Scotty Jenkins

GMTM has new features and events to help you be discovered every day.

Here are 5 things you should check out this week:

Fix Your Film With Tips From Quincy Avery
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/15/qb-takeover]
The same quarterback guru that teaches Deshaun Watson, Justin Fields and Jalen
Hurts is sharing his insights with you.

Check out Quincy’s brand-new eBook in the QB Takeover Training Page
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/15/qb-takeover].


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Experience Six Division III Virtual College Visits
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/visits]
The field is the same size. They use the same ball. And the competition is as
fierce as ever.

Learn why D-III schools are still "the best-kept secret for student-athletes."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Show Off Your Stats With The New Promo Editor [https://gmtm.com/promos/create]
Have a crazy fast 40-time? Nailed a career-long field goal? Narrowed your
college list down to six?

For every occasion in sports, there is a FREE customizable graphic you can
create on GMTM.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Find Out If You Should Be An Olympic Athlete [https://gmtm.com/virtuals]
It’s always good to try new things… especially when they could take you around
the world.

The USA Bobsled Virtual Combine
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/4/usa-bobsled-and-skeleton-digital-combine] and US
Weightlifting Combine Series
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/33/usa-weightlifting-combine-series] put your reps in
front of Olympic coaches.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Be Evaluated By A National Recruiting Analyst
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/25/all-state-preps-evaluation-page]
247 Sports writer Ed O'Brien has been around elite college football players for
a long time...

But he's trying something new in the All-State Preps Evaluation Page
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/25/all-state-preps-evaluation-page]. Submit your tape
and be seen!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See Everything Else You Can Do On GMTM [https://gmtm.com/]



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Scotty Jenkins [https://gmtm.com/articles/author/scotty-jenkins] is a staff
writer for GMTM covering college football. He grew up slowly in Nebraska in the
midst of the Husker dynasty of the '90s... and has been aging rapidly ever
since."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Week: Five Things To Check Out On GMTM

Jordan Rinard

Quarterbacks and offensive player command a lot of attention on recruiting
websites, and rightfully so. Coaches, players, and fans are interested in who's
going to be playing offense for them, and it speaks to adage "You can't win if
you can't score". However, the defense has players who want to achieve their
dreams too and no position on that side of the ball is as scrutinized as
defensive back.

To be an elite defensive back, not only do you have to have great physical
traits but but you also need to have an understanding of how defenses and
offenses work in order to be successful. For today, we're going to look at five
things that a DB prospect can do to become the great defender that they're
capable of being.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Change of Direction
Not all defensive backs are created equal. What I mean by that is that there is
a lot of variance when it comes the body types that play DB (Compare Darelle
Revis to Richard Sherman. Completely different body types, but both have played
their position at the highest of levels.) I mention this because not every DB
has sprinter speed, but the great ones have elite change of direction.

Change of direction is arguably the most important of physical skills for a DB
because that position rarely gets to run in a straight line. More often, they
are adapting to the releases and cuts of the recievers as well as what's going
on in the backfield, especially if they're safeties. Cone drills and reaction
drills are popular ways to hone change of direction.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Explosiveness
Explosiveness has been a buzzword in strength and conditioning circles for a
long, long time, but what exactly is explosiveness? Generally speaking, it is a
sudden burst of power across various muscles groups to create movement but for
DB play, we're talking about suddenness from the lower body. 

Why is explosiveness important for a DB? It directly plays a role in many facets
of a defensive back's job, including going for a jump ball and reacting to
misdirection plays or screens. To develop explosiveness, you want movements that
work across multiple joints so this is where your different kinds of cleans come
into play.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ball Skills
There might not be anything that will get you recruited faster as a DB than a
highlight film with a lot of clips of you coming down with the football. The
goal of defense is to get the ball back for the offense and not allow points so
if you can show that you can do that, you're going to be in good shape as a
prospect. To perfect ball skills, a good place to start would be working on
catching with your hands and different distraction drills.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tackling
Another way to get noticed as a defensive back is if you have film of yourself
making a lot of tackles. It can be an overlooked part of a DB's game, but
tackling is more important than ever due to the wide-open offenses that are
becoming more prevalent at the high school and college level.

There's a lot of different ways to tackle, but this article on 
GreatCornerback.com [http://www.greatcornerback.com/tackling.html] is a good
place to start if you want to be a fundamentally sound tackler. The more reps
you get on making one-on-one tackles in space, the better off you'll be as a
defender.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Route Recognition
We've talked a lot about some of the physical things you can do as a DB to get
better, but the mental part of the game is what separates good players from the
great players. Recognizing receiver's routes and offensive concepts matters
because most college defenses and a lot of high school defenses run pattern
match defenses (where zone coverage can turn into man based on what the
receivers do), and route recognition is a big part of that.

To get good at route recognition takes a lot of work. Fortunately, there's a lot
of resources out there for young DBs to help make themselves better (such as 
this drill [https://matchquarters.com/tag/db-drills/] from MatchQuarters.com) so
there's a lot of opportunity for guys to make their mark in what can be an
overlooked position.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jordan Rinard [http://gmtm.com/articles/jordan-rinard] is a contributing writer
for GMTM and a Recruiting Editor for Hustle Belt. He will always hold onto the
belief that Jim Brown is the one true GOAT.

The Five Skills a DB Prospect Needs to Develop

Logan Furey

Kaleb Kraus ('20) is an athletic, move TE out of San Antonio with a game that
resembles that of a Darren Waller or Travis Kelce. He creates mismatches
whenever he is on the field with his athleticism and is not afraid to get dirty
with blocking.

In August, GMTM’s Joey Grant and former USC Quarterback Max Browne evaluated his
tape live on Twitch. Here’s what they thought:

The tight end position has been revolutionized over the last ten years, as the
position has seen an influx in talent and athleticism. Kaleb Kraus fits that
mold, as his athleticism pops off of the screen on his very first play
[https://youtu.be/U81-lg95LRo?t=54]. Kraus is lined up in the slot but showcases
his speed to get behind the defense for a big play.

Kaleb is an imposing figure at 6'4" 225 pounds, so that speed makes him a
nightmare for defenses to try to cover. His tape is filled with all kinds of
examples of his speed and athleticism, as well as clips of him using his 
physicality [https://youtu.be/U81-lg95LRo?t=266] to run over defenders.

Sparkle can be a quarterback's best friend at the next level, as his big frame
gives him a large catch radius [https://youtu.be/U81-lg95LRo?t=117]. That play
is a great example of it, as his quarterback misses him high, but Kaleb is able
to use his wingspan and vertical to go up and get it. QB's tend to favor targets
who can still make a play on errant throws, so he has great potential as a
security blanket.

Kaleb shows polish as a route runner as well, as he sells the stop-and-go double
move well in this clip [https://youtu.be/U81-lg95LRo?t=191]. An athletic, big TE
who can run routes well and gain separation is a massive asset in the red zone,
and Kraus possesses that ability. It also doesn't hurt when he can make
spectacular catches like the one below.

 That catch is extra spectacular in that it can qualify as a candidate for both
Toe Drag Swag and You Got Moss'd. Joey pointed out that it looked like a Rob
Gronkowski catch. High praise.

The only thing that Joey and Max wanted to see more of from Kaleb was a little
bit of blocking. There were some examples [https://youtu.be/U81-lg95LRo?t=220 ] 
of him being physical in the run game and return game, but a couple of examples
of him stonewalling a defender or engaging in a pass rusher would help take him
to the next level.

 * Athletic mismatch waiting to happen at TE
 * Wide catch-radius and ability to make spectacular grabs
 * Demonstrated potential as a route runner

Kaleb "Sparkle" Kraus is an offensive weapon that fits the direction the game
and position are going. With slight refinement to his blocking, he can become a
true mismatch on all three downs and make an awesome impact for a program at the
next level.

Kaleb Kraus Is A Matchup Nightmare In The 2020 Class

Bryan Armetta

Playing quarterback may be the toughest job in professional sports, with just
thirty-two jobs in the world available at the highest level. For many in the
NFL, natural talent enabled them to play quarterback in high school and even
college, but they simply could not make the cut in the pros. However, this does
not mean their football journey is over. 

No spot on the field is more linked with the quarterback than wide receiver.
Having to learn routes and find chemistry with each other means the two
positions need to be in sync in order for an offense to have success. Therefore,
it comes as no surprise that many ex-QB's have made for exceptional pass
catchers in the NFL.

Here are five of the best converted quarterbacks to line up at wide receiver in
NFL history.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hines Ward
Contrary to common thought, Ward was only a primary quarterback in high school.
At Forrest Park, located just outside Atlanta, Ward excelled as a dual-threat
passer, winning Clayton County offensive player of the year
[https://bulldawgillustrated.com/sports/uga-football-2/hines-ward-selected-to-georgia-sports-hall-of-fame/] 
honors twice in 1992 and '93. 

After receiving a scholarship from the University of Georgia, Ward spent most of
his time at receiver, while also running the ball and taking kick returns. In
the 1995 Peach Bowl
[https://fanbuzz.com/college-football/sec/georgia/hines-ward-uga-records/], Ward
(filling in for injured starter Mike Bobo) had an astounding 459 total yards
against the Virginia Cavaliers, showcasing his ability to throw and run the
ball. He finished his career with the Bulldogs as fifth in career all-purpose
yards
[https://www.sicemdawgs.com/uga-football-records/all-purpose-yards-scoring/]. 

> Hines Ward Takes Over The 1995 Peach Bowl As Quarterback #Steelers
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steelers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 
pic.twitter.com/pyYUE6C8gJ [https://t.co/pyYUE6C8gJ]

— BlitzburghUSAVideos (@sdextrasmedia) April 18, 2020
[https://twitter.com/sdextrasmedia/status/1251637744989728768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Selected in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers,
Ward soon established himself as one of the premier wide receivers in the game.
He would win two Super Bowls, reach four Pro Bowl teams, and become first on the
list of franchise receiving leaders, after spending his entire fourteen-year
career in Pittsburgh.

