FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Charlie]

Couldn't have said it any better myself. While I understand that most players/alums/families/coaches in the league are local and have their local allegiance, it's ridiculous to think that the football in the northeast is on par with anywhere down south or the west coast. Think about it. How many New England/New York recruits are playing at places like Bama or Ohio State? It's not a coincidence. There's a massive talent gap between this area and the rest of the country. It's not ridiculous to think that McGowan or Toyas or many other local players in the league never even make it on the field in a real football state, let alone become an all-state player.

As far as batiste at tufts he was on a top 50 team in Louisiana so trying to compare his speed on tape or saying that he wasn't an all star down there is a hard sell given his competition being leaps and bounds above that up here in the northeast. While it may be easier for us to evaluate tape from schools up here we are familiar with, let's not be ridiculous saying that by any means the talent up here outweighs that in the south or west coast. I have said before and will continue to say that what looks like good players from those states would be great players if you stuck them in northeast conferences. There is a reason bug programs recruit those states heavier. Everyone is faster and stronger and plays better competition week in and week out as opposed to up here where there are 2-3 big programs that kids go to and even those would never schedule the best of the south or California for their own sake.

With regards to replacing lutz, there is still a shot at him coming back I am told. They also have richardson who was big time for them and was probably one of the biggest all league snubs of the year (partly because he barely played the last two games due to injury) and also Moore who was just a sophomore last year. Let's not forget they had the best receiving corp in the league last year by a landslide and while lutz was a big part of that he had a lot of help.

I never stated that football down Northeast is comparable to the South. Let's face facts we are not talking about a player choosing Tufts over Alabama. Football is played at different levels down South I will not deny that. The talent pool in South is vast as is here in Northeast. However one can tell a player of D3 size with tape for ability and speed and make their own conclusions. Not every level down south is on the Alabama level. Just like MA & CT have different divisional levels so does the Southern part of Country. All I was saying for the level that his person played at the film and accolades did not seem to make him a blue chip prospect as you indicated. I am not impugning his athletic ability or academic prowess. We should also keep in mind that we are merely projecting what players may be at next level. I believe a players size , statistical numbers  , awards and their tape is how I believe recruiting is performed more than the State you play in.

[nescac1]

The biggest question mark on Tufts is the offensive line, as they could lose a ton of guys, but Cepalia coming back makes a big difference in that regard.  If any two of Lutz, a second lineman with eligibility, and Tyler Johnson return I'd put Tufts as the co-favorite with Trinity.  The offense is just so explosive and with some veterans returning for a fifth year they would be very, very difficult to stop.  And the defense will be a more veteran unit overall and figures to be improved.  I still can't believe Amherst beat them at Tufts last year, considering they hung 65 on Midd, killed four other teams in wins, and were right there with Trinity and Wesleyan. 

[Charlie]

The biggest question mark on Tufts is the offensive line, as they could lose a ton of guys, but Cepalia coming back makes a big difference in that regard.  If any two of Lutz, a second lineman with eligibility, and Tyler Johnson return I'd put Tufts as the co-favorite with Trinity.  The offense is just so explosive and with some veterans returning for a fifth year they would be very, very difficult to stop.  And the defense will be a more veteran unit overall and figures to be improved.  I still can't believe Amherst beat them at Tufts last year, considering they hung 65 on Midd, killed four other teams in wins, and were right there with Trinity and Wesleyan.

Tufts is really the Jekyl and Hyde of the NESCAC. On paper they should be one of the most explosive teams in the NESCAC. They are but then they have there moments where they disappear and lay an egg. Case in point they lay an egg against Trinity game one in first half then almost pull out a victory. Then they loose to a below average Amherst. Then they put up 65 points against Middlebury. So one really cant question the talent on this team. Well maybe when they went without a kicker for a few years and cost them games. But seriously they have legitimate talent to compete. I truly think there game management and possibly game planning is suspect. Like previous posters have said I think Civetti deserves credit recruiting wise but is not a good Coach in game management and preparing his team.

[LochNescac]

Couldn't have said it any better myself. While I understand that most players/alums/families/coaches in the league are local and have their local allegiance, it's ridiculous to think that the football in the northeast is on par with anywhere down south or the west coast. Think about it. How many New England/New York recruits are playing at places like Bama or Ohio State? It's not a coincidence. There's a massive talent gap between this area and the rest of the country. It's not ridiculous to think that McGowan or Toyas or many other local players in the league never even make it on the field in a real football state, let alone become an all-state player.

