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DEL.ICIO.USNo complaints from Boddie, but…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Justin Boddie’s season and career are over - North Atlanta did not make the playoffs - but the Warriors quarterback left a mark as a star player with too little acknowledgment.
While North Atlanta was going 5-5, Boddie was throwing 23 touchdown passes and running for nine. He presented a double threat when he dropped back, virtues of many of the top quarterbacks in the state.
Not much recognition came his way, but he still attracted the eyes of a dozen colleges who have offered scholarships.
In December and January, Boddie will make his five visits and make a decision. He’ll travel to Central Florida, Cincinnati, East Carolina, Tulane and Indiana.
He’ll choose among them, although Middle Tennessee, Army, Navy and the Air Force also want him.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Boddie is excited about his future, but he does wonder what might have been had he received the exposure of, say, Eric Berry of Creekside.
“Every week I would do something big, but no one would notice,” he said. “What I do just didn’t get out.”
A starter since the 10th grade, Boddie was “explosive” as a quarterback with an arm to make all the throws and legs to elude the rush. He actually enjoys running more than passing, he said.
Even with that, Boddie likely will play defensive back in college, a testament to his athleticism. He played sparingly on defense this year and had two interceptions and a number of bone-jarring hits.
“I like the contact on defense,” he said. “I like to hit.”
He tries not to struggle playing the “what if” game.
“It’s not frustrating, but I do feel if I had gotten more publicity during the season I would have gotten more offers from bigger programs,” he said.
He made clear that was not a complaint.
“No, I’m not complaining,” he said, “because I’m grateful for the schools that want me. I had a great career and it didn’t go completely unnoticed. High school football was fun. Now I’m going on.”
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By Jenn
November 17, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this
It’s kind of sad to see just how much the media can influence high school football. This kid may have been one of the best quarterbacks in GA, but because he didn’t get any “exposure” recruiters don’t give him a second look. That’s why all these kids end up transferring schools, they want to get noticed and you can’t really do that if only your band is in the stands watching you play. Justin Boddie didn’t transfer schools though he stayed at North ATL and started 3 years as qb, running back, defensive back, you name it he played it. He was a great high school player even if he lacked the recognition. He sure as heck didn’t hold a “press conference” to announce where he is going to college like some other overexposed, injured, second rate running backs who I hope to God isn’t commiting to UGA and who will remain nameless.
By Football Fan
November 17, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this
Media coverage is not what gets kids scholarships. It is the hard work of high school coaches that send out game film and highlight tapes on their players.
By Mark Mueller
November 17, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
good article on broddie - GO Pirates!!!! beat Rice!!! more stories on East Carolina!! lots of alumni in atlanta -
have a great weekend -