College recruiting

By Rob

November 27, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

While most Florida schools don’t recruit Georgia hard, UCF (Central Florida) does. UCF plays in Conference USA and has the best facilities in the state. Any Georgia player than wants to play 1-A football should be looking at UCF.

By Max Sizemore

November 27, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Very impressive stuff, Michael. Nice job.

By KB Moore

November 27, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Great article Michael. Very well researched, and thoughtfully put together. I hope this will help motivated kids looking to play in college. Hope they will remember lots of the smaller schools like Georgia Southern, Furman, or The Citadel.

By BleedBlue

November 27, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Great, Great, Great article. I work closely with a couple of football programs and it is sad how many coaches and parents who do not have a clue. There are many schools that are looking for football players but every kid thinks they can play in the SEC.

Methodist in NC is looking for football players, Carson Newman, Bethune Cookman, Lafayette. The list goes on and on. The important thing coaches, parents and players is that they are going to school for FREE!

By Mike

November 27, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

Michael, your article was well researched, heart-felt,an enjoyable read, and completely incorrect. Corey Chavous is in his tenth NFL season, prior to that he attended and earned a degree from Vanderbilt in Organizational Development, which puts him in the class of 1994 for high school, thus his last high school football season was 1993. There were no Scout.com’s or Rivals.com’s around to inform colleges of players like Corey (I don’t recall there being much of an Internet at the time either). Schools, like Vandy, have very limited recruiting budgets and could not go out and find these prospects. Most of these coaches were happy to have film on a potential recruit to evaluate.
Next, you make it sound as if Robert Dunn just got missed simply because he “didn’t mail out highlight tapes until late December of his senior year….” That year was 2004, the same year Laney lost a close game in the AA State Semi-finals against Charlton County in the Georgia Dome. Not to mention, he also received the Offensive Player of the Year award for Class AA. He did not get over-looked. Colleges were timid to pull the trigger on Dunn because: ” Tuberville says there was never any question about the 5-11, 175-pounder’s athletic ability, but Dunn had major legal and academic hurdles to leap before he could worry about playing college football.

Tuberville notes that when Dunn signed with the Tigers that the odds were high the wideout would spend the 2005 season in prep school trying to get his academics and life in order to play for the Tigers in 2006. Dunn, who had been arrested as a junior back home in Augusta, GA., was being tried as an adult and had serious legal issues that had to be overcome.” (Taken from Scout.com, Aug. 1, 2005) Next, you suggest that the player and/or parents put together their own highlight film. Have you seen a film produced by such a source? Take it from someone who owns and operates a college football recruiting service, these films are BAD. The ones that the high school coaching staff produces on their kids are usually bad enough, but a parent or player produced film, yikes! The college coaches know this all too which is why they tend to avoid such films. One such college coach (I cannot say which of course) told me directly that if he doesn’t know who the film is from, or he hasn’t asked for it directly, it gets discarded so to speak. Your “Quick tip” about making “sure to put the best plays at the front of the tape,” will most likely be completely different plays. The high school prospect, parent, or coach, will be putting together a high school highlight reel, not a college recruiting tape. Many of the plays a player will select will tell a college coach nothing about, say a running back except that he ran run and hold a football at the same time. Lastly, every high school kid thinks he’s destined for the NFL and their parents have biased views about their son as well. With the selection of colleges coming from such a subjective source, a method of throwing stuff at the wall hoping something will stick approach is put into action, causing more time, money, stress, grief, etc. than expected. Having an objective, professional service evaluate and accurately align a player with colleges that recruit players of similar caliber.
I have dozens of examples (professional film, parent/player or high school coach’s film, testimonials and statements from college coaches at every level) should you like me to provide you with such material. Hope you had a good turkey day. Best, Mike

By Michael Carvell

November 28, 2008 3:21 AM | Link to this

Mike, thanks for your response. I expected someone who owns a recruiting service to post in here, so let’s go over some of the points you made since you said my article was “… completely incorrect”

Corey Chavous: He may be the greatest example of someone who needed a highlight tape who shouldn’t have needed a highlight tape. He played for Silver Bluff and was a member of the 1991 state championship football team, made All-Region and All-State in football, and was later part of the state championship track relay team. His uncle is Barney Chavous, who played for the Denver Broncos from 1973-1985 and his cousin is Raymond Chavous [Clemson], who was considered one the USA’s top 20 college prospects in the mid-1980s. Corey’s best friend and teammate was D’Wayne Bates, who was very highly recruited but signed with Northwestern over Clemson and S.C. because he was promised he could play QB, yet of course ended up playing WR at NW and then in the NFL. Bottom line: Corey had as much going in his favor as any player in the country, yet still needed a highlight tape. Vanderbilt’s recruiting budget was just fine, as were the budgets of Hawaii, Stanford, Northwestern, and the many other schools that offered. I could go on. How do I know this? Because I helped Corey Chavous make his tape when I worked for The Augusta Chronicle. Google his name and mine and see what you find.