As far as batiste at tufts he was on a top 50 team in Louisiana so trying to compare his speed on tape or saying that he wasn't an all star down there is a hard sell given his competition being leaps and bounds above that up here in the northeast. While it may be easier for us to evaluate tape from schools up here we are familiar with, let's not be ridiculous saying that by any means the talent up here outweighs that in the south or west coast. I have said before and will continue to say that what looks like good players from those states would be great players if you stuck them in northeast conferences. There is a reason bug programs recruit those states heavier. Everyone is faster and stronger and plays better competition week in and week out as opposed to up here where there are 2-3 big programs that kids go to and even those would never schedule the best of the south or California for their own sake.

With regards to replacing lutz, there is still a shot at him coming back I am told. They also have richardson who was big time for them and was probably one of the biggest all league snubs of the year (partly because he barely played the last two games due to injury) and also Moore who was just a sophomore last year. Let's not forget they had the best receiving corp in the league last year by a landslide and while lutz was a big part of that he had a lot of help.

I never stated that football down Northeast is comparable to the South. Let's face facts we are not talking about a player choosing Tufts over Alabama. Football is played at different levels down South I will not deny that. The talent pool in South is vast as is here in Northeast. However one can tell a player of D3 size with tape for ability and speed and make their own conclusions. Not every level down south is on the Alabama level. Just like MA & CT have different divisional levels so does the Southern part of Country. All I was saying for the level that his person played at the film and accolades did not seem to make him a blue chip prospect as you indicated. I am not impugning his athletic ability or academic prowess. We should also keep in mind that we are merely projecting what players may be at next level. I believe a players size , statistical numbers  , awards and their tape is how I believe recruiting is performed more than the State you play in.

Kinda think you're both saying the same thing...rushing for 1500+ yards or throwing 35+ TD's counts no matter what state you're in....but....it counts a lot more at a big HS in Texas, Georgia, or Florida.  Don't think anyone will debate that.

[The Mole]

Apologies in advance for a longer message and a GO BIRDS! for my beloved Philadelphia Eagles in LVII this evening. I appreciate the recruiting discussion. IMHO this is the most important aspect of building a sustainable program (thanks Captain Obvious, right?). However, removing the different admissions standards, bands, tips, administrative support, facilities, etc. it still comes down to attracting, developing and retaining talent (another DUH?!). You may not win the NESCAC or your league year in and out, but there is a high correlation of certain characteristics in a winning program. Admittedly, I have gone down the rabbit hole on this topic for the last 5-6 years and there are some themes that consistently rhyme. I am by no means an expert, but as a former player, coach and current parent and nerd on the subject, here is a summary of what many/almost all of you have shared here. Enjoy and let the comments, fly (like an Eagle), thanks in advance for bearing with my monologue 

1. Coaches/recruiters are lazy. This is a generalization, but common in non winning programs. They DO NOT watch the whole highlight film, usually just the first 5 plays. They are "too busy" to watch it in its entirety (which is true). BUT, they fall in love with ONE PLAY that a kid makes on film and that cements their evaluation. It is not possible for another player to jump "their guy" on the board, they let ego get in the way of potentially being wrong. They also get myopic on measurables versus actual tape and productivity. If a coach in the conference is following a player on twitter, they do the same. If a team from the conference "offers" a player, they tend to do the same without ever having a conversation with the player. Happens all the time. They become afraid/frozen to make their own evaluation and do what is easy as opposed to harder. Every first question in every first phone call "Who else is recruiting you?" That can be determined quickly by talking to the high school coach, but has become secondary with the Twitterverse.
2. Players slip through the cracks because of this dynamic all the time. Injuries and Covid added to this significantly in the last 3 years. DO NOT get me started on the cesspool that is the transfer portal. What happened to earning your spot and overcoming adversity and being a good teammate? Not enough emphasis placed on the personality traits of kids that had to overcome injury, that were a backup to a stud and had to wait their turn or played out of position to help the team. There are those "can't miss" kids but so many more that want to get better, are coachable and wind up being major contributors 2-3 years down the road. This is why recruiting classes are impossible to evaluate until 3, even 4 years after the fact. Saw many of these kids become starters, captains or play critical roles on special teams or sub packages that add to overall depth. So much more important on teams with limited rosters, you cannot afford to miss.
3. Relationships matter. Sounds corporate, but when a strong culture is developed within a team of transparency and role definition, there is much less complaining and negativity. Players and coaches that truly love each other, have a bond that cannot be explained or described. You know what I am talking about, that esprit de corps, that is inherent in the locker room and coaches room. More importantly, the relationship/pipelines with high school coaches and programs are vital. Dozens of examples here. However, complacency can set in (see #1 above). I have seen coaches "assume" because a kid comes from a good program that he can play. Further due diligence and and homework must be done to not fall into that trap. Make sure it is the right kid for the right reasons. But, winning programs build solid pipelines and relationships with good high school teams and coaches and consistently get in front of the proper types of players.
4. Geography matters, but leagues/conferences matter more. The recent discussion prompted me to go here. Outstanding and accurate comments by all. Sure, there are certain aforementioned states that have better competition for a variety of reasons, all well documented and shared here. Good players come in all shapes and sizes from different states, leagues and classifications. HOWEVER, there are certain leagues and conferences within those states that really stand out and consistently put more kids into college programs across all levels than others. This gets back to #1. This requires a lot of work and analysis. For example, in SE PA, there are 27 players playing in the NESCAC. They come from 6 leagues and just 15 high schools. In fact, 18 (2/3) of them come from just 6 schools. Coaches throw out too broad of a net hoping to get fish. They should be much more specific in what bodies of water they are trying to angle. This can be applied to every league in various divisions. Again, I have nerded out on this subject for several years, and the data does not lie for FBS FCS II and III. This changes year to year, but the same high school teams and conferences jump out.

