that I learned were invaluable. Additionally, I don't see a "drain" from academics. As for is it worth it??? That's an individual judgment. I strongly believe that it was. For many of us, you only get until the age of 18 to play football. Those extra four years of doing what I truly enjoyed were awesome. I loved being part of a team. I loved being on the field (I still hated practice). If you are looking for recognition and glory, you won't get it at a DIII school or NAIA unless you are an All-American. However, you get to do what you love for a bit longer. You have the rest of your life to get fat and drink beer. You only have a finite time to play football.

If anything, playing football at a challenging school prepared me better for life after football then just being a normal student. The time management skills that I learned were invaluable. Additionally, I don't see a "drain" from academics. As for is it worth it??? That's an individual judgment. I strongly believe that it was. For many of us, you only get until the age of 18 to play football. Those extra four years of doing what I truly enjoyed were awesome. I loved being part of a team. I loved being on the field (I still hated practice). If you are looking for recognition and glory, you won't get it at a DIII school or NAIA unless you are an All-American. However, you get to do what you love for a bit longer. You have the rest of your life to get fat and drink beer. You only have a finite time to play football.

 

Great post. :thumb:

If anything, playing football at a challenging school prepared me better for life after football then just being a normal student. The time management skills that I learned were invaluable. Additionally, I don't see a "drain" from academics. As for is it worth it??? That's an individual judgment. I strongly believe that it was. For many of us, you only get until the age of 18 to play football. Those extra four years of doing what I truly enjoyed were awesome. I loved being part of a team. I loved being on the field (I still hated practice). If you are looking for recognition and glory, you won't get it at a DIII school or NAIA unless you are an All-American. However, you get to do what you love for a bit longer. You have the rest of your life to get fat and drink beer. You only have a finite time to play football.

Nice post and I would agree with your assessment even though I do not have personal experience.

 

The kids playing at small schools have a true appreciation for the game of football.

If anything, playing football at a challenging school prepared me better for life after football then just being a normal student. The time management skills that I learned were invaluable.

 

Very good point. I can definitely see that.

DIII and NAIA schools are too expensive and unless you intend on getting a "special" education, it mis most likely not worth it. Some have the desire to continue playing past their final game in HS. Mostly everyone will always have the, "what ifs". But as said before, it is truly up to the individual.

In all honesty, small school football is often more of what kids re looking for.

 

At the DI and DI-AA levels, it is a job, plain and simple. Very few, if any, kids are prepared for the rigors and time consumption of top level college football. More over, almost none are prepared for the impersonal cut-throat nature of the game employed by the big boys. Coaches DON"T care about you at the DI-A level unless you are producing on the field.

 

At smaller schools like Centre, Campbellsville, and those of similar make-ups, there is a much more "family" like atmosphere. You aren't just a number on a roster and your value to the team and school isn't just measured in yards gained or total tackles.

NAIA schools offer athletic scholarships and most have very high academic standards and prestige. I don't think playing football and getting some money for school along with it would ever be a waste of time.

How about the money? Now some are going to say the D3 schools can't give football scholarships, but many do find you some other money if you are playing football. NAIA schools can give scholarships, or at least find some money for you if you are playing football.

 

But, I would say for many it just about the experience of playing college football, it is what it is, some get involved in fraternities, some get involved in academic clubs, and some get involved in sports, its about the college experience. How many people can say they played college football?

It is and was totally worth it for me. I could only image if I didn't. Over coming that challenge only helped my confidence in all areas. The friends I made, the places I traveled and memories are priceless. I can tell you good evidence of why it is worth it. I see the guys who gave up or never went to play...the either never finished their degree or just flat out feel the "what if" guilt.

Goals:

Get my family's first college degree - Check

Play 4 years of football -Check

Get a career - Check

Walk around with my head held high - Priceless

 

What a pessimitic thread. Hope this helps players that was on the fence. If you want to play football then do not let anything stop you.

I played at Saint Xavier and then at Centre for four years. I was ready for football to be finished when I played my last high school game, but I started getting the "itch" a few weeks later.

 

After my last college game, I was prepared to let my playing days go.

 

I HIGHLY recommend playing as long as possible.

 

I actually think the original post that suggested "it's not worth it" is ridiculous. All the things that make High School football "worth it" are still present at the college level. In the case of small colleges, football is pure. It's not about money, fans or an agenda. It's about the game.

 

It's true that a few hundred or thousand fans might be the largest crowd you see at games, but do most people strap on a helmet at 10 years old for the fans?