Robert Dunn: He did have some legal issues, which scared away colleges. But he got colleges interested in him when he mailed out tapes, along with a letter addressing the legal issues.

Have I ever seen a player or parent put together a highlight tape? Yes. Some are indeed pretty bad, while others are very good. At some high schools (Brookwood), they have better digital editing equipment than many non-Atlanta TV stations across the state. Also, with the way kids are so computer savvy these days, they will know someone who knows someone who is a editing wizard and could put together an above-average tape. Maybe not in the same ballpark of a recruiting service, but certainly good enough to get an evaluation from the college scout.

Will a high school player be better served by having a recruiting service help pick out colleges? Maybe so, maybe not. I’ve seen countless examples of players turned down by Furman, West Georgia or a Georgia Southern and sign with Vanderbilt (not Chavous), Iowa, and a Ole Miss. Or turned down by Charleston Southern and sign with Georgia Southern. Bottom line: Recruiting is an inexact science. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (the college scout), and all scouts think differently. Each player has to a realistic, sending tapes to schools that he thinks he’s too good to play at, but I’m all for aiming for the moon on a couple of tapes, too. Nothing to lose there.

Mike: I do appreciate you posting and sharing your thoughts. I want to apologize in advance, but I will likely be deleting your post and my post within the next 24 hours. Why? They are too long and go in too much of a different direction than the article above it. This forum is for people who want to do tapes on their own and have questions to ask. However, perhaps later in Dec. we can do a different forum on the positives and negatives of recruiting services and let you state your case. Send me an email at mcarvell@ajc.com. Happy Holidays.

By Butter

November 28, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Mike Carvell, great article and way to straigten out the recruiting service owner. He just hating. I sent out about 25 highlight disks on my son last year as a junior. I used a editing system taht cost about $100. He is a senior this year, but plays basketball instead of football. He has two offers and another 7 coaches, from From D1 And D2 colleges who have been showing high interest and will be follwing him this season. I am going to send more highlights of his senior year to other schools. When you do the article on recruiting services and so called exposure camps, let me know I can tell you how most of them are rip offs.

By Rock

November 28, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

I run a business that sets up a profile on high school athletes and gives them a link then we have every email of every coach in every sport at every level. We then email that link to that particular coach or recruiting coordinator. On the profile is the athlete’s grades, stats,awards, pictures, and a you tube type video. The big myth is that high school coaches are going to help. They might send video but they dont have time to market your kid. Parents need to be proactive. College coaches get hundreds of videos. This will increase the kid’s exposure dramatically.The parent then can go in the system and see who has opened the email. I started the business because I was a tweener. I ended up playing for Erk Russell at Ga. Southern in the 80’s., which was a blessing. The main reason is there are alot of kids that get passed up because of lack of exposure. IT is really satisfying to see parents faces because they got a annual raise, the cost of tuition.

By Butter

November 28, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Mike Carvell, great article and way to straigten out the recruiting service owner. He just hating. I sent out about 25 highlight disks on my son last year as a junior. I used a editing system taht cost about $100. He is a senior this year, but plays basketball instead of football. He has two offers and another 7 coaches, from From D1 And D2 colleges who have been showing high interest and will be follwing him this season. I am going to send more highlights of his senior year to other schools. When you do the article on recruiting services and so called exposure camps, let me know I can tell you how most of them are rip offs.