Not a fail safe formula and still requires putting your nose to the grindstone and hustling, but these 4 things are pretty consistent with teams that consistent and winning traditions. Gracias.

[LochNescac]

Apologies in advance for a longer message and a GO BIRDS! for my beloved Philadelphia Eagles in LVII this evening. I appreciate the recruiting discussion. IMHO this is the most important aspect of building a sustainable program (thanks Captain Obvious, right?). However, removing the different admissions standards, bands, tips, administrative support, facilities, etc. it still comes down to attracting, developing and retaining talent (another DUH?!). You may not win the NESCAC or your league year in and out, but there is a high correlation of certain characteristics in a winning program. Admittedly, I have gone down the rabbit hole on this topic for the last 5-6 years and there are some themes that consistently rhyme. I am by no means an expert, but as a former player, coach and current parent and nerd on the subject, but here is a summary of what many/almost all of you have shared here. Enjoy and let the comments, fly (like an Eagle), thanks in advance for bearing with my monologue 

1. Coaches/recruiters are lazy. This is a generalization, but common in non winning programs. They DO NOT watch the whole highlight film, usually just the first 5 plays. They are "too busy" to watch it in its entirety (which is true). BUT, they fall in love with ONE PLAY that a kid makes on film and that cements their evaluation. it is not possible for another player to jump "their guy" on the board, they let ego get in the way of potentially being wrong. They also get myopic on measurables versus actual tape and productivity. If a coach in the conference is following a player on twitter, they do the same. If a team from the conference "offers" a player, they tend to do the same without ever having a conversation with the player. Happens all the time. They become afraid/frozen to make their own evaluation and do what is easy as opposed to harder. Every first question in every first phone call "Who else is recruiting you?" That can be determined quickly by talking to the high school coach, but has become secondary with the Twitterverse.
2. Players slip through the cracks because of this dynamic all the time. Injuries and Covid added to this significantly in the last 3 years. DO NOT get me started on the cesspool that is the transfer portal. What happened to earning your spot and overcoming adversity and being a good teammate? Not enough emphasis placed on the personality traits of kids that had to overcome injury, that were a backup to a stud and had to wait their turn or played out of position to help the team. There are those "can't miss" kids but so many more that want to get better, are coachable and wind up being major contributors 2-3 years down the road. This is why recruiting classes are impossible to evaluate until 3, even 4 years after the fact. Saw many of these kids become starters, captains or play critical roles on special teams or sub packages that add to overall depth. So much more important on teams with limited rosters, you cannot afford to miss.
3. Relationships matter. Sounds corporate, but when a strong culture is developed within a team of transparency and role definition, there is much less complaining and negativity. Players and coaches that truly love each other, have a bond that cannot be explained or described. You know what I am talking about, that esprit de corps, that is inherent in the locker room and coaches room. More importantly, the relationship/pipelines with high school coaches and programs is vital. Dozens of examples here. However, complacency can set in (see #1 above). I have seen coaches "assume" because a kid comes from a good program that he can play. Further due diligence and and homework must be done to not fall into that trap. Make sure it is the right kid for the right reasons. But, winning programs build solid pipelines and relationships with good high school teams and coaches and consistently get in front of the proper types of players.
4. Geography matters, but leagues/conferences matter more. The recent discussion prompted me to go here. Outstanding and accurate comments by all. Sure, there are certain aforementioned states that have better competition for a variety of reasons, all well documented and shared here. Good players come in all shapes and sizes from different states, leagues and classifications. HOWEVER, there are certain leagues and conferences within those states that really stand out and consistently put more kids into college programs across all levels than others. This gets back to #1. This requires a lot of work and analysis. For example, in SE PA, there are 27 players playing in the NESCAC. They come from 6 leagues and just 15 high schools. In fact, 18 (2/3) of them come from just 6 schools. Coaches throw out too broad of a net hoping to get fish. They should be much more specific in what bodies of water they are trying to angle. This can be applied to every league in various divisions. Again, I have nerded out on this subject for several years, and the data does not lie for FBS FCS II and III. This changes year to year, but the same high school teams and conferences jump out.

