Tips for the College Recruiting Process

**This column appeared in the Argus Leader on Jan. 26, 2016.

If there is a question I am frequently asked by parents, it is about whether their child can play college football. Parents are hopeful that their kids can play at the college level, and they are generally attuned to the many challenges of getting to play college ball. Dealing with academics and college finances is part of the big picture, but with National Signing Day fast approaching, parents and athletes are focused on college recruiting.

The Argus Leader recently ran an article discussing the difficulties faced by high school athletes in rural areas or from smaller schools who want to play college ball. How do they get the opportunity to play college ball? What things can families do to assist the process? There are many things for parents and athletes to consider in their quest to play at the college level.

1) The time to focus is during an athlete’s sophomore or junior year of high school. Beware of programs touted for very young kids that promise opportunities for youth to get seen and recruited. They are often expensive and don’t deliver on the promise of college scholarships.

2) Recruiting services are "money-traps." Unless an athlete wants to go to schools on the East or West coasts, coaches will see your athlete. Even if an athlete wants to get out of the Midwest, it's possible to self-promote just as effectively as any recruiting agency. With the technology and other resources available to athletes, they can make sure that coaches see what they have to offer without having to pay thousands of dollars to an unknown agency.

3) College camps have become a recruiting camp in many senses, but it is still a very effective way to let coaches see athletes firsthand and see the skills that they offer. College camps can let the coaches assess talent compared with other athletes, and it gives the coaches a chance to get to know your athlete. If athletes are considering attending a big school, then they should expect a lot of kids at that school’s camp. Many athletes have the same aspirations, but it is still a great chance to be in front of the coaches. This is a much better option when compared to recruiting firms or camps that are purely for profit.

4) Only attend combines and recruiting events that will have active college coaches in attendance. Many combines and all-star games will promise that there will be college coaches in attendance, when in fact there will not be anyone present. Do not be afraid to ask coaches if they will be in attendance or if someone from their staff will be there.

5) High school coaches are great assets for the recruiting process. High school coaches will receive a great deal of literature from colleges. Make sure that your coach knows that you have a goal of playing college football and at what level. Coaches can also make it known to the college coaches what an athlete’s goals are, and they can assist you with getting "seen" by the college coaches.
Families have to consider travel and cost. Consider whether traveling to a college camp on the West Coast is going to be something that will help your recruiting process, or whether the camp is "just for the experience." There are a large number of camps and opportunities, and things can add up quickly. This is still on top of all the events that your high school team may be participating in, family events, and individual training. Set a budget and then map out the camps that you think will fit into that budget.

6) Make sure that you are taking the necessary steps to become an eligible athlete. Athletes need to perform well on their ACT test, possess a solid GPA, register with the Clearinghouse, develop a realistic financial aid plan and consider state or private schools. All of these are things families need to consider and plan for in the recruiting process.

The key to a positive and productive college recruiting process is to know what level of play is realistic for an athlete and then to find connections and opportunities to get seen by programs that would be a good fit. Remember, academics are the most important fit, and football is part of the bigger picture. Review your options, discuss with coaches, and plan ahead to find realistic and beneficial opportunities for your athlete.

Planning for College

This column also appeared in the Argus Leader on June 9, 2014.

One of the most common questions I am asked as a coach is whether or not a high school athlete has what it takes to play college football.

Every parent and athlete dreams of big scholarships to major Division I programs. Whether an athlete goes on to achieve that dream often depends on circumstances outside his control and comes down to whether or not he is a "fit" for a particular program or coaching staff.

The recruiting process is daunting. Without meaning to, athletes can end up missing opportunities to advance their education and to play the game they love. However with some planning and flexibility, athletes can achieve their goal of playing in college.

What can athletes do during their high school careers to get ready for college recruiting?

• Focus on academics: Grades are the No. 1 factor and can easily determine if schools will even look at you. Your grades in high school will determine the range of options for college. Will you be able to attend your major college of choice or will you be asking a program to take a chance on your success and let you walk on?

For most athletes, football will not last forever and you need to plan for a career. Your grades dictate your career options.

• Explore all levels: Don't just focus on major D-1 programs. Research all your options. Look at whether or not the college is somewhere you want to spend the next four or five years.

You may want to get away from home, but can you financially survive being away from home? Does the school offer the major you want to pursue? Is the coaching staff secure? Would you still like to be at the school if the staff changed? What are the school's graduation rates and job placement rates in your chosen field?