 

Why play small college football?

Why play in High School?

Why even pick up a helmet at all?

 

The injury scenario is present at all levels of football, and many other sports too.

 

When I went to Centre, football demanded 3-4 hours a day, 6 days a week (in season) so the "commitment level" is similar to Major College football.

 

However, I do believe my coaches cared about me and I still have a wonderful relationship with almost everyone of them.

 

If you ever want to coach football, I suggest playing small college ball, even if you don't get on the field. From what I witnessed, anyone could be on the team, but you had to be pretty dern good to see playing time. Playing at the next level really helps you understand the cerebral side of the game much more. I think it should be a prerequisite for anyone who wants to coach football.

 

And what better way to stay committed to your school work and academic requirements? If you go D-3 or NAIA you WILL graduate in 4 years and you will probably get better grades because you have a support network of teammates (or 100 best friends right off the bat) that keep you focused.

 

In fact, I would argue those players who "walk on" or don't see playing time at larger universities should strongly consider small college ball. They would get to play football, instead of watching their friends play in front of 50K people and they would graduate in 4 years with a tremendous educational experience. I did not say tremendous education on purpose, because your education is what you make of it and you can get a great education anywhere that offers college level classes.

 

Since the NFL is all about 40 times, shuttle runs times, vertical jump and bench press reps of 225 lbs....a player that is good enough to play can make it not matter where he goes to school. See Pierre Garcon for The Colts if you have any doubts.

 

At Centre, I traveled abroad to Jamaica where I had an internship at Red Stripe, had another summer internship after my junior year, traveled to Germany to play a semi-professional football team before my senior season, served as a PAID residence assistant and residence director for my last three years and walked across the stage to receive a degree that I earned in four years with professors who knew my first and last name and who stood in line and applauded all the seniors who worked so diligently over that time.

 

I have 3 friends who were offered jobs right out of college from alumni of Centre "just because they were part of the family".

 

My point isn't about Centre or me. It is to say that overlooking the opportunity to play football or even attend a small college could be a mistake.

 

Yeah, my left ankle gets a little stiff when winter comes around because I had a high ankle sprain playing college football, but it was a small price to pay for all the blessings that I received along the way.

I loved playing in high school. I loved playing in college at the 1-AA level. I would still play if anyone would give me the chance. There was no downside for me personally. I loved my coaches, I loved the team and I loved the atmosphere.

 

There is no right or wrong answer. If you want to play, it is worth it. If you don't think that it is, don't play- you will probably only be a detrement to the team anyway.

 

I have had both the expereince of being a student athlete and just being a college student. Both have challenges. Both have advantages. This is simply up to the individual as to which experience is "worth it".

How about the money? Now some are going to say the D3 schools can't give football scholarships, but many do find you some other money if you are playing football. NAIA schools can give scholarships, or at least find some money for you if you are playing football.

 

But, I would say for many it just about the experience of playing college football, it is what it is, some get involved in fraternities, some get involved in academic clubs, and some get involved in sports, its about the college experience. How many people can say they played college football?

 

Absolutely. They don't give out true athletic scholarship money, but it's funny how they find additional academic money for you (as long as your have a solid enough academic backbround to justify it). :sssh: :lol:

Absolutely. They don't give out true athletic scholarship money, but it's funny how they find additional academic money for you (as long as your have a solid enough academic backbround to justify it). :sssh: :lol:

 

Very solid post. People would be surprised how much athletes get from different grants. If you look at a D3 school where athletics are important kids are getting money for football, it may not say football beside is on paper but you know that is what it is for. I have been told by many D3 players and people close to colleges "if they want you bad enough they will find money for you"

Absolutely. They don't give out true athletic scholarship money, but it's funny how they find additional academic money for you (as long as your have a solid enough academic backbround to justify it). :sssh: :lol:

 

Very solid post. People would be surprised how much athletes get from different grants. If you look at a D3 school where athletics are important kids are getting money for football, it may not say football beside is on paper but you know that is what it is for. I have been told by many D3 players and people close to colleges "if they want you bad enough they will find money for you"

Exactly. We, at Raceland, have had quite a few players play at the D3 level, and they do find you money. Like sackmaster said, it may not say football scholarship beside it, but football was a contributing factor in getting that money. Plus, tutors, study groups, and academic oversight is provided for most of the football players at the D3 level.

 

We have also had multiple players play at the NAIA level, and receive some football money, and some "other" money to end up making a pretty nice package deal that did not cost the player's family much money, and did not require the student/athlete to take out student loans.