By Mama Kat

November 28, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

*GREAT ARTICLE MICHAEL! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE CONTINUE TO CARE & SUPPORT OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES! YOUR ARTICLE JUST RE-ASSURED & CONFIRMED WHAT MY SON JAMAL LONDRY-JACKSON, AN UNEXPOSED GOOD QB HAS BEEN DOING FROM RESEARCHING AND EXECUTING TO GET HIMSELF EXPOSED…ESPECIALLY WITH THE NAYSAYERS AND “HATERS” THAT COME ALONG IN VARIOUS ASPECTS. HIS MAIN GOAL IS TO GET A FREE COLLEGE EDUCATION, AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT GOD CHOOSES TO BLESS HIM WITH IS EXTRA. YOU TRULY WENT WAY BEYOND THE CALL OF YOUR JOURANLIST DUTIES WITH THIS ARTICLE…..THANK YOU! *

JAMAL’S MOM

By Steve, ATL

November 28, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Great article on the recruiting process. Most kids are not the blue chip players but they can play and need to know how to achieve their goals. I mailed out 100 highlight tapes a week ago to most 1-AA schools and some 1A schools. We’ve heard back from just a few but it’s too early to know if its been effective. The other thing you might want to cover is walking on. Just because a school won’t offer a scholarship doesn’t necessarily mean that the dream is over. The walk on route can work for a lot of kids. I’m just not sure how it works. Would a school work to admit a student if he were just a walk on? Thanks again.

By mom2

November 29, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this

I am a parent and last year I helped 4 players on my son’s team whose parents were not involved write cover letters and athletic resumes and make highlight tapes…all 4 got scholarships…it was so rewarding to be able to help these kids get into college and live their dreams…they are all doing well both in school and in athletics…ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE…

By bk

November 29, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

ok. I have a question, what should students athletes do to get a football scholarship, if they never got playing time in high school due to favoritism? can some plaese answer this question if they have any ideas? Thanks.

By exnba

November 30, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this

Michael,

This is excellent and useful information! I have a son playing basketball who made a list of 100 schools in his freshman year and I spent the next 3 years sending highlight DVD’s, emails and followup calls to the majority of them. Most of the coaches were nice even when we took unofficial visits. To make a long story short my son got down to 2 schools that were very interested in him as a walkon. He walked on locally at Kennesaw State in 2007 and is now the starting point guard on scholarship and led his conference in 3 point shooting percentage last season.

Through determination and strategy there is a way to succeed!

By billmer50

November 30, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Good article. We went through this with our daughter and basketball about 10 years ago. It is unfortunate that there is so little help from the high school coaches on how to get recruited. We made a highlight tape and mailed to over 50 schools. Got several responses, lots of advice, and some real interest. Eventually a D-II offer which was taken but turned out to be a disaster due both to the coach’s problems as well as my daughter’s lack of academic hustle. She learned what NCAA academic ineligibilty meant for a year. She transferred to a D-III school where everyone is a walkon and had a successful and happy final three years of eligibility. She just went to the wrong school first. Our best advice is to not only follow the advice in his article but be sure to go where you are really wanted. Walking on isn’t a bad alternative eitther.

By Mama Kat

November 30, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Kudos to you Mom2! I know your time and support was for the love of your son and his teammates, unconditionally.

I have had the great pleasure of assisting student-athletes for years, both in the classroom and on the field/court. In the past few years, I attended as a volunteer assistant for the annual Coach’s Corner Recruiting Fair, held at the Cobb County Galleria. Creating player profiles that displayed their highlight tapes, copies of transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, resumes was a great accomplishment of support to my “other” kids. The mass of college recruiters that attend the conference is the greatest jump starts for student-athletes that may not be considered the “blue chip” athlete.

In the first year I volunteered there were approximately 10 kids that got scholarships, the following year, approximately 6 received scholarships. In the end, is not about the pat on the back, as we know that’s a rare gesture for many…yet, the simple thank you, hug, note or the slang filled “Appreciate you Mama Kat” from these kids (not parents…imagine that) is the sweetest reward.

Point case, I actually know of a parent who offered to sponsor a head coach and company to this year’s recruiting fair. To date, the sponsor has yet to receive any type of feedback from the coach; I guess their dismal season or what have you, has the issue of pride standing in the way. Personally, I think it’s a bad rap, that some coaches, parents or other community individuals only provides support in the “victory” stance, which in turn, will ultimately hinder the potential opportunities these kids deserve.