• Leave all options open, but be realistic: So many athletes refuse to look at recruiting letters from schools below D-1. They are enjoying great success in high school, and they don't talk with anyone other than premier programs. When signing day arrives and passes and they are asked to walk on, they have severely limited their options.

The goal for most athletes is to play in college. If only one D-2 school is talking to you then this may be a difficult level for you to be competitive. You may not even step on the field until your junior or senior year. Consider whether you are willing to put in the time required if your playing time will be limited. I strongly recommend athletes research all levels (NAIA, D-2, D1-AA and D-1) and go where they have the best chance to contribute to the program.

• Maximize experience and exposure: It is important for athletes to put together top-quality highlight tapes, but there is no substitute for being seen by college coaches. There are plenty of chances to attend recruiting combines and camps, and I strongly recommend you take advantage of those opportunities to be seen.

If coaches don't know anything about you, then you won't have a chance to go on playing. Take advantage of every chance to get better at your sport and to be seen playing.

• Work hard at everything you do: A solid work ethic is critical to playing in college. The entire college experience is demanding. Coaches want to know that you will give your best effort on the field, in the classroom, and to the program. What will your high school coaches and teachers say about your willingness to work? The recruit who is enthusiastic and works hard in every circumstance will have a better shot than one who was chronically late, absent, or lazy.

It is important for athletes to consider the total package when it comes to college football. Remember that many of the factors that improve your chance to play in college are things that will lead to your overall success. Dream big, work hard, explore your options, and remember: Plan for college, not just college football.

Florida State v. Auburn: Championship Preview

The BCS games this year have provided great and memorable football moments as we have watched some tremendous players from the best big programs in the nation compete in the bowl spotlight. As the BCS draws to a close, football fans are anticipating more of the same in a heated matchup between No. 1 Florida State vs No. 2 Auburn in the VIZIO BCS National Championship.

Florida State comes into this game as the nation’s only undefeated team at 13-0, and they won all of their games by at least 14 points.  Florida State is #1 in scoring at 53 points per game and #1 in points against at 10.7 points per game.  The Florida State offense is #14 in passing yards at 322.0/game and 23rd in rushing yards at 207.4/game.  

Auburn comes into the game with a 12-1 record and as champion of the SEC, which has won the past seven national championships.  Auburn Head Coach Gus Malzahn was the Offensive Coordinator under the previous team that won the title, and he has helped Auburn go from worst to first.  They are now one victory away from their second national title in four years.

While Auburn has had a magical season beating Georgia on a Hail Mary pass, then defeating Alabama with the “Kick Six” that ended the game in unbelievable fashion, they are not as balanced as Florida State with an offense that is #107 in passing at 169.6yards/game and 1st in rushing at 335.7 yards per game. Auburn has the 10th overall offense at 40.2 points per game and 38th defense at 24.0 points per game given up.

Nick Marshall, Auburn's QB, has been hot the last 4 games, rushing for 503 yards and 6 TD's while passing for a 163.5 passer rating, 4 TD's and no interceptions in the last 3 games.  Marshall needs to keep this trend in the Championship game. Auburn needs to control the ball and can not give FSU any turnovers.  This will be a very difficult task against the FSU defense. FSU has 16 different players with an INT, and they only allow 152.0 yards per game passing (#1 in the nation). FSU is just as good against the rush, only giving up 93 yards per game.

So if you are tuning in at 7:30 on January 6th, the key thing to watch is the matchup between Florida State's highly ranked defense and the nearly unstoppable Auburn run game. This is a great matchup, and it will be fun to see what schemes the teams have put in place and how both sides adjust their skills to excellent opponents. Auburn’s offense is #1 in rushing and revolves heavily around its rushing attack. They present a spread look, but it is more of a deception, because they want to spread out the defense and create space for their running game. Will Florida State have the players in the trenches that can take away seams and the large running lanes that Auburn has relied on to win?

If you haven't watched Jameis Winston play, this is your chance to see the redshirt-freshman Heisman Trophy winner in action. He has definitely been a difference-maker for the Florida State offense and has led his team to solid victories all season. A lot of pressure comes with winning the Heisman, so we will see if Winston handles the pressure of winning and traveling all over the country away from his team, losing out on film time, meetings, and practice time. There has not been a very high success rate for previous Heisman Trophy winners in big games after winning the award. This is also Winston's first full season of playing college football and he has really not been tested much since Florida State has won every game by more than 14 points. Will Auburn be able to put pressure on Winston and force him into poor decisions? So far, he has handled everything thrown at him this year and seems to have a very calm and collective demeanor that you do not see with most young players.