Before he became established at one position, Ward's reputation for filling in
wherever he was needed enabled him to show his worth anywhere. Going from
quarterback to offensive weapon required extra work and exceptional athleticism.
To make a similar shift like this future Hall of Famer, it pays to play
everywhere in high school and to make your effort known on each snap.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Julian Edelman
Following a run at QB for his Woodside, California high school, Julian Edelman
didn't receive any college scholarship offers. He decided to attend the College
of San Mateo, where he broke records as a diminutive, speedy quarterback. 
Edelman then transferred to Kent State University
[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2586382-julian-edelmans-strange-journey-from-college-qb-to-patriots-difference-maker]
, where he finally was given a scholarship to play football. He became a
three-year starter at the school, running a simple spread offense that put the
ball in his hands on every play. While he wasn't the most accurate passer,
Edelman's all-around skills made him a legitimate NFL prospect by the time he
graduated from Kent State.

> Meet Julian Edelman, the Quarterback pic.twitter.com/DctUYuK7qk
[https://t.co/DctUYuK7qk]

— Patriots Militia (@PatsMilitia) September 22, 2016
[https://twitter.com/PatsMilitia/status/779038888190939136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
The New England Patriots, who had thoroughly scouted Edelman at KSU, picked the
former quarterback in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft, even though he
wasn't even invited to the combine earlier that year. To Edelman's credit, he
knew his size and shaky accuracy made quarterbacking unlikely in the NFL, so he
prepared himself to play anywhere on offense and special teams, something that
soon found him a role in New England. 

The rest of Edelman's career has been, quite simply, spectacular. Sitting at
fourth [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-receiving.htm] 
on the list of Patriots career receiving leaders, the California native has
played a major part in three different title-winning teams, including being
named Super Bowl LIII MVP. Additionally, the Pats offense has used Edelman's arm
to success on a number of well-designed trick plays.

Despite taking multiple years to move past a solely special teams role,
Edelman's work ethic and drive soon earned him the trust of Bill Belichick and
Tom Brady on several high-powered Patriots offenses, despite his small seemingly
unimpressive stature. Without his knowledge of the offense from quarterbacking
at Kent State, it's hard to say if this rags-to-riches football story would have
ever been possible, let alone even drafted in the NFL. Hard work and studying
the game always pays off, even if it takes longer than most players would like.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Antwaan Randle-El
The Steelers of the 2000's had not one but two former quarterbacks in their
receiving corps. Before making history in the NFL, Randle-El was a star
quarterback at Indiana, even though concerns over his size
[https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204117/http://www.nationalunderclassmen.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=23100&ATCLID=205014759] 
raised doubts about his future in football when he was a three-sport star in
high school. 

While at Indiana, Randle-El established himself as one of the most dynamic
players in the nation over his four seasons as a Hoosier, running and throwing
for a total of 86 touchdowns throughout his career. In Randle-El's senior year,
he finished sixth in Heisman voting. 

While never exceptional, Randle-El was a solid second or third option during
nine seasons in the league, and was one of the best kick returners in football.
As a Steeler, the Illinois native was responsible for one of the greatest plays
in NFL history. On a designed trick play in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XL,
Randle-El took a reverse pass and threw a 43-yard strike to (who else) Hines
Ward. It was the first and only time a wide receiver had thrown a touchdown pass
in the Super Bowl. The play broke open the game and provided the Steelers with
their fifth championship.

> 26. ANTWAAN RANDLE-XL
Feb. 5, 2006

Antwaan Randle-El finds Hines Ward for a 43-yard touchdown on a wide receiver
reverse pass in Super Bowl XL.

Factoid: The play remains the only TD pass thrown by a wide receiver in Super
Bowl history. pic.twitter.com/tizaTfet4g [https://t.co/tizaTfet4g]

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) August 10, 2019
[https://twitter.com/Gil_Brandt/status/1160187794918170624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Like Edelman, Randle-El overcame questions relating to his size, durability, and
capability at the quarterback position, using his slight stature and quickness
to his advantage while at Indiana and the NFL. Having traits such as throwing
the ball and being a solid return man allow for players to see the field
quickly, and can give you more opportunities to make your presence felt.
Randle-El's story is a reminder that what others see as weakness can elevate
your game at the college and professional levels.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anquan Boldin
An NFL mainstay for fourteen seasons, Boldin initially played quarterback in
high school. A three-sport star from Pahokee, Florida
[https://q81.org/about-anquan/], Boldin was named Mr. Football in 1998 along
with Florida Player of the Year and a USA Today First-Team selection. As a
signal caller, he led Pahokee to an undefeated season, and was recruited as a
pro-style quarterback in 1999.

Committing to Bobby Bowden's Florida State Seminoles, Boldin soon approached the
legendary head coach about a position change
[https://cardswire.usatoday.com/2020/05/06/former-cardinals-wr-anquan-boldin-almost-wasnt-a-wr/] 
that would get him on the field as soon as possible. Wanting his star freshman
to get the ball in his hands, Bowden allowed for Boldin to take snaps at
receiver, a position he had never played before in the NFL. 

Over three seasons
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/anquan-boldin-1.html] lining up on
the outside, Boldin made 118 catches and grabbed 21 touchdowns as a Seminole,
propelling him to a second round selection by the Arizona Cardinals in 2003.
It's also worth noting that Bowden did give Boldin some snaps at quarterback
during the receiver's third and final year in Tallahassee. 

> Anquan Boldin was out here dropping 55 yard DIMES at QB for FSU 
pic.twitter.com/Bkq1YMhzdt [https://t.co/Bkq1YMhzdt]

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) June 11, 2019
[https://twitter.com/TampaBayTre/status/1138426014273605632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Boldin immediately made his presence felt in the NFL, becoming the 2003
Offensive Rookie of the Year with over 1,300 yards receiving. He would make
three Pro Bowls while making an impact on four different teams, reaching the
Super Bowl with three different franchises. A solid but sometimes underrated
player, Boldin currently sits at ninth
[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_career.htm] on the NFL's
All-Time Receptions leaderboard.

A potential Hall of Famer, Anquan Boldin embodies the natural athleticism that
enables some players to successfully switch out of being a quarterback. However,
Boldin's desire to make an impact on the field, rather than wait for his chance,
may have been the biggest reason why he became a receiver at FSU. His
determination to master wide receiver, a position he had never played before, is
a testament to the commitment needed to become a star player in the NFL, as well
as a drive to help his team wherever he was needed.

The Four Best Quarterbacks Turned Wide Receivers in NFL History

In 1984, George Orwell wrote that "nobody ever seizes power with the intention
of relinquishing it." For the schools that make up college football's core
conferences, that statement has always rung true. 

Today's FBS landscape has never been more divided between the haves and the
have-nots. Less prestigious Group of Five upstarts have been denied access to
both the College Football Playoff and membership into the so-called Power 5,
creating a murky situation where undefeated mid-majors are unable to prove their
worth against the sport's crème de la crème. 

However, to understand why there is such a divide in college football, one must
look at the history of the Power 5 itself, and how decades of realignment and
expansion have enabled CFB's blue bloods to gain even more dominance on the
gridiron.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1990's: The decline of the SWC
In the 1980's, the once-powerful Southwest Conference had fallen on tough times.
Over two-thirds of the SWC's nine schools had been placed on probation for NCAA
recruiting violations. At the time, NCAA sanctions prohibited a school's games
from being televised, a crippling financial blow to the conference. 

The one non-Texas member who also happened to be sanction-free was Arkansas,
perhaps the third-most powerful member after Texas and Texas A&M. In 1990, they
decided to head to the Southeastern Conference along with South Carolina, where
they boosted membership from ten to twelve schools split into two new divisions.
The SEC then implemented the first ever conference championship game
[https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/first-sec-championship-game-changed-college-football-forever/#:~:text=An%20Alabama%20loss%2C%20Kramer%20worried,less%20than%20one%20month%20later.] 
in 1992, altering college football forever. 

> Antonio Langham’s pick-six. The play that changed college football.

The 1992 SEC Championship between Florida and Alabama was an instant classic.

(📍 @aflac [https://twitter.com/aflac?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]) 
pic.twitter.com/VENZSYkLVC [https://t.co/VENZSYkLVC]

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) December 19, 2020
[https://twitter.com/SECNetwork/status/1340360116806291460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
The departure of the Razorbacks signaled the beginning of the end for the
Southwest Conference. In 1994, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Baylor accepted
an offer to merge with the Big Eight, creating the new Big 12 conference.
Smaller schools in TCU, Houston, Rice, and SMU were forced to find membership in
smaller, less competitive conferences. 

> On this day 25 years ago, Southwest Conference football officially ended.@dwil
[https://twitter.com/dwil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw], @AlexS_ESPN
[https://twitter.com/AlexS_ESPN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] and I took a deep dive into
the SWC's legacy, the factors that led to its messy breakup and how it still
impacts college football today. 

Hope you enjoy it: https://t.co/naO6Hq2Fec

— Sam Khan Jr. 😷 (@skhanjr) December 2, 2020
[https://twitter.com/skhanjr/status/1334139559819489281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2000's: Conference Championship realignment
After the wild success the SEC and Big 12 soon had with championship games,
other conferences began to take notice. In order to hold such an event, NCAA
rules deemed that a conference must have at least twelve members, so that teams
could be split into two divisions. 

In order for the ACC to expand, they required three new members, preferably on
the Atlantic coast. Logically, they looked towards the Big East, who had shifted
away from their roots as a basketball-only conference in the 1990's. 

Miami, Virginia Tech, and Boston College all accepted offers to join the ACC in
2003, leaving behind Big East football that was deemed relatively top-heavy.
With the addition of CFB powerhouses in Miami and, to a lesser extent, Virginia
Tech, schools like Florida State and Clemson had worthy football rivals that
they could compete with in a potential conference championship game, with the
first being held in 2005. 

