FB: Middle Atlantic Conference

[labart96]

You just have a way of taking things you've seen in a fairly limited slice of Division III and assuming they work that way for everyone. I didn't want the new person to look at your post and assume you were right for everyone.

Really?

I thought it was fairly clear when I stated from the outset that I was guessing (which admits to having insufficient information by definition - if you don't believe me, you can look it up).  Also, I specifically left out PA schools  which was the original context of the question, so that the new person wouldn't think I was talking about Del Val or presumably, most other schools in DIII.

Although to some it may seem I have a way of assuming how things work, can you really blame me for citing personal experience on (what I thought was) just a comment thread on an internet board?  I admit the same (i.e., I am not a self proclaimed expert of national DIII football) up front every time. 

In the end I don't think any of my assumptions are as bad as your just having a way of needing to be a jerk to long-time posters who support you and your website every now and again.

Dunleigh - the latter is something for you to look forward to as well over the next four years.  Good luck to your son.

I'm done.

[Jonny Utah]

One thing you have to remember about d3 schools is that they don't have to fill any spots with scholarship players.  D1 schools basically have to tell people that aren't getting scholarships that they aren't good enough to play there.  D3 coaches can tell a kid that they are the best thing since sliced bread just to get that kid to go there.  Many good d3 players were overlooked in high school and coaches know that.  So if you recruit 100 players and tell them they are all superstars, you might get 30 of them to go to your school and only 5 of them will actually be any good.  If you recruit 300 players and tell them the same, 75 of them might come to your school and 15 of them will be really good.  Hence, many d3 coaches might benenfit by telling as many people as possible that they want them.

Just my two cents.

[Pat Coleman]

Sigh. Obviously that was not what I intended.

[dunleigh]

One thing you have to remember about d3 schools is that they don't have to fill any spots with scholarship players.  D1 schools basically have to tell people that aren't getting scholarships that they aren't good enough to play there.  D3 coaches can tell a kid that they are the best thing since sliced bread just to get that kid to go there.  Many good d3 players were overlooked in high school and coaches know that.  So if you recruit 100 players and tell them they are all superstars, you might get 30 of them to go to your school and only 5 of them will actually be any good.  If you recruit 300 players and tell them the same, 75 of them might come to your school and 15 of them will be really good.  Hence, many d3 coaches might benenfit by telling as many people as possible that they want them.

Just my two cents.

You make a good point. I like to think my kid is one of those overlooked....Pace wanted him but he didn't like it...and it's not a top program by any stretch. East Strouds. liked him, but not enough to give him any of the little bit of scholarship $ they had, they only took 3 NJ guys, a QB and 2 OL/DL..they like their PA boys. He had some other D2 interest from out near Pittsburgh but he didn't follow it up. I stupidly didn't suggest he look further away, forgetting scholarship $ could pay for airfare!

The coach told him he was 2nd on his list for his position. I like to think it's true, but I also know it could be what you say they do--recruit as many as possible...it makes sense. We can be biased when judging our own kids! He was a full-time player--SS and WR

.Any parents or players out there who were recruited and whose reality turned out, or didn't, like their expectations? I guess that's what I really want to know.

On a different topic.....he didn't pick DelVal...but what are the chances that the head coach moves on? I'd think he'd be getting offers. I think it was him that said he has 2 young kids and they like the area....(I asked him or the OC the question....can't remember for sure but I think it was head coach...nice guy)


August is close and yet so far away!

[gordonmann]

Dunleigh:

Yes, Del Val Head Coach Jim Clements has two young kids.  He went to school at Widener and has family roots in the area. He has done a fantastic job at Del Val.

On a related note, congratulations to former Widener and Del Val head coach (and current Del Val assistant head coach) Bill Manlove on his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.  He's a classy, humble guy -- one of the people I enjoy seeing every fall Saturday afternoon.

http://d3football.com/notables/2011/05/manlove-elected-to-hall-of-fame

[AUPepBand]

Dunleigh:

Yes, Del Val Head Coach Jim Clements has two young kids.  He went to school at Widener and has family roots in the area. He has done a fantastic job at Del Val.

On a related note, congratulations to former Widener and Del Val head coach (and current Del Val assistant head coach) Bill Manlove on his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.  He's a classy, humble guy -- one of the people I enjoy seeing every fall Saturday afternoon.

http://d3football.com/notables/2011/05/manlove-elected-to-hall-of-fame

Congratulations to Coach Manlove!

Pep is looking forward to the day when the College Football Hall of Fame inducts the (legendary) Alfred Football Coach Alex Yunevich (177-85-12), who coached Li'l Alf' to six undefeated seasons during his long stint at AU, from 1937-1976, with a few years off during WWII when he served with the US Navy.

The only deterrent to Yuni's induction is the list of nominees is arranged alphabetically and by the time voters get to "Y" they've already made their selections. 

On Saxon Warriors!