I applaud Michael’s article and highly appreciative that he and other individuals that have the platform of “exposure” is sharing it for the benefit of our youth. Due to my son being unknown, I reached out to over 60 colleges nationwide in every conference (DIV I-AA, DIV II & DIII), and did my due diligence on the programs they offer, the type of offense the run, how the long coaches have been there, and what the depth chart is for my son’ s position. After securing the correct coach/recruiting coordinator to contact (both via phone/email), I personalized each message and sent out the profile of my son, with attachments of his transcript and test scores. It took almost two days, however, the return of about 70% of follow ups requesting film on my son was worth it.

At the end of the day, as I stand firm on my position of children not asking to be here; once they are, it is our duty, as a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, Godparents, etc to provide unconditional love, support and discipline along the way…without seeking that overly deserved pat on the back.

As a single parent who is extremely proud of both of my children, and my other “hundreds” along the way, THANK YOU MOM2 for your support!

By Matt

November 30, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

I really enjoyed this article a lot. I’ve coached middle school football and we really try to get the kids to buy into the student-athlete (student first) idea before they get into high school. It takes a lot out of these kids when they get recruited at such early ages and are being told left and right how bright the future is for them. Thanks for writing this Michael and keep up the good work!

By Mama Kat

November 30, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Hey STEVE-ATL, the walk on requirements are per the NCAA rules…you have to be enrolled in the school of interest. Therefore, applying and getting accepted first, and then following the school’s tryouts guidelines. Remember, as a high school senior, the student-athlete must be cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net). Hopefully if the student-athlete didn’t get much playing time, someone was able to capture some footage. If so, prepare a highlight tape accordinlgy and send out. Hope this information helped.

By Michael Carvell

December 1, 2008 2:15 AM | Link to this

This is GREAT seeing so many responses. And hopefully this will continue to be a forum where people can share and exchange both ideas and testimonies of the D-I-Y tapes.

One thing I want to make very clear in this forum: Under no circumstances should any high school coaches be bashed in this room. Those people work for pennies on the hour to help your kids. They are coaches, teachers, parents, husbands and sons, etc. IF YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR SON BEING RECRUITED, then YOU need to do something about it. YOU need to take the initiative. Quit waiting on someone else to do it, or quit blaming somebody else. It gets you nowhere. As long as the coach (or another parent who taped the games) is willing to provide you copies of the games for free or a small fee, then you have all the materials you need to take action yourself.

Steve: That’s great about sending out 100 tapes. Again, that’s the most important thing, but please remember No. 2 is doing everything you can to follow up. If you follow up, and the college is not interested, then that is not failure, that’s actually SUCCESS. You got a look, that’s all you can ask for. What is failure? Failure is NOT getting the tape looked at. You just have to continue being persistent.

Mom2: That makes me smile. You will be blessed for your efforts. I hope you continue helping kids this year and future years, and sharing your knowledge with other parents.

BK: Almost all Div. II schools have tryouts, which are not permitted among BCS schools. Just call Div. II schools and ask for their “open tryout dates” for prospective student-athletes in football. If your son does well there, then you can talk to bigger schools. Hold on to the those dreams!!!

exnba: That makes me happy, that’s yet another inspirational story. I hope you continue helping other kids and parents with your knowledge and experiences.

MamaKat: Great point, yes do your best to personalize every letter, even if it’s just the name. Just like you don’t like it when you get a form letter from colleges and toss them in the trash (which I would do), the colleges don’t like “form” recruiting packages.

Final note: I cannot emphasize yet again how critical it is to follow up with the college coaches about 10-14 days after sending out the tape.

By bigmanharris

December 1, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

I see you Wilt.

By cheergodess4u

December 1, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Yipee 4 Jamal!!!! The Warriors Quarterback had a visit today from Georgia Tech way to go JAMAL!!!! I know your mama is proud of you, she is always everywhere helping someone’s kid out, lol,shout out to MAMA KAT!!! Stay focus #9 even if you don’t get an offer from a school that visited you always remember you were good enough to get that visit. Class of 2009…In the “A”!

By Shannon

December 2, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this

This is an absolutely outstanding article. I would add one thing. When you send the tape point out to the recruiter if you are playing against a kid who is a known high ranked recruit. For instance if you are a wide receiver and the defensive back is a known recruit point that out. That way the recruiter can better guage your abilities. Recruiters often discover other kids while watching them compete against known high ranked recruits.

By Dave

December 3, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Mike,

Great article! Don’t forget JUCOs. I work at Georgia Military College and the article in today’s paper about Spurrier visiting us to look at players shows that JUCOs can be a feeder for talented players who get overlooked or who need some work. GMC is ranked #3 in te NJCAA and will play in the Mississippi Bowl on Saturday. Check them out for future talent.