> Willie Reid's punt return TD vs. Virginia Tech (2005 ACC Championship Game).
https://t.co/MHrxPZoPaK

— Seminole Moments (@SeminoleMoments) January 17, 2018
[https://twitter.com/SeminoleMoments/status/953688059274461184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
To recover from their ACC-induced losses, the Big East decided to poach away
schools from Conference USA, a sprawling mid-major conference formed in the
aftermath of the SWC's collapse. Heading to the league were five programs, three
of which would compete in football: Cincinnati, Louisville, and the University
of South Florida. While adding the three helped keep the Big East's numbers
stable, the loss of reputable football programs was a crippling blow to the
conference.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2010's: Death of the Big East and expansion for everyone else
In 2009, Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney announced plans for league expansion.
Reasons for doing so included increasing the reach of the newly formed Big Ten
cable network and possessing the desired twelve-team membership to hold
conference championships. Soon after, Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott issued his
own desire to see Pac-10 expansion, setting the stage for major conference
realignment. 

Conference changes kicked off when Colorado left for the Pac-10 on June 10th,
2010. Several schools in the league had engaged in talks with Pac-10 officials
on a potential departure as well, raising the possibility of a super-conference
bolstered by the Big 12's premier football schools. On the following day,
Nebraska left for the Big 10 in 2010, citing increased stability compared to
the
Big 12
[https://www.denverpost.com/2010/06/11/nebraska-applies-for-big-10-membership/]
.Rumors of schools such as Texas and Oklahoma leaving to go to the Pac-1o
worried Nebraska, who would be left out in the cold if the Big 12 folded,
leading to a move from chancellor Harvey Perlman. 

While the move certainly made sense for the Cornhuskers at the time, Nebraska's
status within the Big 10 today seems diminished compared to the power they
wielded in the Big 12. Two years after this move, Rutgers (Big East) and
Maryland (ACC) would also come to the league, giving the Big 10 fourteen
members.

> The Nebraska-Big Ten marriage doesn’t seem to be working. Neither one is
necessarily wrong. And that’s the problem. https://t.co/JeT3khx6Ex

— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) October 29, 2020
[https://twitter.com/DanWetzel/status/1321887411555676160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Four days after stealing away Colorado, Larry Scott revealed that Texas had
decided not to accept the Pac-10's offer
[http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5286672], a move that ensured
Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech would stay in the Big 12 as
well. Needing to fill in their twelfth slot, the Pac-10 reached out to the
University of Utah, who decided to leave the Mountain West Conference and join
the league. Big 12 crisis was averted when Texas chose to stay, but the
conference could no longer hold a championship game with just ten schools.

The SEC was fortunate enough not to have any member schools depart for greener
pastures, instead choosing to expand their ranks to fourteen teams. The league
managed to court both Texas A&M and Missouri from the Big 12, with A&M
chancellor R. Bowen Loftin citing the move as a "100 year decision"
[http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/228257/texas-am-to-join-southeastern-conference.aspx]
, even as many questioned leaving behind their long time rivals. Still, the
reasons behind the two schools (as well as Colorado) leaving were likely
related
to the creation of the Longhorn Network
[https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/mizzou_sports/big-12-dysfunction-behind-missouris-move-to-the-sec/article_1f900d06-4760-11e9-bbab-4f44d6dbb84a.html]
. Instead of creating a league-wide television deal, like the Pac-10, SEC, and
Big 10 had, Texas had decided to partner with ESPN on their own exclusive
channel, giving them tons of additional revenue while ignoring their fellow
league members. Infuriated by what they saw as an abuse of power from Texas, A&M
and Mizzou saw a move away from the Big 12 as their only options.

For the Big East, this round of conference realignment would prove even more
damaging than the previous ACC-fueled losses in 2005. Seeing the writing on the
wall, they chose to expand themselves, adding TCU to the league in 2o1o.
Ultimately, it would not be enough to prevent their demise. The ACC, still
eyeing northern expansion and hoping to prevent their league from being picked
apart by the SEC and Big 10, finally accepted Syracuse and Pittsburgh into the
league in 2011, a move that sent shockwaves across college football. 

Syracuse made perfect sense for ACC expansion; as a school with a strong
basketball program and solid football tradition, they appealed to just about
every other current member, as well as a move into the New York market. Pitt's
arrival came in the wake of rumors that the Big 12 was looking to bring them
into the fold. Such a move would have given the league a reason to further
expand east, coming into direct contact with the ACC's mid-Atlantic region. 

TCU reversed their decision and joined the Big 12 instead of the Big East, and
along with West Virginia, who also left the Big East, gave the Big 12 ten teams
again after the losses of Texas A&M and Missouri. Louisville would head to the
ACC in 2014, reducing Big East football to the point where the league could no
longer function. The remaining football schools not in one of the Power 5
conferences formed the AAC (American Athletic Conference) a broad league of
fairly strong football mid-majors.

Just like that, there were now five "major" conferences, each with regional and
historical importance as well as several famed programs, strong traditions on
campus, and fearsome rivalries played annually. The formation of the Power 5 was
complete, with the Pac-12, Big 10, Big 12, ACC, and SEC standing tall above all
other leagues in the nation.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Power 5 Today
Today, the five major conferences dominate college football, landing
high-ranking recruits, television deals, and increased playoff opportunities
compared to the much smaller "Group of 5" conference.s While all of the Power 5
conferences now hold championship games and have each qualified for the college
football playoffs over the past decade, dominance has shifted away from the
Pac-12 and Big 12 in recent years, while SEC and ACC teams have begun to perform
at a much higher level. 

Even as teams such as Cincinnati and UCF have pushed for admission into the
College Football Playoff, most fans still dismiss these teams due to a lack of
brand recognition and a perceived weaker schedule. Even as the possibility of a
more even playoff field remains, so too is the chance for these schools to be
granted admission into the Power 5 they cite as being elitist. If college
football has taught us anything over the past twenty five years, it would be
that conferences are only temporary.

Who Put All the "Power" in College Football's Power 5?

Torrian Wilson worked with LSU linemen Marcus Dumervil and Marlon Martinez
during an important time in their lives. Wilson was their Offensive Line coach
at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, during a stretch when the
two 4-star recruits won Florida's Division-7A State title and beating Hawaii's
Saint Louis High School to claim a national championship
[https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/football/broward/fl-sp-hs-sta-national-champions-20200108-kg27azzcojgm5brni4fu5qmakq-story.html] 
in January 2020.

Two of the most accomplished prep offensive linemen in state history, the two
committed to, then defending national champion, LSU together in 2020. Wilson
caught up with them on The Crafting Linemen Show following the Tigers' 5-5
season to chat about their recruitment, college football during a pandemic, and
of course, Ed Orgeron.

The Crafting Linemen Show | Live with LSU Linemen Marlon Martinez & Marcus
Dumervil | GMTMHost and Crafting Linemen founder Torrian Wilson is joined by
former top recruits and current LSU offensive linemen - Marlon Martinez and
Marcus Dumervil! The three chat about the LSU Tigers’ big win against the
Florida Gators and the difficult season for college football players during the
2020 pan…gmtm logo [https://gmtm.com/watch/streams/xbbg5i6MjBk]Read our favorite
excerpts from their December 16, 2020 interview below:

Today, we have Marlon Martinez and Marcus Dumervil from the LSU Tigers. What’s
going on, guys?
MARTINEZ: I'm chillin'.

DUMERVIL: Nothing much. What’s going on, coach?

So first off, before we even kick it off, just tell the people a little bit
about yourselves.
MARTINEZ: So, we both came from the same high school - St. Thomas Aquinas,
Florida. Freshman year, I played JV and then I started for three years. Started
getting recruited my junior year and they ranked me as a three-star or
four-star. I ended up at LSU, one way or another with like about 30 other
offers.

DUMERVIL: I played for you, Coach Wilson at St. Thomas and now play at LSU, as
well. I played on the defensive side of the ball, but then I moved over to the
offense. I didn't really like it at first, but it was going to get me paid, so
that's what
I'm going to do. I was a four-star recruit coming out of high school.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What was the experience of being recruited to LSU like?
Tweet about Marcus Dumervil's family ties

MARTINEZ: Well, for me, it was a lot about just keeping my head down and
working. I had to have a lot of faith because my freshman and sophomore years of
high school, I wasn't getting a lot of looks. Even though, LSU offered me early
on, I still had to keep working. And I actually got a late invite (as a sub) to
the All-American game... they called me and they needed a guy. So I said, I'll
do it.

DUMERVIL: It was a little different for me, obviously. I had some family members
who did what I'm trying to do before me. So, that kind helped me get a head
start in the recruitment - just from people seeing (my last) name. But, it also
kind of put a target on me.

Marcus Dumervil & Marlon Martinez Talk About There Journey To LSU | GMTMMarlon
Martinez and Marcus Dumerville got 60+ offers combined coming out of high
school. They talk about all the work they put in to get themself in that
situation and how it got them to LSU.gmtm logo
[https://gmtm.com/watch/streams/15vEkUks3PE]I started getting offers freshman
year and things really picked up for me late in my sophomore year. I got an
offer from LSU my sophomore year and honestly, they weren't really my first
choice at the time. I really didn't know where I wanted to go. I just knew I
wanted to play in the SEC somewhere.

Do you feel having that last name of Dumervil adds pressure?
DUMERVIL: Yeah, certainly it adds the pressure of living up to a certain
standard. Sometimes, the older (Dumervils) who've done it before me reach out
and
want to know what I'm doing and how I'm representing them. So, it brings some
pressure to what I do next.

> BREAKING: Marcus Dumervil, a 4-star offensive tackle, signed with LSU football
on Early Signing Day. He is the nephew of former NFL standout Elvis Dumervil. 
https://t.co/JydChXJ98Q

— Tiger on Saturday, Saint on Sunday (@LSUnow) December 18, 2019
[https://twitter.com/LSUnow/status/1207331820267868160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, you both of you went to the All-American game as seniors in 2019. What is it
like watching this year's class miss that opportunity due to COVID-19?
MARTINEZ: But with what's going on, I feel bad for the kids that didn't get
opportunity to play in that game. Because first of all, it's a great experience
- getting to see guys that you're going to see the next three to four
years in college. Anyway. Me, for example - I've gone against guys in college
that I played with in the All-American game. So, the fact that this class
doesn't get to experience that is tough.

DUMERVIL: Yeah, as Marlon said, playing with those guys for a week in Orlando
and you get to meet a lot of new people, see a lot of things. I got guys on my
team now that I played with in that game. So those are great experiences.