As with most big games, turnovers will likely be the deciding factor. Neither team wants to give the other team any extra possessions. Florida State has been very good this season in creating turnovers and staying at a +17 in the turnover margin. Florida State’s defense plays very fast and aggressive, and they force teams to make quick decisions that can easily lead to careless turnovers. Auburn is even on the season for their turnover ratio. They have not forced many turnovers this season and can ill afford to turn the ball over to the very explosive Florida State team. Auburn may not have forced many turnovers, but they have capitalized on some big ones in big games to find ways to win. Both of these teams are hoping to play mistake-free football, and whichever team manages the turnover factor best is likely to come out the winner of this game.

It looks to be another exciting National Championship game! Enjoy!

Rivalry Week

 The SDSU Jackrabbits will travel down to Vermillion this Saturday to play against their interstate rival the USD Coyotes. This game is a matchup of the 5-4 Jackrabbits vs. the 4-6 Coyotes. SDSU is still fighting for a playoff spot, and can not afford to slip up and lose another game this season. The Coyotes are looking to spoil the hopes of Jackrabbit fans by taking away any 2013 playoff hopes with a Coyote victory. So how do these teams stack up at this point in the season?

SDSU’s offense boasts the leading rusher in the conference (Zach Zenner at 137.2 yds/gm) and the second leading passer (Austin Sumner at 228.3 yds/game). SDSU is currently the #3 ranked scoring offense, and #4 in total offense at 378.6 yds/game. They only accumulate 38.8 yds/game in penalties, which is #1 in the conference, and they are also #1 in the conference in TO/Margin at +14. These numbers demonstrate the strengths of a solid football team, but they have been shaky in other areas this year. SDSU is 6th in the conference in scoring defense at 25.7 pts/game, and 8th in total defense at 394.8 yds/game. They have only sacked the QB 21 times this season, which is 6th in the conference.

While the Jackrabbits are showing strengths offensively, the Coyotes strengths are on the opposite side of the ball. USD is #1 in the conference in sacks at 31, they are 3rd in total defense at 328.7 yds/game, and 5th in scoring defense at 24 pts/game. USD’s offense has gone through a QB change, and it seems to be moving them in the right direction. Kevin Earl is now running the offense and will be the key to any success for the Coyotes. USD is currently 10th in scoring offense at 19.7 pts/game, but is 6th in rushing offense at 156 yds/game, and 3rd in the conference at TO/margin at +4.

If the statistics told the only story, it would appear that both teams have a solid shot if they play to their strengths. The intangible aspect of this game is that we will be watching an intense interstate rivalry game that is being played for bragging rights and also the chance to either continue a team’s playoff goals or to destroy a team’s playoff goals. We can safely throw out the stats on Saturday and focus on which team can ride the momentum and play with emotion, but still control their emotion enough to not hurt the team. SDSU has been very good this year in not hurting themselves with penalties or careless turnovers. The Jackrabbits will need these advantages playing in the Dakota Dome where the Coyotes have been playing very tough. USD has lost two games in the Dakota Dome this year, but the losses were to potential playoff teams, Youngstown and Montana. USD was leading in both games late in the 4th quarter, but they were simply not able to finish. The Coyotes will come into this rivalry game playing at high level, and they will need to be able to continue that high level of play through all four quarters.

The key to winning the game will be whether or not the Coyotes can continue to force turnovers against a team that does not turn the ball over very often. The Coyotes have 6 TO’s in the last two games and will need the same performance if they want to beat the Jackrabbits. It will be great to see how these teams match up in a packed and noisy Dakota Dome. Rivalry games bring intensity to the field and the overall atmosphere, and this game will certainly deliver! Here’s hoping for some great South Dakota football on Saturday!

NDSU vs. SDSU Round 2: Playoffs

All eyes in the Dakotas will be fixed on Fargo tomorrow for Round 2 of the playoffs when #1 Ranked NDSU (10-1) takes on #21 SDSU (9-3).

The teams met three weeks ago in the regular season, and I discussed the players and game plans at length in a previous blog post. That game ended with NDSU winning 20-17 and limiting SDSU to 209 yards of total offense. Tomorrow's game will be the 100th meeting of the teams, but their first ever playoff meeting. NDSU leads the series 54-40-5, but it's playoff time, and this will be a great challenge for both teams!

