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Since you've chosen to read this, I can only assume that my first review of recruiting didn't scare you away. Congratulations to us both!
Let's step things up a bit. The two topics we'll cover today are a more in-depth prospect review and where to recruit for maximum happy-time football success. Don't worry, there are pretty visual aids.
- Focused Prospect Review a.k.a. The Two Main Drils
We talked about getting a better idea of how good a recruit actually is aside from looking at star rankings. Now we're going to narrow your focus even more to the point where people will question why you're not a recruiting coordinator in a snotty tone!
The first thing I want to impart is something that will likely go against everything you're told when following recruiting. The 40-yard dash is a crap measurement and you should stop paying attention to it.
Why? Nevermind how many offensive or defensive linemen you're going to see running 40 yards downfield in a straight line, wide receivers don't always run 40-yard streak routes. What drills should you pay attention to? I use two: The shuttle drill and 10-yard dash:
If the coach's description didn't tell you all that this drill provides us with, the execution should. As you can see, it's a bit more complicated than simply running.
Referencing the 10-yard dash, obviously how much ground literally any player on the football field can cover in 10 yards is going to tell you far more about their initial burst and speed than 40.
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Recruiting 101
* Part One* Part Three |
The 40-yard dash is like the word "disestablishmentarianism." It looks pretty and is fun to use, but doesn't really provide much overall substance.
Now that you've got two new drills to focus on, it's time to go recruit hunting.
- Finding Your Ideal Prospect
Where do most schools look for the best recruits? This handy chart from ESPN gives us an idea.
When it comes down to it, the main areas are pretty easy to remember (listed in descending order of studness):
1A, B and C. California, Texas and Florida ("The Big Three")
4. Everywhere else
To break it down further, and in a more familiar sense, let's look at where players currently in the Big Ten were reeled in from (credit: Reddit.com).
Now that you know where the largest deposits of college football ammunition reside, let's go back to the offer lists mentioned in part one.
If a player's offered by every school and their brother, chances are they're pretty good. If some big schools want a guy, but mostly middle-tiers like the MWC, MAC, etc. offer them, that may cause an eyebrow to rise.
If only one or two big boys want him and maybe a couple of mid-to-low-tiers, something's up.
What does this usually mean? Grade problems.
Nine times out of ten, there's a good chance this guy won't qualify and is JUCO-bound. That's not always the case and even if it is, some schools are willing to take that risk. Look at Nebraska's recent efforts with Braylon Heard and Charles Jackson, for example.
There's one more lesson before I can print out and laminate your Recruiting 101 completion certificate. Bring a note pad and a trash bag. Things are going to get dirty.
Any questions or comments on/about any of the above information? Leave them below.