D-1 Who cares?

[coachd55]

I have got to say that after reading these posts for a couple years now it seems a bit disturbing at times to to hear so much about who is going to be the next D-1 athlete out of the North Bay. The truth is D-1 is more about your size & speed than your actual ability and or knowledge of the game. For example:

Division-I
QB Height-6'3" Weight-200 40-4.6 Bench260 Squat425
RB Height-6'0" Weight-210 40-4.5 Bench315 Squat415

Division-IAA & NJCAA
QB Height-6'2" Weight-190 40-4.7 Bench 250 Squat 385
RB Height-5'11" Weight-190 40-4.55 Bench 280 Squat 390

DIvision II & NAIA
QB Height-6'2" Weight-190 40-4.8 Bench225 Squat345
RB Height-5'11" Weight-190 40-4.6 Bench270 Squat375

Now how many kids do you know meet that criteria?

I have coached hundreds of kids in the area & have seen big kids get handed D-1 scholarships for their size even though they couldn't tie their own shoes. I just think as parents and coaches we should be giving these kids every oppotunity to succeed at any level of college. If they can get a full ride from a division III school great! 1/2 ride from a D-2 Awesome! Lets show case our kids by getting them an education as well as showcasing their skills at the college level and letting the country know, we have plenty of talent in the North Bay. Keep up the good work boys, I can't wait until September!

[football415]

Although your post is accurate (without alienating the players) it is possible for the "stand out"smaller kids to get rides for D1. A good example is Kahlil Bell and Jono Grayson from Marin Catholic. These players have skills but size is not a strong point. Bell went to UCLA and Grayson is at Cal Poly. Grades are a big part of the looks from recruits. And I agree that if a kid can get a free education it shouldn't matter whether it is at a DI or DII.

Also, I don't think you can get an athletic scholarship for DIII that is why grades should be a priority...Mike Nicolini from Novato was able to receive a 1/2 academic scholarship as a freshmen at Redlands U. and started every game as a sophmore.

[stogi]

I've never coached anything but rec ball, but I do interview, hire and train employees and I have always felt confident enough in my training program that if I select a person with a good work ethic and the physical build required to do the labor they would suceed.

I think college coaches feel the same about their programs and figure they can train anyone but they can't get anyone to grow taller and with work they can bet some stronger and a little faster but if you already have the size and speed you are going to be more of a value to them.

It's a shame because there are always kids that play bigger than what they are and their ability to read a play as it developes and react quickly may make up for the lack of speed.

[slick58]

Most guys in D1 are not as tall as you think. Take a look at the Florida roster. If you wathced them play then you know the guys who touch the ball. Most are in the 5'9 range or shorter.

www.gatorzone.com/football/bios.php

[pops]

Coach55 you have a pretty good point. The thing that disturbs me is that I know we could get kids more opportunities to play on at the D1,2,3, NAIA & Jr. college if we had a guidance system set up to help them get to the next level.

It takes organization & money to help a kid follow this complex process and to promote themselves (unless the athlete is extraordinary and schools find them). I know we could do better in this county helping deserving kids.

Sounds like a good project huh?

[coachd55]

Pops I'd love to do something for all the kids. Any other thoughts? Here in San Jose talking to parents and there is so much we can learn from each other.

[football415]

Publishing a players stats is a great way for kids to get noticed but the local media outlets fall way short when it comes to defense. In Marin the only way we find out how well a player plays on defense is when he is being interviewed for his ability on offense. The IJ uses 3-4 columns/rows to list great info for offense but only the team stat for defense...Defense wins games but offense gets the glory.

[pops]

Coachd55, it would be fun to at least speak with you about the idea. How can I contact you?

[pops]

football415 - Stats are a start, but some of our Sonoma high schools puff up their stats to make players look good, or track them poorly.

There are 864 colleges that play football in North America, and 152 in the western region. Just think of the opportunities that Sonoma County skilled athletes (if we think all sports) are missing. Perhaps they won't get a scholarship, but they may get into a school that otherwise was out of their reach. Plus many will receive financial aid.

Here are some more stats with popular Sonoma county sports:

1619 Schools Play Men's Baseball
1846 Schools Play Men's Basketball
1266 Schools Play Men's Soccer

1601 Schools Play Woman's Softball
1814 Schools Play Woman's Basketball
1428 Schools Play Woman's Soccer

All of us can name kids that could have played on (or played at a higher level), but didn't due to a lack of opportunity.

[gomonty]

I played Div III football. Had the time of my life and got a degree. Div 1 is great but it is not everything!!!!!