Here is what kids with talent who are missed means. I am talking about the kid how has a good tape solid in the upscale dept. qualifies in the grades dept but because he has not yet filled out body wise or may be only a one year starter and some universities want impact and or ready made players instead of doing some development. These schools go in a different direction or that A school did not know about a kid until after the fact for whatever reason and missed out. This DOES happen. Am I saying that player sould be D1...only if he is. If not then that player needs to see what his options and his ability can get him. What I have witnessed is players who CAN play D1/D1 subdivision ball and because his talent was everything but a inch taller and 10lbs. heaver land him in DII. If you think I am kidding ask you self this question...Why do JUCO's not go out of business?! Or for that fact "Prep Schools"? In some cases its grades...in others it is because some thought that he does not fit our mold. However, between a half a year to two years SOME (not all) get a shot. But this for THAT player could have been time well spent learning at that university their system and developing against better talent and arguably better coaching.
In regards to talent in Williamson County, I do believe that the talent is there and can be developed into something special. The same can be said for Metro or Chat. or pick your place (Alcoa or Maryville anyone?) Within reason, with solid numbers, and a good support system athletically and academically. The bigger problem is not a shortage of athletes in a number of cases it is the shortage of athletes who qualify ACADEMICALLY! This is not a shot being taken on Williamson county or Metro but a general fact accross the board. Players with talent, tape, and grades get in when and if someone is working! The catch is working those who have these credentials and improving and increasing the number of athletes who have these credentials.
In regards to high numbers here is my question what do you call high numbers? My Idea my be different than yours. You also have to remember that if a program is not strong football wise you cannot expect "numbers" . Getting kids in who EARN a chance is my big thing. If they do their part sould not others do their part? If not why play TEAM sports?
One other thing here is what you said and I quote you Swami " If there are so many kids running around Williamson county that are D1 or even D2 talent, why are there so many out of state kids on Vandy, UT, MU, MTSU, UTC, etc. etc.?"
ANSWER:
1. Grades: Does this player qualify academically? Talent but no grades equals no scholarship or opportunity at the next level! There is plenty of talent that does not clear the clearinghouse!
2. Recruting: Coaching staffs have pipelines and connections accross the country. Be limited or limitless?
3. Player choice: Some players DO NOT WANT TO STAY IN STATE!
4. Players are not getting exposed or pushed: Some coaches MAY not be good at evaluation, presenting their players, building relationships, or staying on top of the game in regards to getting their kids in. For some coaches this is not high on their list of things to do and for SOME that IS A FACT!
5. Are players being developed at the H.S. level to play at the next level? What do Universitys use to "sell" their program...The ability to get you the coaching and experience to have an OPPORTUNITY at a shot at the next level!
6. What is that university looking for that year? If you do not have but only ten contacts at the next level and you only send tape to ten schools you may not see a player play on Sat. on the next level if you only have wide outs and your contacts are looking for linebackers! You have great players but you dont have a place for them to go. This goes back to the exposure point!
7. What type of relationships do coaches have with other coaches? Sometimes it is who you know! You should know that!
8. How many D1, D1 sub. division, DII, DIII, NAIA, JUCO's are there Swami in the US? How many players are there in Williamson county? Do the math... But that means someone has to actually WORK!
9. You and I are for the most part on the same page Swami. How do I know? Because this is what you said in another thread...and I quote
"High school coaches usually build relationships with college coaches and scouts. College coaches come to respect the opinion of HS coaches based on a fair and honest assessment of their athletes. A lot of uninformed people think that HS coaches should be pushing to get their kids into college programs, which only on the surface is true. However, if a HS coach touts a player, and the player is a bust at the next level, the college coach doesnt come back to that well any more, and the possibility of a kid who really can play at the next level can be missed because of an overzealous hs coach trying to get his players into college programs. HS coaches have to be very careful and very honest with their recommendations to college coaches.
Its a mutual thing between hs and college coaches.
If an hs athlete is wanting to get to the next level, he needs to talk to his coach. Find out where he needs to improve, what it takes at the next level, train and play as hard as he can, hope he has enough natural talent, and keep his grades up. HS coaches are pretty good at knowing what next level (D1, D2, etc.) a kid can play at. When a matching program puts out the word that they are looking for a position or player, then the hs coach may have someone in mind.
I assume we are not talkig about the 4 and 5 star athletes...they advertise themselves by their ability and level of play, no matter the coach or program they play for. "
My point? The devil is in the details! (See points 1-8 and above commentary.) /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />
Swami, I am going to let you have the last word here. I have said my say. I am only here and interested in INDY's improvement (on this thread). I believe that INDY is going to improve and be a legit and serious player in 09! The schedule in rough and they need to get serious so they can get wins and make a run! All this other stuff is fun to say "this,that,who, what, where is" but even you know winning solves a lot of problems! Winning solves who goes where or if they can go for the most part IF that player qualifies academically!
School is now out Boys and Girls!
-Say hello...to the BADGUY!