> Important message regarding the 2021 All-American Bowl 
pic.twitter.com/kFv93Khboz [https://t.co/kFv93Khboz]

— All-American Bowl (@AABonNBC) October 20, 2020
[https://twitter.com/AABonNBC/status/1318598807999909889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
I feel bad for those guys. You know, you work hard in high school for that...
and it was stripped away from those guys due to a global pandemic. So, I feel
for those guys and, and those friendships they won't make along the way. They
just got to keep their head down and move forward.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, I coached both of you at St. Thomas Aquinas? During your time there, you
guys won the state championship - AND - the national championship. What was that
feeling like?
MARTINEZ: It's really indescribable to be honest, because the year before we had
got to State and we fell short. So our mindset is literally "go all the way or
it doesn't mean anything". So we came into that year with a chip on our
shoulders. And it showed. Our offensive line, we had to move positions around
all the time. And a lot of guys definitely grew from that experience.

DUMERVIL: Winning the state championship, going undefeated, and then winning the
national championship in Vegas... it felt like I had won the Super Bowl. It just
was... it was indescribable. It was the time of our lives.

With so many top offensive linemen at LSU, how involved are you guys as leaders
of that offensive line? Are there coaching moments during the game?
DUMERVIL: Yeah, so when the first group is on the field, Coach Cregg wants the
second group with him up and down sidelines calling out stuff. Sometimes for
example, like a couple of games ago, one of the linebackers kind of called out
the guard. So, the guard went back to the center. He came late, but our coast,
not like he just came right away. So when we tell him, when me telling him it
was a little
coffee house stuck, then that he could correct the guard and say: Pete! Wait
till he's committed to drop out and then go back and help the center.

Right. So is that going on with you, too, Marlon?
MARTINEZ: Definitely. Walking into that center role, I have to know what's going
on at all times. So, basically every game, (Coach Cregg) told me to stand by him
and I'll be trying to help him. Because sometimes, you know, coaches aren't
perfect. Nobody is. He may not see something that we see. So we just talked on
the
sideline, whether we in or not.

How was that transition from the guard position to center? What's the biggest
difference?
MARTINEZ: At the college level, it's the responsibility. Playing center in high
school, you know, our calls weren't really that complicated. But now in college,
there's so much responsibility to look at the defense, read the defense and I
call the
protection. Everybody is listening to you.

When you get to college, it's really all about reading the defense, seeing the
blitzes early, looking at the characters, seeing who's back over the safety. You
know, you got more responsibility, more things you got to know.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How has it been, dealing with COVID and everything, during your freshman
seasons?
DUMERVIL: Well, I could say some of his been stressful due having some guys out
in quarantine, some games postponed, and stuff like that. But, mostly it kind of
took a lot from the guys who just got into college. They experience like a tiger
stadium is packed out this year. Like for certain games, we would have the Tiger
Walk with 25,000 or 30,000 fans screaming and that is just a little different.
It's just been kind of a stressful season on that end.

Marcus Dumervil & Marlon Martinez Speak On Covid & Next Season | GMTMThe global
pandemic has caused life to change for many people and college players are no
different. They have had games canceled and have lost players for the season
due
to this, but still, find a way to go out there and win. Marcus Dumervil &
Marlon
Martinez also talk about their offseason plans an…gmtm logo
[https://gmtm.com/watch/streams/GA_a8ouqeJw]But, it's been fun, as well. Going
out there and seeing guys win big games and just being in the atmosphere next to
somebody you grinded throughout fall camp and summer workouts with. So, (those
parts) are really enjoyable.

There've been a ton of instances where a team would go through the whole week of
practice and then come to find out their game was postponed. I know, for me as a
player, I would've went crazy, man.
DUMERVIL: So when that happened to us, he kind of told us on a Wednesday or
Tuesday after practice. So we kind of knew going forward that we'll switch in
the game plan to the following week's opponent. And he gave us like that,
that Friday, Saturday, Sunday off.

MARTINEZ: As a center, it was especially tough to switch the game plan mid-week
because I'd be memorizing coverages for a certain team. And then, from one day
to the next, you have to learn a whole different defense.

Right. You got to throw out everything that you just learned?
MARTINEZ: Yeah. But, keep it in the back of your mind because chances are,
you're going to see it again.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next year looks very bright for both of you guys and you've got upperclassmen
that are leaving. What are you guys doing to make sure that you guys are
prepared for
this next season?
MARTINEZ: I'm definitely going to focus on getting stronger and faster.
I also have to study up on our protections because I'm going to have to know it
next year. And then, just working on my technique, knowing even if I'm not going
to be at center next year, I got to keep that same stuff going on wherever I go.

DUMERVIL: With me, I obviously want to get bigger... stronger, faster. That’s
everybody's off season. But when you grow in size, you kind of (also) grow
mentally. You still want to do some film study, technique work... and go through
some of the blocking schemes with your plays. Just stay sharp on the protections
and schematic stuff.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What advice would you give these young guys on what it takes to get to the
level?
DUMERVIL: It takes a lot of sacrifices and a lot of time. You going to miss out
on things... but later on, you're going to look back at it like... "this
opportunity is not going to come again."

MARTINEZ: But besides that, you just got to keep working. I mean... everything I
do, I'll look at it later and be like I could've done this better. I could've
done that better. So just take advantage of every moment you get, whether it's
playing in a game... whether it's training... whether it's practice. Take
advantage of everything
anybody gives you, because you're going to look back at it and critique
yourself. And you should look back and say, I did what I had to do to get where
I am now.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One thing I want to know is how is Coach Orgeron?
DUMERVIL: He’s fun. Sometimes, we'll be in a serious moment and then like he'll
say something to loosen everybody up... and he's got the Cajun accent and stuff.
So, when he does go off topic, sometimes people can't understand him.
He's a demanding coach, though, as all coaches should be. And, when it's off
the field, he's a father figure to some guys and, and he treats us
like we’re his own sons.

MARTINEZ: Yeah. Especially with lineman... he’s going to take care of lineman.

DUMERVIL: For example, Tuesday is usually the grind day... competition Tuesdays.
So, we'll have like two minutes left in a really tough workout and he'll call
out the big men and say, "We done." And, for the rest of the 10 minutes, we just
get to be on a knee watching the skill guys keep going, shaking their heads.

Current LSU Players, Marcus Dumervil and Marlon Martinez, Talk About Coach
Orgeron | GMTMMarcus Dumervil and Marlon Martinez both have massive respect for
Coach Orgeron. They say that he is a father figure to many of the guys on the
team and that he loves lineman. They also go on to speak about the intense
practices and the overall culture.gmtm logo
[https://gmtm.com/watch/streams/L-dFdSzhFWY]MARTINEZ: But, that shouldn't be
taken the wrong way, though. He really is
demanding of everything he do. Like, the culture of LSU is practice
harder. We go hard as often as we can. So, that two minutes is like really
earned. But yeah, he demands full speed, full contact. He's that type of coach,
you know, hard-nosed, like the culture of LSU football.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Torrian Wilson: (23:34):             All right. For my last question, I do this
with
every guest that comes on the shelf. All right. Whoever  wants to come,
whoever wants to go, they go first. . But this is strictly talking about NFL
lineman on this one. So you are a NFL head coach. You have to put
together five offensive linemen. I'm going to take you to the super bowl.
And so I get this question all the time. So it doesn't matter if it doesn't
matter if he's a left tackle and you put him at right tackle, that doesn't
matter. As long as he's intact.

Marlos Martinez: (24:21):         Oh, go for it.

Marcus Dumervil (24:25):           Hold on, hold on, hold on. Trent Williams.

Torrian Wilson: (24:29):              Who was that second name?

Marcus Dumervil(24:30) :            Todd Smith

Torrian Wilson(24:31):                 Okay. Okay.

Marcus Dumervil: (24:33):          And then.. Can people be out of position or
no?

Torrian Wilson: (24:36):               As long as they play guard, it doesn't
matter.

Marcus Dumervil: (24:38):          Okay. I'm gonna put  Brandon Sheriff side.

Torrian Wilson: (24:48):              I like it .That's a new one to. we never
had .

Marcus Dumervil: (24:52):          Richie, Richie. I left Gore

Torrian Wilson: (24:55):               Richie. Yeah, no one never named him
either.

Marcus Dumervil: (25:00):          And then at center,  I'll put, I think he's
named Brian. The one from
Tampa Bay.

Torrian Wilson: (25:08):              Oh, Brian Jensen. Yeah.  That's a good
line. I like it. I like that line. See
those two names. Brandon Sheriff and Richie Incognito. No one has ever
named those two and they get slept on too. Yeah. I like those too.

Marlon Martinez: (25:26):           I have my final with his phone, but from
left to right. I got David
Boughty  already. Quentin  Nelson ,Jason Kelsey, Marshall Yonder and
Tyrone Smith.

Torrian Wilson: (25:40):             Who did you have at left guard?

Marlon Martinez: (25:45):          Quentin Nelson

Torrian Wilson: (25:46):              Oh no,I don’t know!? Dumervil?

Marcus Dumervil: (25:51):          Who will bring every boy And pass the test.

Torrian Wilson: (25:53):              That's it. That's the line. That's the
super super bowl line right there. I
gotta give it to you. That's a Super bowl line right there, but that's a
good game. You two meet, meet each other at super on that. But guys,
man  I appreciate you guys for coming on, man. Taking the time out of
your busy schedule. I know you guys are preparing for Ole miss this
weekend, man. Once again, I appreciate you guys. This is Tony Wilson
with the craft and limey show, man. And you guys have a good night on
th

LSU Linemen Marcus Dumervil & Marlon Martinez on COVID-19, Coach O, and the 2020 Season

Jacob Rimmer

College can be challenging for any student. Student athletes have a harder time
because they have to work around the schedule of the team while taking the same
classes that other students take. Being able to balance the two is very hard but
at the same time very rewarding. To be able to balance the two, you need great
time management skills as well as a great work ethic. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Time Management

Time management is one of the most important things that you can master while
being a student athlete. Great time management is very hard to acomplish because
of the difference between a high school schedule and a college schedule. In high
school, you have class in the day and then practice after school. Most of the
classes in high school you don't have to study too hard for which frees up most
of your after school time to train more. Being a student athlete in college, you
have to wake up early and go through many hours of film and workouts which can
become exhausting. Then, you have to go to class and actually pay attention
because the classes are much more difficult and require closer attention and
better notes. Once you are done with class you usually will go back and study
for another few hours to get ready for the next day. This schedule can be very
hard to balance starting out all while still getting used to being in a new
environment. A few tips to help with time management could include: 

 * Writing your class schedule and assignments in a notebook planner.
 * Write down when you are going to study and when your tests are for your
   classes. 
 * Map out where all of your classes are and schedule to eat somewhere along the
   way.
 * If you have free time during the day, do something productive for your class
   so you can relax at night. 