By Dave

December 3, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Mike,

Great article! Don’t forget JUCOs. I work at Georgia Military College and the article in today’s paper about Spurrier visiting us to look at players shows that JUCOs can be a feeder for talented players who get overlooked or who need some work. GMC is ranked #3 in te NJCAA and will play in the Mississippi Bowl on Saturday. Check them out for future talent.

By penny

December 11, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

I thank you for your information. I too am one of the parents that didn’t know what to do. Other coaches and friends gave me insight on what to do, so I have been doing those things. But what I have had a problem with is the coaches not helping all students. When recuits come out don’t just single in on one or two players help all that what to be helped as a coach and a parent. One or two don’t make the whole team!

By Micheal Summers

December 15, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

My son is a freshmen and he was the starting quaterback for his high school vasity team this yaer. He has been attending quaterback camps for the past three years and they have really help him. I would like to know if you think I should send a highlight film of his freshmen year to some schools. He has already started to receive some interest from some divisoin one schools as a result of his attending camps. He currently has a 3.7 gpa mostly college prep courses and he is 6’0 178lbs and runs a 4.56 40yd.He is a very talented kid but I want to make sure I don’t move to fast are put to much pressure on him .I relly want him to enjoy his childhood and have as much fun as he can. I want to mention that know one has wrote him are called him as it is illegal at this time but his high school caoch has informed me that the coaches really like him at this point.

By Derek C

December 29, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Mike, great article. I have known you for many years and have seen the way that you react to alot of players. You are all about being realistic and showing alot of interset in everyone. If it wasn’t for your good heart in helping, there would not be alot of players playing at the next level. By the way Corey is my cousin and all know all about his story on playing at the next level and you were totally correct.

By Barry

January 2, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this

Mike, how do we make sure the game video we have is good enough? Do we need a new tape? Is it too late to submit a new one? These are questions that I need help with. Thanks for all your help!

By Barry

January 2, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this

Mike, how do we make sure the game video we have is good enough? Do we need a new tape? Is it too late to submit a new one? These are questions that I need help with. Thanks for all your help! Checkout game tape on Youtube, search “Barry Davis Football”

By Barry

January 2, 2009 10:43 PM | Link to this

Mike, how do we make sure the game video we have is good enough? Do we need a new tape? Is it too late to submit a new one? These are questions that I need help with. Thanks for all your help! Checkout game tape on Youtube, search “Barry Davis Football”

By LakeDawg

January 8, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this

Mr. Carvell,

to say that this article is exceptionally well done. It should help the intended audience quite a bit.

Joseph R. Evans, RPh 1978 grad - UGA College of Pharmacy

By Michael Carvell

January 9, 2009 1:51 AM | Link to this

If you’re mailing out tapes now, my top two targets would be 1) in-state colleges and 2) any colleges with coaching changes.

Below is a link to D1 coaching changes. Perhaps someone else can find one with the coaching changes at college football’s other levels and post it.

http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/coaching_changes.html

By PrepChamps

January 13, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this

Great post. Especially agree with the part about making a highlight video. Coaches may be skeptical about stats and 40 times, but video doesn’t lie.

By Realitychecku

January 19, 2009 11:44 PM | Link to this

I would suggest that more than a few Brookwood senior football players definitely take this advice print it up and run with it. Mark Crews has just about killed the careers of severals guys playing for him. Some of these kids may have a chance at D-1 or D-2 football because they are player, even if Crews can’t coach. These kids have been winning against everyone since they started playing football, but when they get to Crews and he decided to hang them on a shelf and lose games to play coaches son’s, then basically tear down self esteem of kids that have size and ability. He had some of the best seniors to be coming up in that program. Hopefully he has messed to bad….

By Realitychecku

January 20, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this

I would suggest that more than a few Brookwood senior football players definitely take this advice print it up and run with it. Mark Crews has just about killed the careers of severals guys playing for him. Some of these kids may have a chance at D-1 or D-2 football because they are player, even if Crews can’t coach. These kids have been winning against everyone since they started playing football, but when they get to Crews and he decided to hang them on a shelf and lose games to play coaches son’s, then basically tear down self esteem of kids that have size and ability. He had some of the best seniors to be coming up in that program. Hopefully he has messed to bad….