College football recruiting has always been big business. The goal has never changed; land the nation’s best players. The methods may differ, the approach can change, but to continually compete in big time BCS college football, you must develop an edge.

Some programs have been penalized in the past for their methods or involvement for illegal recruiting tactics, no need to smear names. But, it happens more often than fans may think.

Offering automobiles, housing or other monetary benefits are not as prevalent or at least the practice is not as sloppy. But, schools still put the full court press on potential prospects in order to attract them to their institution and football program.

The most recent trend are the new uniforms teams have advertised in the past few years, probably sparked by the Oregon Ducks and their outlandish and stylish game day attire. The Ducks have not been a football program that was built on wins. The tradition was not very deep or strong. But Nike and Oregon started a new tradition and have formed a competitive advantage over their opponents. The uniforms have attracted many of the nation’s top prospects and at the same time formed a media circus bringing all kinds of positive attention to the university and football program. Many would say there is a direct correlation between Oregon’s on the field success and their relationship with Nike.

Under Armour has quickly taken over many college football locker rooms, becoming more and more prevalent and popular amongst high school football prospects. But, how big of a recruiting tool are these high tech, high price, flashy, fancy, unique and stylish uniforms?

A few of our Tampa Bay Area athletes answered a few questions for me. Jefferson’s highly recruited defensive end, Tyriq McCord; Jesuit’s 2013 multi talented Travis Johnson; USF commit, Reyshawn Jenkins (Admiral Farragut) and up and coming Bay Area stud, Rodney Adams (Lakewood) all answered some of my recruiting questions to see how much of an impact these new uniforms are making.

BCP: Are you a fan of most of the new Nike and Under Armour college football uniforms?

Johnson: Yes, they are fashion statements. I also see them as being a distraction to your opponent.

McCord: Yes, new era and new look for teams. Could be a fresh start for some programs.

Jenkins: Yes, they look nice and are fitted.

Adams: Yes, new style, new look!

BCP: How much would these new uniforms impact your interest in those particular schools with the new uniforms vs. other programs without?

Johnson: Not a lot. You still want to go to a school where you and your team will succeed. But, it doesn’t hurt look good.

McCord: Not too much.

Jenkins: A lot actually! If you look good, you feel good and you play good!

Adams: Doesn’t play a big part.

BCP: Oregon does not have a strong tradition of winning, but they have revolutionized recruiting and marketing of college football programs. Is tradition or evolution more important to you when evaluating particular schools you might be interested in?

Johnson: Tradition, it’s more important to win.

McCord: Evolution, it interests me to be a part of something new, instead of being constantly compared to players of the past.

Jenkins: Tradition, it can make or break a program.

Adams: Tradition helps to attract the best recruits and shows that a team has been successful for a long time.

BCP: Many of the top college football programs either wear Nike or Under Armour, which are both competing in this “new uniform era”. Which brand do you prefer and what Nike and Under Armour team uniform do you like the most.

Johnson: Nike, I feel more comfortable in Nikes. This is a big deal to me. I will be taking this into consideration when the time comes.
Nike Uniform – Oregon
Under Armour – Hawaii

McCord: Nike. I have been Nike my whole life and haven’t really worn Under Armour.
Nike Uniform – Miami
Under Armour – South Florida

Jenkins: Nike, but would not mind wearing Under Armour. Brand could be a big factor for me.
Nike Uniform – Oregon
Under Armour – South Florida

Adams: Nike, It’s Nike ‘Just Do It’ [laughter]
Nike Uniform – Oregon
Under Armour – Maryland all black uniforms they wore vs. West Virginia this season.