If you schedule out everything important for the team and school that you need
to do on a given day and actively study that schedule, then good time management
is formed into a habit for you. The hardest part is making this schedule work
for you without it being too big of an inconvience to your social, personal, and
student-athlete life. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Social Life 

Social life is very important for having a good time in college. If you are
there and only thinking about your respective sport 24/7, then you can easily
become overwhelmed with work. There is a strict schedule that you have to stick
to everyday, but you can also schedule times for hanging out with friends and
teammates. If feel as though you are not having a good time as a student, then
the odds are that will affect how you feel as an athlete. Meet people outside of
the team and get to know them. This will help you feel more like a student and
not strictly an athlete. This could also be beneficial after college as well
because if you become friends with other students, then you will have their
friendship to lean on for possible career opportunities. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Academics

Even though you are apart of a team at the college level, you are still a
student at the end of the day. If you are not doing what you are supposed to be
doing in the classroom, then you could end up failing a class and will be
behind. It is important to stay on top of the academics because this is what's
going to set you up for the rest of your life and if you don't take advantage of
that, then you could be in a bad position. When you are doing well in class then
you feel good about yourself. This good mood will carry on into the sport that
you play and will make everything more enjoyable. When you can excell at
academics as well as sports, then you will have a great time at college while
being apart of something that is bigger than yourself. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

College demands a lot of things out of the students. It demands time for
studying, going to class, and meetings with professors and friends. This on top
of being a student athlete can become very overwhelming. If you play your cards
right and hold yourself accountable, you will make many friends and have a great
time in college. Don't let the fact that you play a sport for a college get in
the way of your education. Balance both and you will no doubt be a successful
student athlete.

How To Be Successful As A Student Athlete

Andrew Pistone

Hearing the roar of the crowd after throwing a game winning touchdown pass,
sinking a buzzer beating three pointer, or hitting a walk off home run are some
of the best sensory feelings in sports. But jumping around, high fiving
teammates, and seeing the pumped up wide smiles of the fans and teammates during
those moments is no less exciting, and hearing impaired athletes can also find
themselves enjoying the most thrilling moments their sport has to offer.

Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. is one school which offers the chance
for hearing impaired student athletes to get a great education while continuing
to play the sports they love. Since many campus visits are shelved due to the
ongoing pandemic, GMTM provided an opportunity
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/20/gallaudet-virtual-visit] for high schoolers to
learn more about the Bison athletics, as well as get more information about the
academic majors and minors offered at the university.

> The flag of #GallaudetU
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/GallaudetU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] is what?
BUFF and BLUE!
This weekend is this year’s virtual Homecoming for alumni! Join the interactive
pep rally tomorrow, October 29 on Zoom (https://t.co/75owu4dZms) from 7-8 p.m.
ET, or watch on Facebook Live.https://t.co/pKsXgh9k55 <-- for HC info. 
pic.twitter.com/gAoH1t6sXL [https://t.co/gAoH1t6sXL]

— Gallaudet University (@GallaudetU) October 28, 2020
[https://twitter.com/GallaudetU/status/1321532253583953921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
The university offers several scholarships for academic excellence, such as the 
President’s Distinguished Honor
[https://www.gallaudet.edu/merit-based-scholarship-awards]s package, and the 
Provost’s Excellence [https://www.gallaudet.edu/merit-based-scholarship-awards] 
offering—like with the vast majority of universities, it behooves the young
person to focus on their studies before and during college in order to reap this
financial benefit.

Over and above Gallaudet’s offerings, there are a host of other scholarships
students with hard of hearing conditions can pursue regardless of where they
decide to go to school. There are certain forms of aid that target students with
specific type of hearing difficulties, such as the George H. Nofer Scholarship
[https://www.top10onlinecolleges.org/scholarships-for/hearing-impaired-students/]
, which is aimed at graduate students who have a pre-lingual bilateral hearing
impairment. Additionally, the Nofer scholarship, and others, also have other
pre-requisites based on field of study. The Maude Winkler Scholarship Program
[https://www.top10onlinecolleges.org/scholarships-for/hearing-impaired-students/] 
is geared toward hearing impaired students who are pursuing a degree in a
scientific field of study, such a biological science, physical science or
engineering.

Additionally, the National Football League and EarQ, a company which looks to
connect individuals with hearing needs to the right medical experts, have 
partnered [https://www.earq.com/student-athlete-scholarship] together in recent
years to improve the well being of hearing impaired student athletes. They have
teamed up to provide partial scholarships to students in this category. Todd
Honas received the first scholarship in the program, and had a relentless
attitude toward tackling his personal challenges.

> “Even though I battled against an array of problems, I didn’t let those problems
define me,” Honas said. “Whether we like it or not, we will all face adversity,
but it can be overcome with courage and relentless pursuit.” Via EARQ.com
[https://www.earq.com/our-story/news/earq-nflpa-scholarship-2018]
> At an NFLPA event this weekend providing hearing screenings and smiles! 😁👂
#healthyhearing
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/healthyhearing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] #NFLPA
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLPA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 
pic.twitter.com/5Kd39VL4Po [https://t.co/5Kd39VL4Po]

— EarQ (@EarQ) November 16, 2019
[https://twitter.com/EarQ/status/1195812360356679680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
However, just because a student athlete may not have the ability to hear does
not mean they need to attend a college or play on a team that is specifically
geared to the hearing impaired. One of the most inspirational examples of this
scenario is the story of former NFL player Derrick Coleman, who won a Super Bowl
with the Seattle Seahawks in February 2014.

Before reaching the pros, Coleman was a talented running back for the UCLA
Bruins from 2008-2011. Without all the verbal communicative advantages that most
major college football players have, Coleman still rushed for 11 touchdowns in
14 games in the 2011 season, proving that persistence and dedication are
powerful tools in overcoming even the most difficult of hurdles.

> "Everybody has some sort of problem. Some people can't see. Some people can't
hear right. It's up to you whether you're going to overcome that problem." Via
ESPN.com
[https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/columns/ncf/story/_/id/7273486/derrick-coleman-ucla-bruins-story-worth-hearing]

College Opportunities For Hearing Impaired Students

It's no secret that football has become a passing-friendly game. Instead of
dominating the trenches and playing physical, offenses in college and the NFL
now focus on airing it out to elite receivers on the outside.

However, the speed and athleticism that makes for great pass-catchers can also
be used to stop them from wrecking a defense's game plan.

Checking in at 6'1 and 180 pounds, William Wells
[https://twitter.com/williamwells07?lang=en] is a jack-of-all trades wide
receiver, cornerback, and kick returner out of Florida's Suncoast High School, l
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAJs5chzkew&list=PLaqhzHpQYucKqM1k0fg-WoRRWcxTLLTRW&index=29&ab_channel=GMTMSports]
ocated an hour north of Miami.

In a video breakdown
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAJs5chzkew&list=PLaqhzHpQYucKqM1k0fg-WoRRWcxTLLTRW&index=29&ab_channel=GMTMSports] 
with GMTM's Joey Grant and former USC quarterback Max Browne, the two took a
look at Wells' game tape, pointing out what makes him a player to watch in the
class of 2021.

What immediately struck [https://youtu.be/YAJs5chzkew?t=29] Joey and Max was
William's ability to set himself for a catch and then turn on a dime upfield for
a touchdown. His speed on the outside gives offenses the chance to turn
five-yard catches into fifty-yard touchdowns, as well as keeping opposing
cornerbacks on their toes for sixty minutes. 

While on offense, Max continued to be impressed by how Wells can play on both
the inside and outside [https://youtu.be/YAJs5chzkew?t=138] of any formation.
Browne stated that "I like how they're putting him in the slot. You don't always
see, at the high school level, your tallest and fast[est] receivers going
inside."

Wells' versatility was also on full display during his time at Suncoast. In
addition to playing at receiver and defensive back, William even took wildcat
snaps from the pocket [https://youtu.be/YAJs5chzkew?t=50], showcasing his
elusiveness from anywhere on the field. Wells was even able to throw a dime
[https://youtu.be/YAJs5chzkew?t=258] down the field, showcasing an arm opposing
defenses have to account for. 

Another facet of William's game is his talent receiving kickoffs and punts. On
this play [https://youtu.be/YAJs5chzkew?t=233], he's able to dart in and out of
coverage, going from sideline to sideline in an effort to find open holes. It
takes agility and durability to handle returning kicks on a consistent basis,
two traits Wells clearly possesses.

On the defensive side of the ball, William has a knack for being a hard hitter,
as evidenced by this play [https://youtu.be/YAJs5chzkew?t=154], where he jars
the ball out from the opposition with a fundamentally strong hit to the chest,
leading with his shoulder. Max and Joey were also quick to point out when
William would play different positions on defense, such as strong safety and
outside linebacker.

As noted by Max, "The market is hot for tall, athletic corners at the next
level." Wells' size, strength, and speed, coupled with overall football
knowledge from playing on both sides of the field, make him a solid defensive
back who should only get better in college. 

Joey praised Wells for his excellent pursuit while lining up on defense. Just
take a look at the hustle he displays [https://youtu.be/YAJs5chzkew?t=284] at
cornerback during a run that most players would have given up on. Wells'
determination and grit is something that has become harder to find amongst
touted athletes at both the high school and college levels.