It is always difficult for teams to play multiple times, and these teams know each other well and are very similar in their style of play. So what should we watch for in this game? A battle. NDSU is playing great football right now. They currently lead the nation in time of possession at @ 35 minutes per game, and they are averaging 8.6 plays per series.

SDSU: They have to break the trend of NDSU's powerful defense by getting first downs, extending drives, eliminating mental mistakes, and establishing positive yards on 1st down. SDSU cannot put themselves in 3rd and long situations very often or the NDSU defense will walk off the field with a turnover. QB Austin Sumner must be willing to take what the defense gives him until they make a mistake, and then he must find a way to capitalize on that mistake.

Defensively, SDSU just cannot give up any big plays! NDSU will continue to pound at them with their run game and will hit short passes to extend their drives. But the difference maker for the NDSU offense has been the one or two big plays they complete each game. A swing in momentum, controlling field position and capitalizing with points is usually all the NDSU defense needs to get a win. SDSU's defense has to prevent any big plays and win 3rd down situations in order to take down NDSU.

NDSU: There are two things NDSU will hope to use: 1) Defense. NDSU wants to be able to let their defense dictate the pace of the game with 3 and outs, a couple of TO's, controlling field position and playing with a lead. This is what NDSU was able to do the first time the two teams played, and it was a successful strategy for them. 2) Crowd. NDSU will have a sold out crowd, and that creates a hostile and incredibly loud playing environment. The sell out will not be a surprise to SDSU, but it is still a very difficult atmosphere to handle. NDSU's defense has held 10 of the last 12 opponents under 250 total yards, and the crowd is a huge factor when they play at home.

It will be a great game. Enjoy!

The Race for the Heisman

We are nearing the end of the college season, and this year, there is a lot of discussion on who deserves to win the Heisman Trophy. It is worthy of discussion, as it’s the most prestigious award in college football and the field of candidates is somewhat unusual this year. Ultimately, the award gives recognition to the best player in the nation. But what makes someone the best player? Is it being a team leader? Being the best athlete? Being a play maker? All the athletes are very important to their team, and their teams would not have enjoyed their current level of success without them.  But this year, I think the Heisman will go to the best play maker!

This year has been a year like no other, in the sense that the dominant teams in the college rankings have not produced a clear favorite for the Heisman. The conversation this year includes some unique influences, such as youth and position. We have three QB's, including a redshirt freshman, a player on a team under sanctions, one WR and one defensive player. An unusual year, to say the least!

Here are my rankings for the Heisman Race: 

Marqise Lee

5. Marqise Lee (Sophomore, WR) USC 
He is extremely talented, but he may not even be the best WR on his own team. He will be a very good NFL receiver, but he will not be the Heisman winner.

Braxton Miller

4. Braxton Miller (Sophomore, QB) Ohio State
He led his team to an undefeated season, but cannot play for the Big 10 Title or participate in a bowl game. He was the heart and soul of the Ohio State team and made tremendous plays all season long. It will really hurt Miller that his team was left out of the national spotlight due to the sanctions on Ohio State. Look for him to have a huge impact next year.

Collin Klein

3. Collin Klein (Senior, QB) Kansas State 
He is a perfect fit in the style of offense that Kansas State runs. They are a no-nonsense type of offense that will take what you give them and will not force the issue. This is how Klein plays. He has very few turnovers and runs and passes well, but does not have anywhere near the "flash" of the other QB's in the race. Klein is the most consistent player, but his lack of pizzazz and Kansas State losing a game will hurt him.

Manti Te'o

2. Manti Te'o (Senior, LB) Notre Dame 
Te’o has made the most of this season’s amazing run for Notre Dame. Te’o is the only defensive player in the running and has put up some really impressive stats. Many people believe that he may not be the best LB in the nation as far as NFL caliber goes, but Te’o brings all the elements that you look for in a student athlete. He returned for his senior year, leads by example on and off the field, persevered through tragic family loss, continues to be a mainstay in the media spotlight and has led his team to an undefeated regular season with a chance at a national title. He is a tremendous leader, an outstanding football player,
and extremely popular with fans and media. All that said, I think he will be the runner up.