[Knightstalker]

Good morning, dunleigh!  Yes, welcome to the board!  I'm from Belvidere, NJ, and while we were not farmers, we were surrounded by them, so i grew to appreciate everything they were doing.  Our son graduated from DVC in '97 (had nothing to do with any sport, unfortunately).  Since then, i've been a "hopeless homer"  , and followed Del Val sports (mostly women's basketball) religiously.  Their football team has made a remarkable turn around in the last several years.  It's been a blast to follow them!  Did you know that the college is hosting a Diversity Conference on May 25th?  All the way around, i see Del Val really moving forward.  The MAC is tremendous, strong & always interesting with headquarters out there at Lebanon Valley College in Annville.  I specifically like the MAC cause as a conference, they are diverse.  Best luck to your son as he starts his college and football career.  Usually, i'm over on the women's b'ball board, but like to pop over here once in awhile.

KS just noticed this post.  Belvidere, I hate you guys.     I grew up in Mansfield and went to Warren Hills, was on the team that beat Belvidere for the first time since 63 back in 78.  Moving to Port Colden at the end of the month.  KS is finally going home.

[kate]

Hi Knightstalker!  Moving back to God's Country - welcome home.

[FBP]

Hi Dunliegh,

I am also a new parent to the D3 football post.  I just wanted to let you know that my son was also being recruited in the MAC division and some schools in the New England area.  He was being recruited by some DIV II, but mostly DIV III. We visited quite a few schools and were told basically the same things by each school.  It sounded a lot like what you were being told.  We also concluded after our visits that coaches will say anything to get you to go to their school.  I do however have a lot of respect for these coaches..they do put a lot of time and effort into their recruiting process. 

My son decided to go with a New England School.  We are from Pennsylvania.   We turned this school down quite a few times because we felt it was too far.  Then one day (late in the recruiting process) we got another call and decided to give it a try.  I'm glad that coach was persistent and glad we decided to take the trip because my son really liked it.     

We hope he sees some playing time this year but...as the coach stated .....whether you are the number 1 recruit or the number 6 recruit....the best player plays!  So who knows....we will have to wait and see.  So as you see we are in the same boat as you. 

I wish you the best of luck with your son and the upcoming football season! 

[dunleigh]

 FBP,
Was it Western New England? My son had heard from them on and off and in March he finally spoke with them. We had avoided them originally due to distance. Once he spoke to them I looked them up and realized they were probably worth a look....nice size, team looked good, and price in line with others...It was just getting late and he liked his other choices and I think we were tired of traveling to see these schools etc. I did realize then that there were probable many that we wrote off for no good reason. I hope he made the right choice.

Good luck to your son! Is he working out hard? Mine took about month off (except for normal lifting) due to prom, graduation, wisdom teeth etc. Now he is getting back into it.

We didn't know much about the conferences. Our coach told us NJAC was the most competitive and if he went D3 to go NJAC, but Rowan was too close to home, TCNJ might not have been a good fit academically, and for various reasons we decided the MAC looked like the way to go. Here's hoping Albright has a great 4 years coming!

One good thing would have been that in the NJAC rosters are limited to 100 and he would probably have had a better idea where he stands. Practices are probably more efficient with a smaller team as well.

Once again, enjoy the season. Our first JV game is 8/27 (thereabouts) and I assume as a freshman he'll be playing in that....only 2 months away!

[FBP]

Dunliegh,  it was not Western New England but a school in that division.  We passed on some  schools for the same reasons.....we were tired of driving around or the distance.  We did regret not starting our visits earlier so that we could have went to more schools.  But we do feel confident with his choice.  (but not liking the 5 hour ride to see the games)

He is working out hard and our games start labor day weekend.

My husband can not wait! He's been waiting for this for 12 years! (Hopefully he wont be waiting another year or two.)  (ha ha)       

[dunleigh]

Is there a thread somewhere that compares the strengths of conferences? Which conferences are "more competitive" and what does that really mean? Is it a matter of who sends more teams to the playoffs? Should a recruit consider the competitiveness? Obviously everybody wants to be on a winning team. Doesn't a weaker player have a better chance in a weaker conference (of getting actual playing time?)

I always called my first con my "practice child", unfortunately we didn't get to practice football recruiting with him. I wish we had because I think I lost sight of the scholarship potential of D2 schools outside of the PSAC and even of the schools further away in that conference. THe PSAC schools nearest us have limited scholarship funds. I forgot to encourage the further schools because I forgot that scholarship $ could offset travel costs to see him..

That said, we are all happy with his MAC conference choice.  We liked a few of the MAC schools and everything about his choice seems to fit and it's 1.5-2 hours away. He didn't pick the one with the best record, but hopefully they'll get there! I hope that having real (not imagined!) D2 potential means he should have strong chances to see first year playing time in D3. My hubby and I have also been hopeful for him to play in college. We feel very lucky to get to keep watching him play because there are many who aren't.

[Pat Coleman]

There's not a thread but our columnist writes an annual piece where we rank them. We also rank them before the season in Kickoff, our preseason magazine-style online publication.

http://www.d3football.com/columns/around-the-nation/2010/ranking-the-conferences

[dunleigh]

good info! Personally glad to see the NJAC and MAC so close in ranking! A lot of the top conferences are too far for us to ever have considered. Do you think there'll be much changes in this year's rankings based on last season finishes? When I get a chance I'll look at the playoff teams and see what I think for myself too. Thanks for the info.

[Pat Coleman]

I don't want to preview too much what might appear in Kickoff, and of course Keith would have his own opinion that would factor into the decision, but I can see a couple places where playoff results will shuffle conferences in the top 10.