Not a fail safe formula and still requires putting your nose to the grindstone and hustling, but these 4 things are pretty consistent with teams that consistent and winning traditions. Gracias.

Wow....I'd say the only thing you failed to mention was an obligatory "mic drop"...

That was a great outlook, seriously...thanks for posting!

[SpringSt7]

Great post, appreciated all of it. Think point #1 is very underrated, impossible to watch every highlight video that gets emailed to a coaching staff but they probably don't fully vet all the kids they really want either. A highlight tape + maybe watching a full game (that is usually sent over because the kid played well) is not really enough to warrant a 4 year investment when you really think about it.

[Charlie]

Great post, appreciated all of it. Think point #1 is very underrated, impossible to watch every highlight video that gets emailed to a coaching staff but they probably don't fully vet all the kids they really want either. A highlight tape + maybe watching a full game (that is usually sent over because the kid played well) is not really enough to warrant a 4 year investment when you really think about it.

I do think though the recruiters in NESCAC has some what of an advantage. When recruits do send them their tape a smart recruit will send their transcript as well. Given the higher academic level of NESCAC and their academic criteria for admissions recruiters can narrow down there search on recruits based on there transcript first. If they pass this test then they can proceed with film , vists etc.

The NESCAC have a low admissions rates so finding the recruit that checks off the boxes can be streamlined quicker at least it should be. This is why in prior posts I was shocked to hear that Bowdoin has become more lax in their admissions and still have the same basic record as when Wells was there.

[The Mole]

NESCAC may have a perceived advantage, but those kids have to qualify academically and the tips have to commit to early decision and not everyone wants to play non playoff football. You cannot miss on those recruits, especially with limited roster sizes. Simple, but not easy to identify those targets early and get them into the recruiting process. It is easy (lazy) to just focus on who has filled out your questionnaire and build your board from there. Without in person visits, it is harder.

[SpringSt7]

Also, the sweet spot for NESCAC recruits are probably the kids who think they are too good to fill out your questionnaire.

[The Mole]

Great point Spring. Kids aiming for Ivy and Patriot League and then fall through the cracks. Finding those kids is how you can build a great class and program.

Also, the sweet spot for NESCAC recruits are probably the kids who think they are too good to fill out your questionnaire.

[Charlie]

Also, the sweet spot for NESCAC recruits are probably the kids who think they are too good to fill out your questionnaire.

I also some interesting news. Wesleyan and Trinity because of high roster sizes and incoming freshman classes are going to make cuts this fall. Trinity is projected at 125 players so far. The AD at these schools has passed information that in another year roster limits will be coming back. The schools based on administration need to start the season at 100 players. So for example Trinity has to cut 25 players. The schools perspective is that they do not cut freshman. So this leaves Sophomore and Juniors on the bubble. Now I am sure some decisions will be easy but some could be somewhat difficult. If this is true next year going to be very interesting recruiting process with these roster limits in NESCAC.

[NESCACFball24/7]

Tufts just pulled in 3 star corner from TN who had multiple SEC scholarship offers. Told this is one of a few big commits that was yet to have announced.

[Scoops]

Mole you make some great points. The only one I don't agree with is the geography vs league. I think it's pretty apparent that a team is more likely to get a quality player based on geography because the league matters less depending on that geography. For instance, the NESCAC all-conf list had 3 mass kids on the first team. Berluti and Timmins whom came from the Catholic conference (arguably the best in Mass), and Kennedy from Trinity who was a prep school kid at Suffield. So the league matters in Mass, but in other states like NJ, CA, or the South, you are more likely to get a quality kid regardless of the league.he plays in.

[Scoops]

That is certainly impressive. I believe that's the second time that Tufts has landed a 3-star commitment. I'm very curious how they continue to manage that, especially from southern recruits. Still hearing their coordinator, who recruits the region, has left. Will be interested to see if they can continue that trend.

Tufts just pulled in 3 star corner from TN who had multiple SEC scholarship offers. Told this is one of a few big commits that was yet to have announced.