As a senior for Suncoast this past year, Wells earned a reputation as a leader
for a young team during a hectic 2020 season. When discussing the prized
recruit's role on his squad, head coach Jimmy Clark stated
[https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2020/10/27/william-wells-provides-leadership-suncoast-team-full-youth/3748330001/] 
that “He’s a Power 5 defensive back, that’s all there is to it, and we play him
at receiver just because he’s such a great athlete, but he’s our leader out
there.”

There is obviously more room for Wells to grow as a player. Part of this will be
determining a primary position to focus on, which will likely be defensive back.
However, his skill on offense and special teams is not something coaching staffs
will squander, giving number seven the chance to make impact plays at any point
in the game. Wells, who recently committed
[https://ucfknights.com/sports/football/roster/william-wells/12510] to the
University of Central Florida, will be a major asset for head coach Josh Heupel
and the Knights going forward. 

With top of the line speed, a tall and athletic frame, along with the knowledge
that comes with playing all over the field, the future looks bright for William
Wells. With the added experience and training that comes with being a collegiate
athlete, the sky is the limit for this elite athlete.

William Wells Is An Ultra-Athletic Playmaker On the Outside

College is an exciting transition to go through for any student, athlete or not.
There is even more excitement as an athlete coming to college because they are
going to be apart of a college team which is what most highschool athletes dream
of. This dream can be quickly met with the reality of college football. There
are many long days and nights with early wake-ups that come with being a
collegiate athlete that can become tiring. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fall Camp

If you are familiar with college football, you have heard about fall camp. This
is the period right before the season where the whole football team practices
and prepares for the upcoming season. This is the worst part of the year for
most players because the amount of hours that are put in each day. Fall camp
usually lasts about a month and you spend everyday at the football facility. You
can expect to wake up very early, have a few hours of film, a few hours of
workouts, and a practice. The time during these activities are filled with
mandatory meals, meetings with medical staff, and sleep. Since you are so busy
throughout the day, most players sleep in the locker room because you want to
spend every second that you aren't doing something sleeping. 

There are 2 reasons why fall camp is dreaded by many players. The physical
exhaustion that you will go through is like no other. You workout and practice
almost everyday for a month straight. The mental aspect of fall camp to me is
the worse of the 2. You spend almost all of your time in the fooball facility
for about a month with no contact with other people from outside of the team.
This paired with physical exhaustion is what makes it so dreaded. I am not
trying to scare anyone, I am just trying to prepare you. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hero to Zero 

If you are a collegiate football player, you are good at football. You may be
used to being one of the best players on your highschool team. This will change
once you get on campus because everyone was the best on their team or else they
wouldn't be on your college team. This is hard for some athletes to overcome
because they aren't used to that kind of adversity. This is completely normal,
you just have to stick to what got you there and continue to work hard. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Time Management

Time management is one of the hardest obstacles to overcome as a freshman. There
is a huge transition from a simple highschool schedule to a complicated college
schedule. As an athlete, you are have to plan for your school obligations but
also have to plan for your football obligations as well. This can become
complicated if you do not have the structure behind your schedule. You have to
look at your days in advance and plan to do certain things at certain times. It
is easy to become overwhelmed with a schedule like that, but as long as you
write things down and plan for your obligations, then you will be fine. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Network

As a freshman, it is very important to meet people that are outside of the team.
It is a good thing to have great friends inside of the team, but also a good
thing to find friends that aren't apart of the team. At the end of the day, you
are a college student and you should take the advantages that come with it.
Network with people early on and establish friendships with them and your
college experience will be much better. You never know who is going to do what
in the future. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

College is a fun time and should be enjoyed by anyone who is able to make it
there. You will meet some of your best friends at college, but don't let this
get in the way of why you're there. You are there to play football and to get an
education. You will need to make sacrafices along the way, but if you manage
yourself correctly and stick to what's important, you will be successful.

What To Expect When You Arrive On Campus

What do you think it takes to get to the next level? Is it making a few good
plays on game day? Is it hitting a new PR in the weight room? I believe the
answer is deeper than that. It is a mentality that you will do everything that
it takes to get to the next level no matter how exhausting the process is and no
matter how long it takes. This mentality is tied into many things that are
needed to be done and shown in order to get to where you want to be. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Weight Room and Practice Field 

If you want to be successful then you need to be competitive in the weight room
and on the practice field. You need to have the mentality that you are going to
do whatever it takes and will go through anything to get there. This means that
if you aren't getting enough work from the school program workouts, then you
need to find a gym and get better workouts there. If you notice that your feet
arent moving as fast as you'd like them to, then you need to be putting in extra
work after practice to work on your footwork. Anything that it takes, you need
to be willing to do. Find your imperfetions and work as hard as you can to
perfect them. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leadership

Being a leader is one of the best things that you can do to get recruited.
Coaches love to see prospects being a leader because this means that they are
willing to fufill that role, they put the team first, and they are a great
teammate. Leadership comes in many different fasions such as making sure
everyone gets to practice on time, keeping teamates accountable in the classroom
and in social life, and cleaning up the weightroom after a workout becuase you
know it needs to be done. 

Leadership can also exist outside of football and into the community.
Volunteering in the community is not only a good thing to do as a person, but
also a good thing to do as a football player. This puts an image in the
communities eyes that will change the culture of the team if enough players are
willing to do what it takes. Coaches see this whether you believe it or not. If
you are a leader on the team and in the community, you have a lot better of a
chance to get recruited over someone who is not. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Study Film and Playbook 

This is one of the most important things things that you need to be doing if you
want to play for a college team. College coaches look for players that have a
really good understanding of the game and their position. This shows them that
you will be able to handle a college playbook. If you know what you are doing
and why you are doing it, then it will help on the field too because you can
play faster without having to think about what you're doing. You may ask, how do
you study film and the playbook? 

In order to study film the correct way, you need to look deeper than you think
you need to. When watching film, look for certain habbits that your opponent
has. Look at what he does in certain situations. Also look at yourself and look
at what you could do better to have a better play. This process over many weeks
will allow you to have a better understanding of how to play the game and will
help you excell at it. For the playbook, you need to have all of the plays drawn
out and all of the possible defenses/offenses that you may see. You need to know
what to do in every situation that you could be in. This knowledge paired with
your understanding for the opponent will allow you to have many great games. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you didn't notice, I did not mention one time that you need to have certain
numbers in the weight room or you need to be a certain height to play college
ball. If you are absolutely outstanding in the weight room and on the practice
field, you are a leader, and you have vast knowledge about the game of football,
you will stick out. Trust the process and trust yourself.

Are You College Football Material?

This year's National Signing Day is rapidly approaching, and there's a number of
things that can be highlighted for that special day for prospects and colleges.
However, we are going to focus on five things that will have major ramifications
on the future of college football. Now, let's highlight these storylines of
interest.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DE Decision Time
One of the top three recruits in the country this year (per 247Sports) has yet
to sign with a team as J.T. Tuimoloau, the pride of Eastside Catholic High
School in Sammamish, WA., boasts 24 offers and comes in at 6'4" and 277 lbs. as
an edge defender. Alabama and Ohio State are listed as favorites for his
services, but the Tide currently has a trio of DEs signed in this year's class
while OSU currently has one.

As you can see in his Hudl film
[https://www.hudl.com/video/3/3112430/59d0a57dc11b450b78185924], Tuimoloau is
long, strong, and athletic; all qualities you want in a DE. Whatever team he
signs with is going to get a special athlete that can really blossom with a
quality DL coach.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QBs on the Move
There's going to be a bit of drama in the Transfer Portal this season as we have
a pair of four-star quarterbacks in the Portal that are immediately eligible.
Austin Kendall, formerly the West Virginia QB that threw two TDs in this year's
Liberty Bowl, is the second-highest rated passer in the Portal while UNC's Jace
Ruder, who broke his collarbone in 2018 and then broke his leg the following
season, is also on the move.

It is interesting to note that out of the top ten highest rated QBs in the
Portal, only four have signed with Power 5 schools so far. With the 2020 season
wreaking havoc on eligibility and who's staying where, there might not be as
many opportunities to compete for jobs as therewould be in other seasons, so
this will be something to keep an eye on.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsung Heroes
Adding a five-star recruit to your program can make a huge difference, but it's
not a prerequisite to having a great team. Out of the top ten recruiting classes
in the country this year, two have not signed five-stars to their class: Notre
Dame and Oregon. Indiana and Oregon aren't the football hotbeds that other
states are, but those programs do a great job with player development and make
the most out of what they have.

In Oregon's case, they do a good job of competing against the PAC-12 for
recruits as 15 of their 21 recruits hail from the West Coast (plus Colorado,
which is not on the coast but definitely west). On the other hand, Notre Dame is
effective at using its national brand as it has signed recruits from 15
different states in this class. These are two very different situations but
these programs have found a way to build competitive teams every season, and it
all starts with recruiting.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Starman, Waiting in the Portal
It's not all that often you see a former five-star in the Portal, but that's
exactly what we have this year as LB Palaie Gaoteote IV is leaving USC after
missing time in 2020 due to a concussion/leg contusion. He will have to sit next
season, but having a talent like his on the roster will be hard for many teams
to pass up. 

At 6'2" and 250 lbs., Gaoteote is the prototypical run-stuffing ILB and his
senior season film
[https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4045274/59b64e2838637d04704745fb] is outstanding
as well. He would really thrive in a defense with 4-2/3-4 principles so it'll be
interesting to see where he ends up.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's Good to Be King
To say that there isn't a program quite like Alabama would be a gross
understatement. The defending national champion currently has the highest rated
signing class this year, which has their fifth-highest rated recruit of all time
(JC Latham), and the Tide has a five-star RB commit that has yet to sign in
Camar Wheaton.

To compound matters for the rest of college football, Bama has 15 offers out to
recruits that are currently uncommitted. Now, most of those likely won't end up
at Alabama but keep an eye out for which team RB Kyree Young, WR Brian Thomas
Jr., WR Destyn Hill, and S Terrion Arnold sign with as the Tide is a major
player for all of those recruits.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jordan Rinard [http://gmtm.com/articles/jordan-rinard] is a contributing writer
for GMTM and a Recruiting Editor for Hustle Belt. He will always hold onto the
belief that Jim Brown is the one true GOAT.