Johnny Manziel

1. Johnny Manziel (Redshirt Freshman, QB) Texas A&M 

Manziel = Mr. Excitement. It is Texas A&M's first year in the SEC, and they have accumulated a 10-2 record and defeated #1 Alabama at Alabama. No one would have predicted that level of success, and no one would have predicted that a freshman would be the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy. Manziel has set a new record for total yards in a season in the SEC, which was held by Cam Newton and 2nd was Tim Tebow. (Both Heisman winners.) He will be the first freshman to win the award and it is well-deserved.  He is the best  

                                                           player and play maker in the college football ranks for 2012. 

College Game to Watch: NDSU vs. SDSU

Area football fans are watching the SD High School championship games this weekend, but if you can take a break from high school to tune into a great area college game, check out SDSU traveling to NDSU on Saturday.

Marcus Williams

Both teams are playing well, and (#16) SDSU is 7-2 while (#1) NDSU is 8-1 on the season. The winner of this game will sit atop the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and SDSU needs to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive.

NDSU's defense is #1 in scoring and fuels their tremendous success. Marcus Williams is arguably one of the best corners in 1-AA football, and many believe he is already NFL ready. He has limited opportunities to make plays because most teams (wisely) throw away from him, but he will take advantage of any chances he is given. NDSU's offense has a very balanced attack, and they will try to run the ball to wear down SDSU's defense and throw quick 3-step drop passes to help avoid turnovers.

Austin Sumner

SDSU ranks #7 in scoring defense, and QB Austin Sumner is very athletic and has the ability to take a game over with big plays. He needs to make the easy throws in this game and keep a balanced offense so that NDSU can't key on SDSU's running game. RB Zach Zenner is the leading rusher in the Football Championship Subdivision with an average 166 yds/game. SDSU's challenge today is to come off the field with points whenever they get in the red zone. That is something NDSU does not allow very often. 

The game is expected to be sold out, and the crowd noise could definitely have an impact on SDSU. NDSU needs to feed off the crowd and play the field position game, and SDSU needs to minimize turnovers and capitalize on opportunities against NDSU's stout defense. Watch to see how NDSU's big offensive line fares against a solid SDSU D-line...that will make a difference in the game. Whichever offense can take care of the ball but also make big plays when given the chance will definitely have the advantage.

 It should be a great college football game. Enjoy!

College Game to Watch: Clemson vs. Florida State

While it is not a game that receives much exposure in our neck of the woods, the Clemson-Florida State game is definitely one that is worth watching this weekend. Both teams have converted to more conventional style offenses over the past two years that allow them to keep the defense guessing by using the entire field via the run or the pass. Both teams have QB's that can hurt a defense equally with their arm or their feet. Both teams also currently have their eyes on winning the Atlantic Division, and whichever team loses tomorrow will have a much tougher shot at that goal.

Things to watch in this game:

1. Tempo:  Clemson will try to wear down Florida State's talented defense with an up-tempo offense.  Look for Clemson QB, Tajh Boyd, to utilize his legs and a quick screen game to keep the FSU defense off balance.  If Clemson can keep from getting behind, that strategy may pay off in the 4th quarter.

2. Athletes:  Both teams are extremely athletic at all positions, but Clemson might have one of the most talented offenses from top to bottom in the country.  QB Tajh Boyd is a playmaker, and his team is counting on his ability to make things happen for their no-huddle, hurry up offense.  Meanwhile, FSU's defense has only given up 3 points in 3 games. How will the two powerhouses match up? Should be fun to find out!

3. Home Crowd:  With the high hopes of winning a National Championship in Tallahassee this year, FSU will provide an extremely hostile atmosphere for opposing teams all season. Expect a big game like this one to produce an especially big crowd.  The FSU tomahawk chop will be in full effect on Saturday. How will Clemson handle the pressure?

4. Special Teams: With a predicted showdown in the trenches, Special Teams could easily be a determining factor in the outcome of this game. Both teams have speed and talent that can return a punt or kick for a game changing touchdown.  Watch for them both to attempt to break "big plays" with Special Teams.  Florida State fans are always worried about a possible "wide right" situation, but the return game will likely be a deciding factor.

5. Defense:  FSU is touted as the best defense in the country. Clemson's high-powered offense will be their first true test of that statement.  Look for FSU's defensive line to relentlessly hit and attempt to take down Clemson's QB throughout the game. FSU's defense is always the catalyst for their team, so they will be looking to create turnovers to spark their team's performance. If FSU can keep constant pressure on Clemson's QB and deliver consistent hits, they will lead the QB to get rid of the ball quickly...and that could deliver the turnovers FSU desires.