In a perfect world, teenagers would make sound decisions that are well thought out and the rewards or ramifications have been evaluated. However, we don’t live in that world, so the best positive adults can do is continue to educate them. Below are a few issues that can dent a player’s recruitment. The issues are not limited to the ones listed below.
#1 THE ACADEMIC HOLE
Over and over again adults involved in the recruiting process (school faculty members, coaches and parents) preach the importances of a strong academic foundation for prospective student athletes. Primarily for two reasons; A) They don’t want kids to leave high school as idiots B) They want the kids to take the path of least resistance. The path of least resistance is that path with few roadblocks not to prevent college colleges from recruiting an athlete. It starts with a solid academic foundation. Bad grades don’t just happen over night. Starts early and continues to the point where students dig themselves in a deep hole early in their high school academic career and attempt to climb their way out once college football is within their grasp. By that time, it could be too late. Parents have a responsibility to consistently track their child’s academic progress. With the technological resources available, it is dang near impossible for parents not to know their child’s academic standing. Freshman and sophomore years are crucial. The first four semesters of a child’s high school academic career can set him/her up for success or troubles. Take notice that the New eligibility standards starting in 2016 will challenge high school athletes to become better students in order to play Division 1 college sports as a freshman.
Read in detail HERE
#2 SOCIAL MEDIA CHARACTER
Every kid puts on their best face in front of college coaches. Whether in person or over the telephone, kids will always make a good impression when speaking with college coaches. It’s when they are not in the presence of a college coach which can become an issue. The content posted, shared, liked and commented on social media tend to reveal more character than in person. Many college football staffs have a member(s) that is responsible to monitor the social media activity of each prospect that is a potential recruit.
A Few Ways How Prospects Can Use Social Media (Posting, liking, sharing, commenting on)
– Accomplishments and rewards
– Updates on workout achievements and goals
– Family and Sports images
– Team Goals and activities
– Sports statistics
– Pressing Social issues
– Other interests
A Few Ways Prospects Should Not Use Social Media (Posting, liking, sharing, commenting on)
– Nudity
– Fighting imagines or videos
– Offensive or racially motiving comments
– Private conversations
– Criticizing teammates or coaches
This is just one of many examples. See HERE
#3 HORROR FILMS
Highlight films are so important and how the film is organized can make or break a prospects recruitment. Professional services such as SunShine Preps do wonders for kids with how a good highlight film can really HIGHLIGHT a prospect. If a good player has bad film, the prospect’s evaluation may not be a good reflection of his talent level.
#4 WORD ON THE STREET
Unfortunately, bad news travels much faster than good news. The college football coaches circle is huge. Many coaches know each other and even share notes on potential prospects. If word gets out of a character issue with a potential prospect, it will spread like wildfire. Once a player gets red flagged for character issues that can stem from school building behavior, bad practice habits, legal issues or social media post, that prospect could have a very difficult time overcoming that hurdle.