The Top Five Storylines of 2021 National Signing Day

Johnathan Wright

The college soccer recruiting process can be extremely competitive, and
unfortunately, it does not always come down to how well you perform on the
field. According to the NCAA
[http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/research/estimated-probability-competing-college-athletics]
, only 5.6% of high school players make the jump to play in college.

In order to give yourself a chance at becoming a part of the 5.6%, you will need
to be extremely proactive and assertive. Begin the process early; high school
athletes can begin speaking to college coaches after June 15th of their
sophomore year.

#6 Johnathan Wright battling Jordan MorrisBefore completing any of the steps
below, it is essential to plan and do research. Look up the schools you would
want to play college soccer for, is it a big or small school, do they have the
major you want to study,  is it in a part of the U.S. you would like to live in?

Make a school list separated into your dream schools, and then your fall back
schools — the school in your hometown or a lower division than you are shooting
for. Remember that the more schools you reach out to, the higher the chance that
one will recruit you, so cast a wide net.

Here are 5 Tips To Help Get Attention From College Coaches:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#1 You are the one trying to play, not your parents
When communicating with college soccer coaches, you need to ensure that you
always reply and talk to coaches on the phone, not your parents. You are the one
that will be playing and attending the school, so it is vital that coaches
genuinely know you are interested.

If you have your parents do all the talking, then coaches will not take you
seriously.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#2 Have game film 
When reaching out to a coach, one of the first questions they will ask is, do
you have any game film?

It does not have to be professional filming. Just have your parents or friends
grab a camera and track your positioning on the field.

> All you high school athletes - Nick Saban just said he watches EVERY SINGLE PLAY
of his recruits HIGH SCHOOL CAREER on film. Think abt that!

— Anthony Savage (@Savage_ADS) November 4, 2013
[https://twitter.com/Savage_ADS/status/397179608933486592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
A player can hype himself up as much as he wants, but a coach will always need
to see your game film in order to move forward with the recruiting process.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#3 Give coaches your playing schedule
Make sure that coaches are aware of your showcase and tournament schedules.

College soccer coaches dedicate a certain amount of resources for recruiting
trips, so try to factor yourself into their trips by attaching your playing
schedule to every email you send.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#4 No need to go to college ID camps, unless you are invited
Often, college ID camps are just a fundraising ploy for the college soccer
programs.

Unless the college is in your home town or the coaches explicitly request you to
attend the ID camp, it is not worth spending the extra money for hotels and
travels. Just continue to send game film along with your updated showcase and
tournament schedule.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#5 Academics are just as important as your playing ability
Grades are just as crucial in the college soccer recruiting process as your
playing ability. The minimum GPA for an incoming athlete to compete at the NCAA
Division I level is 2.3 or higher. It required that one earns a 900 or higher on
the SAT or a sum score of 75 on the ACT, via National Scouting Report
[https://www.nsr-inc.com/scouting-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-ncaa-gpa-requirements/#:~:text=The%20minimum%20GPA%20required%20to%20compete%20at%20the,is%20what%20the%20NCAA%20calls%20the%20sliding%20scale.]
.

> Dear High School Athletes Care About Your Test Scores(SAT/ACT) & Grades The Same
Way U Do About Your Play!!!!! 💪🏾 #WinningFormula
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinningFormula?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

— Plies (@plies) August 5, 2019
[https://twitter.com/plies/status/1158503059842129920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
As great as it is to want to earn a full-ride scholarship, the reality of that
happening is low. DI college soccer programs have just 9.9 full scholarships
that get split amongst the team.

Having a high GPA will allow you to earn additional scholarship money through
academics, making you more attractive to college coaches.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALSO READ: How Many Scholarships Does Each Collegiate Sport Offer? | GMTM
[https://gmtm.com/articles/how-many-scholarships-each-collegiate-sport-offers]

5 Tips To Help Get Recruited To Play College Soccer

7-on-7 football is quickly becoming college recruiter's favorite ways to
evaluate skill players. The one-on-one matchups between defensive backs and wide
receivers seems to magnify the footwork and hand skills, while quarterbacks are
able to demonstrate their accuracy in a range of throws to different areas.

But, even in a version of the sport seemingly built for social distancing, the
2020 pandemic brought offseason 7-on-7 football to an abrupt end last March. And
most teams around the country watched star players graduate or focus on other
sports during the lockdown, leaving roster spots open and no showcase for new
players to step in.

One team though, approached GMTM to help them connect with more athletes in a
safe way by launching a Virtual Tryout [https://gmtm.com/virtuals] they can
participate in from home.

> The @GatorsGarfield [https://twitter.com/GatorsGarfield?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] are
powered by https://t.co/5mIcItqpeE! 🔋

Athletes will earn a spot on their 15 U & 18 U teams 📈 by recording and
submitting tryout videos to team staff 🔥

Check out their virtual tryout below 👇 https://t.co/bcsMvmVp3X

— GMTM (@GMTMSports) December 11, 2020
[https://twitter.com/GMTMSports/status/1337521209098067969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
The Garfield Gators, a youth sports club located outside of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, have been hosting their 7-on-7 team tryouts on GMTM
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/38/garfield-gators-7on7-football-tryouts-15u] since
early December, collecting new videos from players hoping to be selected for
their 15-U travel team. The Gators' coaches are looking for Pittsburgh-area
athletes from 8th, 9th, and 10th grades to submit and earn a spot on their team
that attends national tournaments.

> If you can't make it to the 15U 7on7 football tryout in person, send your
workout virtually! @gmtm [https://twitter.com/gmtm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 
https://t.co/NozNadj0ZQ

— Garfield Youth Sports (@GatorsGarfield) January 12, 2021
[https://twitter.com/GatorsGarfield/status/1349117502199132162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
If you are an athlete interested in trying out fo the Garfield Gators 15-U team, 
visit their Virtual Tryout now
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/38/garfield-gators-7on7-football-tryouts-15u]. The
tryout features 5 activities that you can record and upload videos for to show
coaches your wide range of skills. This exclusive event costs $25 to access and
upload video.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are a 7-on-7 coach interested in hosting your team's tryouts virtually,
email sales@gmtm.com to create your own team profile and event.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Scotty Jenkins [https://gmtm.com/articles/author/scotty-jenkins] is a staff
writer for GMTM covering college football. He grew up slowly in Nebraska in the
midst of the Husker dynasty of the '90s... and has been aging rapidly ever
since."

Pennsylvania 7-on-7 Team Hosts Virtual Tryout During Pandemic



When I was getting recruited back in 2016, I was overwhelmed with information
that I was getting from different coaches, players, family members, and friends.
I didn't know what to think about all of this becasue recruiting was a process
that I had never gone through before. Once I decided to play for Duke
University, all of this stress shifted from "where am I going to go" to "what is
it going to happen once I get there." Looking back, I have absolutely no regrets
about my choice of school and have loved every second of it. 

Unfortunately, this is not always the case for other athletes because there is
information that you find out once you arrive that you wish you would have known
before you signed the National Letter of Intent. That is why I am writing today
to shine light on aspects of college football that you may have not considered
yet. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Academics vs. NFL Opportunity 

There are 3 main types of schools that you can choose from when you are getting
recruited. There are the "football" schools such as schools in the Power 5.
There are "academic" schools like schools in the Ivy League. Then there are the
schools that have a little of both. These types of schools can be found in any
division, I am just using the Power 5 and the Ivy League as an example. 

It is important to sit down with family members and talk about why you are
really wanting to play collegiate football, whether it is a way of obtaining a
college education, an opportunity to go to the NFL, or just because you have a
strong love for the game. Once you know the real reason why you want to play at
the next level, you can look at schools accordingly. 

If you are wanting to go to the NFL and nothing else, you will probabally be
better off going to a school that is known for their football program. If you
are wanting a world class education and you are using football to get that
education, you should look into schools with great academic programs. If you are
going to school for the education but also trying to go pro, it would be best to
look into a school that has a good football program while also having great
academic programs. 

This is important to think about because not all schools are the same. Some
schools will better set you up for the NFL and others will give you a great
education for your career. You can achieve both at any school, but different
schools have different advantages which are important to take into
consideration. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Location of the School 

The recruitment process is a very exciting time in any athlete's life. It is a
time for celebration, preperation, and transition. Most athletes during the
recruiting process are super excited about moving to college and getting away
from home in hopes of starting a new chapter in their lives. This is great and
should be an exciting time for anyone who has the ability to choose which school
they go to. There are just a few points that I would like to mention that could
possibly help with the decision. 

Once you arrive on campus, you are no longer a highschool senior who is on top
of the world. You are a student athlete who works for the football program. This
means that they control when you are able to leave campus and determine how
often you can go home. These times are usually during the summer sessions,
spring break, and winter break. Other than these 3 times of the year, you will
not have any extended breaks. You will have the occasional weekend off, but that
is it. That is worth mentioning because this means you have about 3 times a year
where you can actually go home and see your family and friends. 

As the months go by, you will miss your family more and more and will want to
take any chance you get to go back home. So if you pick a school that is 11
hours away (like I did), then you will not get to see your family very often. If
you pick a school that is close by and you get really homesick, you can always
drive home on a weekend that you have off and see your family. That is why it is
important to take into consideration because if you are a homebody, it may not
be best to pick a school that is across the country. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Strength and Conditioning Coaches

When an athlete is getting recruited, you talk to the recruiter, position coach,
and head coach. You will rarely talk to anyone else during the recruitement
process. This makes it very easy to determine which school you like based off of
the conversations you are having with those people. 

The reality is, you will spend a large majority of your time with the strength
and conditioning coaches. It is important to take into consideration the type of
strength and conditioning coaches that you are seeing when you go on visits
because you will spend most of you college football career with them. You will
talk to them everyday because they are the ones that lead the workouts,
conditioning sessions, pre-practice warmups, and post-practice stretches.

The only time that you are actually talking and interacting with your coaches
are in meetings and practice. That is why it is important to build relationships
with the strength and conditioning coaches to help determine what schools you
like. The last thing you want to do is pick a school based on the people that
you have been talking to and you end up disliking the strength and conditioning
coaches. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

These are just a few points that I would have liked to know while I was going
through the recruiting process. I hope that this helps if you are having trouble
deciding between schools. Be on the lookout for more articles to come about
maneurving through the recruitment process.

