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Post by iacoachq on Jan 21, 2010 12:13:42 GMT -6
I have an OL/DL player that I've coached the last two years that has been going through the recruiting process this last season. He's an FCS/D-II recruit. Some top tier FCS schools have come inquiring about him, but no scholly offers. Majority of D-II's have offered him.
Most recently his dream school came calling. An FCS one. This college also happens to be my first coaching gig and my alma mater. They offered him a regular walk-on with a promise to give him a preferred walk-on by July. No, scholly.
This is where my dilemma begins. I love this school. I love the coaching staff. I've worked with most everyone there including the guy who's recruiting him and the person who will be his position coach. They are consistently rated in the Top 5 and have won over half the conference titles during the last 20 years.
I've also recruited there. My player doesn't fit their usual mold. They look for the 6-5 plus 290 plus o-linemen. And they get them. They want my player, but he is only 6-2, 270. He's got a hell of a frame to build on, strong as an ox, amazing footwork and a mean streak you can't teach. Their only issue on him is size.
I've grown a good bond with this player also. Probably more than any other coach on the team. He's confided me many times through the process. I've told him from day one to think about this decision. Make sure you've weighed every option available and be 100% sure.
That was before this week when my alma mater came calling though. I know my player has what it takes to make it with this school, but I don't know if he'll be guaranteed a true shot at making it. Where as he has some darn good offers from top notch, national title competing D-2 schools.
I'm torn as what to say to him. I don't want to steer him in any direction and I won't do that. I told him upfront anything about my school is going to be biased obviously. But they are a great school, great campus, great academics, and amazing football.
I guess I'm wondering how some of you vets would handle this? I'm all ears now.
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Post by phantom on Jan 21, 2010 12:21:38 GMT -6
If you had no emotional attatchment could you in good conscience advise a player to walk on as opposed to taking a schollie?
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Post by Coach JR on Jan 21, 2010 12:26:01 GMT -6
My best advice, and it's worth what you paid for it...
Answer ALL the kid's questions honestly, but attempt to refrain from steering him one way or the other. You might want to "enlighten" him about what's what...like "if you go DII, you got enough size and talent to be a starter, and maybe a star...if you choose to try FCS, then you have an uphill battle becaue of your size, but it can be done." (Not saying those should be your exact words, and you know him better than anyone...but IMHO, honesty, and guidence given in HIS BEST INTERESTS, NOT YOURS OR YOUR ALMA MATER'S, is the best way to go.)
JMHO, YMMV.
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Post by fatkicker on Jan 21, 2010 12:26:48 GMT -6
hard to pass up the guaranteed money......
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Post by easye17 on Jan 21, 2010 12:39:52 GMT -6
Why don't you just tell him what you wrote there? Tell him your experience at the school and what he would look at vs what he could have at D II
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Post by iacoachq on Jan 21, 2010 12:40:47 GMT -6
I have talked to him in-depth about the scholly and no scholly issue. Having that money makes a huge difference in life and I agree with that. Everything I've told him so far has been 100% the truth and the thought process has always been in his benefit. I'm perfectly happy with my life and what I do, so I have no reason to live through him.
I guess I figured I'd get the truth and honesty responses. I agree with them 100% and it's about the only way you could go on this. The kid's heart has been set on this school. Honestly, he would probably go here over the two FBS's around. I just want to make sure I don't steer him away from money, but also his heart. I don't want to be too influential I guess, but I'm not going to deny him advice when I have experience on that level. I remember seeing and hearing of coaches steering kids while I was recruiting. I thought that stuff was shady as heck and you could tell some kids weren't happy with their decisions.
I think I've gotten what I needed so far. If anyone has anything else please do respond. Thank you guys who have already. You're advice, whether big or small has been great.
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Post by John Knight on Jan 21, 2010 12:43:23 GMT -6
Well, it was 30 years ago but that was me. Only reason my dad's alma mater diidn't offer me a ride was my size 6'2 275 and played FB my senior year. Was recruited as OL/DL. I took the money because my parents could not afford to send me to the 1AA school (FCS today). That team played for a national champioship that year 79 and was the best years of their history. I still never regretted my choice and started for 3 years at the NAIA school in the WVIAC which are all Div II now. My best memories and friends are connected to that place. So it all comes down to what is more important to him. To me it was finacial mostly but also driven by the fact that I wanted to play. I felt I had the better chance to play at a place where the coaches had made a financial investment in me. I was on a full scholly so I was treated better than some of the other recruits and got more of a shot to play. When my opportunity came, I was ready. Not sure I would have gotten that opportunity as a walk on. My son is a 6'1 sophomore that has started for two years for me and will be in the same boat. He will go where he is wanted, not where I would like for him to go.
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Post by Coach JR on Jan 21, 2010 13:20:59 GMT -6
I have talked to him in-depth about the scholly and no scholly issue. Having that money makes a huge difference in life and I agree with that. Everything I've told him so far has been 100% the truth and the thought process has always been in his benefit. I'm perfectly happy with my life and what I do, so I have no reason to live through him. I guess I figured I'd get the truth and honesty responses. I agree with them 100% and it's about the only way you could go on this. The kid's heart has been set on this school. Honestly, he would probably go here over the two FBS's around. I just want to make sure I don't steer him away from money, but also his heart. I don't want to be too influential I guess, but I'm not going to deny him advice when I have experience on that level. I remember seeing and hearing of coaches steering kids while I was recruiting. I thought that stuff was shady as heck and you could tell some kids weren't happy with their decisions. I think I've gotten what I needed so far. If anyone has anything else please do respond. Thank you guys who have already. You're advice, whether big or small has been great. Hey, if the kid wants to play there, and has told you that, help him realize that dream if you can. Getting a ride might not be the #1 factor for this kid or his parents. If it's not, that's cool too. |
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Post by bleefb on Jan 22, 2010 12:34:04 GMT -6
Obviously we are all human, but I think you have to treat things exactly the way you did before your alma mater got involved. Otherwise you start acting like a parent and lose objectivity. That's not a criticism, it's natural. All of a sudden you have a rooting interest and that changes things. Help him decide what is in HIS best interest, as was mentioned above.
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Post by wingtol on Jan 22, 2010 12:34:48 GMT -6
We had a player in a situation like this a few years ago. Wanted to go D-1 and had a few schools sniffing around, Pitt wanted him to walk on and their DC at the time liked him but that was as far as he got with D-1's. All of the local D-2's wanted him and offered him. Thing I told him that an old coach once told me about college ball was Go where they want you. If they are so-so on you then it may not be the best situation for you.
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