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Grant: How can an under the radar player get exposure? Some players are members of unsuccessful high school football teams. Does it make a difference if the football program is successful or not? How much of a role does the head coach have in the recruiting process?

BCP: Let me answer one question at a time…

A How can an under the radar player get exposure?
Exposure = Ability, measurables, skill set! If a player has all three, then exposure IS THE NEXT STEP. If he does not, he will not get exposure. There is a difference between getting exposure and getting noticed. The potential D1 and D1AA players get exposure and publicized on many different media outlets. The lower level kids get noticed and are usually promoted directly to lower division colleges.

We do both. If a prospect has the ability to play at the collegiate level, attends our showcases (performs well) and has game film to back him, we will promote the athlete to college coaches, one way or another.

B Does it make a difference if the football program is successful or not?
Yes and No.
Yes, because college coaches reach out to head coaches of successful football programs because those programs tend to produce good college football players who understand what it takes to win and expect to win. They have work ethic, hustle, grind that has been developed through their high school program (Not to say it has not at others).

No, because if a player is good enough and gets the right promotion, word will spread and college coaches will seek out that player. In My Opinion, most unsuccessful programs have a lack of consistency either at the head coach or the staff as a whole. Too much coaching turnover and the better athletes leave due to no stability.

C How much of a role does the head coach have in the recruiting process?
PLENTY! The opinion from the high school head coach weighs a lot when it comes to character, work ethic and leadership. Not every high school staff works the same when it comes to promoting their athletes. Some work harder than others. Some have more “clout” with college coaches. When they speak, college coaches listen.

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Ben: I have great numbers (17th on your Top 25 rushers list) and good measurables, but I go to a small school and have no recognition. How can I get colleges to notice me?

BCP: What kind of speed, power, elusiveness, balance, vision, acceleration, explosion, hands, flexibility, playmaking ability do you have? Do you look anything like Ray-Ray McCloud (Sickles RB) on film or even Ra’Quanne Dickens (Seminole)? It is not as easy as your stats and size. College coaches look for high school players who they feel can produce at the college level. They are doing as much homework and evaluations on kids as much as possible to predict a high school player can develop into a college player.

So, if you rush for 2000 yards in one season, but have average speed, little wiggle, no acceleration, etc. you will not receive much college recruiting attention.