3 Things To Look For When Choosing A School

As the Miami Dolphins season has recently come to an end with a 56-26 defeat at
the hands of the Buffalo Bills, fans and evaluators have a natural break to take
a step back and review QB Tua Tagovailoa’s first season in the NFL. But former
NFL QB and Elite 11 head coach Trent Dilfer has known Tagovailoa for many years,
and has a front row seat for the young player’s development even before he
reached the NFL.

> Oh my Tua !!!! @Tua [https://twitter.com/Tua?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 
https://t.co/or7eZysxED

— JW (@D1__JW) December 20, 2020
[https://twitter.com/D1__JW/status/1340788609067184133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Dilfer spent some time with GMTM’s Joey Grant and Max Browne to discuss the
former Super Bowl winning quarterback’s approach to hosting Tagovailoa’s virtual
Pro Day, amidst pandemic related safety concerns and the former Alabama star’s
recovery from a serious hip injury. Browne brought up the fact that Tagovailoa’s
Pro Day was among the most anticipated in recent NFL Draft memory, and wondered
aloud about the pressure and challenges Dilfer faced in making sure the lefty
signalcaller had a chance to showcase his ability after not having played a game
since November 2019.

> “These workouts were massive for him,” Dilfer admitted. “The first day when he
was cleared to be on his feet and throw(after Alabama’s season ended), I had
about a twelve throw script for him. I was going to be cautious and slow with
his training. He ended up throwing 80 balls that day, he’s just a throw junkie.
His hip was great.”
As it related to the schedule Dilfer created to help Tagovailoa make some
cosmetic changes to his mechanics, there was a lot of due diligence and input
from many people around the future 5th overall pick as to how to best handle his
lead up to the NFL Draft.

> “He had great physicians in Alabama. Here in Nashville as well, my strength
coach Luke Richardson(formerly of the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans) knows a
lot about mobility, and put him on a careful entry level plan. We only did what
the doctors said we could do,” Dilfer revealed.
Later on in the segment, GMTM focused on the relationship Dilfer fostered with
Tagovailoa even before he became a household name at Alabama, and the evolution
the older quarterback witnesses in his star pupil. But Dilfer actually brought
up the fact that despite his collegiate success, and his high draft pick
selection in the NFL, Tua has largely remained the same person as it relates to
his work ethic, personality, and approach to life.

> “He’s still a great leader. He just has his presence about him where he makes
others around him feel better about themselves,” the Elite 11 head coach said.
Dilfer ended the segment by providing some advice to other quarterbacks who may
want, or may need to have a virtual Pro Day in the coming months. He mentioned
that the physical throwing and catching highlights are generally the easy parts
of putting something like this together, and challenged players to show command
in three areas:

· Command of Yourself

· Command of The Ball

· Command Of The People Around You

Looking Back At Tua Tagovailoa’s Virtual Pro Day

Nisshanth Perumalsamy

Submissions have come pouring in to our 25 Virtual Events that are live on GMTM
right now. Here are some of our favorite competitors submitting videos from all
around the world:


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Elijah Manzanares
[https://gmtm.com/athletes/66484/Elijah-Manzanares/gallery/8174133], Saint
Vincent College Virtual Visit
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/31/saint-vincent-college-virtual-visit]
Saint Vincent College is looking for athletes right now, but it is never too
early or late to put your name out there. Class of 2026 QB prospect is already
looking to show off his skill by throwing darts all over the football field.

> 2026’s Elijah Manzanares is pound for pound one of the most promising players in
Arizona https://t.co/08gXoWYFvH via @Youth1media
[https://twitter.com/Youth1Media?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

— Elijah Manzanares (@elimanzanares26) March 20, 2020
[https://twitter.com/elimanzanares26/status/1240841751796969473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
We are excited to see him compete in more virtual events over the next few years
and see him become an elite QB prospect!

Charlie Samburg
[https://gmtm.com/athletes/1327627/Charlie%20-Samburg/gallery/8174102], Elite
11's Digital Combine [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/3]
Elite 11 is still looking at prospects to this day and Charlie Samburg is
ceasing that opportunity by submitting his official pro day script! In his
submission, he was throwing dimes to his receiver even though his primary sport
is ice hockey. 

Charlie Samburg | GMTMAthletic profile for Charlie Samburg from McLean, VAgmtm
logo [https://gmtm.com/athletes/1327627/Charlie%20-Samburg/gallery/8167829]He is
apart of the class of 2023, so he has plenty of time to take his to the next
level and he is on the right track right now!

Terrance White
[https://gmtm.com/athletes/1328319/Terrance-White/gallery/8174080], USA Bobsled
and Skeleton Digital Combine [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/4]
Terrance White has done it all. He has served in the army, played rugby at a
high level, ran track, and much more. Now he turns to the USA Bobsled team to
reach another goal. To win a gold medal for the USA national team!

Terrance White | GMTMAthletic profile for Terrance White from ,gmtm logo
[https://gmtm.com/athletes/1328319/Terrance-White/gallery/8174080]After looking
at his highlights, he looks bound to get the opportunity to achieve this dream.
He runs a speedy 4.48 second 40 times and jumps through the roof!!!

Jeffrey Kinley
[https://gmtm.com/athletes/1327929/Jeffrey%20-Kinley/gallery/8174070], Dick's
Sporting Goods Digital Combine [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/2]
Class of 2022 prospect is already back to working on his craft. Today, he
competed in the Wide Receiver/Tight End Route Tree challenge presented by Dick's
Sporting Goods!!! He did not drop one pass in his entire submission despite some
high and low throws.

> Jeffrey Kinley 

Class of 2022

6ft 160LBs

FS/DB/WR

3.85 GPAhttps://t.co/sUSBGWsssp

— Jeffrey Kinley (@JeffreyKinley2) December 1, 2020
[https://twitter.com/JeffreyKinley2/status/1333853811190812672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
He is another multi-sport athlete on this list. He also wrestles at an elite
level for his school!

Nolan Johnson [https://gmtm.com/athletes/41538/nolan-johnson/gallery], The GMTM
Virtual [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/1]
To finish this off, we got Nolan Johnson returning to the athletes of the week
list. This time he is not showing off his athleticism, but his football IQ by
competing in Trent Dilfer's On The Board Challenge. 

> pic.twitter.com/o1zcxCIWC4 [https://t.co/o1zcxCIWC4]

— Nolan Johnson (@nol8njohnson) January 1, 2021
[https://twitter.com/nol8njohnson/status/1344982719122518017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
In his submission, he showed off his favorite play he ever ran in his football
career. It was a weak side strip-sack that happened during his sophomore year of
high school!

GMTM Athletes of the Week - January 11, 2021

The COVID-19 virus has been a popular topic of conversation since the first
American case back in January of 2020. To this day, it is still a very popular
topic to converse over because of the new inconveniences within our day to day
lives. These same inconveniences are apparent in collegiate football and other
collegiate sports which have unfortunately altered the way teams practice,
exercise, study film and ultimately play the game. Before the virus hit the
United States, football teams all across the nation were meeting for film study
at the crack of dawn, weight lifting multiple hours a week, and conducting
rigorous practices to prepare for the opponent. This schedule of film,
weightlifting, and practice has been perfected by most teams to the point to
where it becomes a lifestyle. This rigorous schedule in-season can result in
over 40 hours of football related obligations per week such as film, workouts,
practices, mandatory meals, mandatory tutoring sessions, and meetings with
members of the football staff (doctors, athletic trainers, nutritionists, etc.).
So what happens to this detailed schedule that demands for numerous daily
physical interactions when a pandemic like the one that we are currently living
through hits?

The first obstacle to overcome is team and position meetings. Before Covid-19,
team meetings would usually be held about once a week depending on the team and
the type of season (in-season or off-season). During the pandemic, all meetings
at first were conducted online through Zoom and once the team has provided
multiple unanimous negative tests, the meetings are then held in person, but
with more space between players. This means that for some schools, team meetings
would have to occur on the practice field because that is the only place that
has enough space for all players to be present and following the strict Covid-19
guidelines.

The second obstacle is being able to achieve efficient workouts while following
the guidelines. This means that there are no longer large groups of players that
will be lifting together. Instead, the teams are split up into much smaller
groups so that there are fewer players in the weightroom at a given time. Since
the team is following the guidelines, face masks are also worn during the
workout which is a huge inconvenience because it is very difficult to breathe.
The players are also not allowed to make their own recovery shake because that
involves players touching products after each other which would increase the
risk of spread. Since the players are not allowed to be in close proximity to
each other, the players workout as an individual with their individual weight
rack. This makes it very difficult to achieve heavy lifts, which are very
beneficial in an offseason, because there is no spotter. The players also have
to rack and un rack their weights which can become exhausting to do alone during
an extensive workout.

The third and most difficult obstacle to overcome as a football team is being
able to practice as a team. This is the most important aspect of any football
team because it gives the coaches a gauge of where certain players are at in
terms of individual development and readiness to play on the collegiate stage.
In order for a team to best prepare for a game, there needs to be all players
present to see the full picture of what the team will look like as well as
physical contact such as a typical football collision. These aspects of a
beneficial football practice are very hard to achieve while still maintaining
100% safety of all players and staff. This was combated through many months of
daily testing to make sure that the team is free of the virus. Once the team
proves that there are no cases, then practicing can be held assuming that the
football team will have very few interactions with people from outside the team.

The Covid-19 virus has been very difficult to deal with as people of society as
well as members of collegiate sports. Football is one of the harder collegiate
sports to maneuver through a pandemic like this due to the sheer size of a team
and the necessity of having physical contact. Teams all across the nation are
constantly evolving the structure of their program when new information about
the virus is received. Much like in a game of football, we have to keep adapting
and overcoming.

This Week: Five Things To Check Out On GMTM

The Five Skills a DB Prospect Needs to Develop

Kaleb Kraus Is A Matchup Nightmare In The 2020 Class

The Four Best Quarterbacks Turned Wide Receivers in NFL History

Who Put All the "Power" in College Football's Power 5?

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