GAMES
RANKINGS
LISTEN UP: The key to unlock the new football recruiting game
RECRUITING 101
After talking with college and high school coaches and athletes over the past few cycles, it has become obvious that the recruiting game has changed. It’s not a subtle change but a complete overhaul of the college football recruiting process.
The COVID “extra year” and the portal has completely turned the recruiting game on its’ head.
Everyone could figure that out, but how and who is it affecting the most?
The three, four and five star recruits are still being offered early by the Power 5 Schools (those are changing as well) during the Spring of their sophomore and junior years. Texas, LSU, Bama, Texas A&M, OU, USC and the likes are still offering those prospects, who are considered can’t-miss.
That’s an elite and small number of athletes who fall in this category. They are fine.
The DII and DIII schools are still recruiting the “good” high school players. High schoolers in Texas, however, see themselves as a cut above this level. There are plenty of opportunities to play at this level, so don’t rule this group out.
The DI-FCS and Group of 5 schools are out of the high school market. OUT OF THE MARKET. That is a huge void for the high school football player.
But why?
The way that the portal is now set up, the DI-FCS and Group of 5 schools have virtually become the landing spot for Power 5 players, who “portal down”. That means that these players are not getting playing time at a high-major DI or are strongly suggested to get into the portal by their existing assistant or head coaches.
Instead of developing high school players, this middle group of schools are more willing to take college athletes who have game file and are already used to the college life.
One flip side, a lot these athletes in the Group of 5 and DI-FCS are able to “portal up”. That means they had solid seasons at that level and use the portal to get to the Power 5 level.
This has become virtually what the junior college training ground used to be.
So, what gives?
What advice would I give to those athletes who still have that burning desire to play football in college?
Market yourself. You are your own marketing program. You can sell yourself better than anyone else can, right?
Get to work.
My other advice is to leave all options open. Do not rule anything out. If you can play, go to a lower-level college program and work your way up… “portal up” to where you want to be. Go somewhere you can play and get some film. That is your “new” resume to the next level.
Understand the new assignment, you have been given the Spark Notes.
Friday Night Preview: Boerne-Champion hosts Eagle Pass
Week one of the Texas High School Football season saw big plays and big action across the state. Week two is underway and some of the big action is bound to come from Eagle Pass's matchup against Boerne-Champion on Friday night. VYPE dives into the details:
Eagle Pass Eagles (1-0)
Eagle Pass had an outstanding season last year as they went 9-2 overall (4-1 in district play) with a 82% winning percentage and a top-of-their-district finish. Despite an unsuccessful playoff appearance, the Eagles have been working hard all offseason to enter another tough schedule with the ability to power through their opponents. Last week, the Eagles recorded a 49-7 victory over Eagle Pass Winn to start their season off on a high note. The likes of Jose Hernandez, Walker Finleyson, Tristan Gonzalez, Xavier Barrera, Andres Villarreal, Emilio Mendoza, Sebastian Diaz, Wilfredo Frausto, and others were willing to put in the effort that it took to turn the game into a sure-thing for the Eagles. As the team prepares to take on the Chargers, fans can look for these athletes to make big plays on Friday night.
Boerne-Champion Chargers (1-0)
After a not-so-great season last year in which the Chargers went 4-6 overall (2-5 in district play) without a playoff appearance, Boerne-Champion knew they had to regroup and start the new season better than ever. Last week, the team did just that as they traveled to Laredo and fought with tenacity to defeat United South by a 37-27 score. Austin Mixon, Grant Menzies, Campbell DeBerry, Brek Hamilton, Evan Kuhl, Jacob Rosenstiel, Kaleb Krause, Sawyer Bolli, Trenton Haddock, Larry Brooks, Brandon Karbowski, and others will give it all they have on Friday night as they showcase the determination that it takes to power through tough moments.
What To Expect
Last season, Eagle Pass hosted Boerne-Champion in a 35-27 defeat over the Chargers. Both teams are looking strong this season and hungry to start a win streak. Eagle Pass can be expected to showcase a talented defense that is ready to pull out all the stops against the Chargers. The Eagles' offense can also be expected to put on a show against Boerne-Champion if they're able to get rolling. Chargers fans can expect nothing short of grit out of this Boerne-Champion squad. With a fire in their heart, the offense is going to make quick plays and try to pull ahead of Eagle Pass as they fight for a statement victory.
With both teams fighting to continue winning, fans aren't going to want to miss this matchup! Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. on Friday night in Boerne, Texas.