FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[JT]

this is the first year schiano has landed some nj talent he revived the program using his connections when he coached at THE U and brought a large contingent of florida high school players up here  to help start the turn around. one thing to keep in mind the big east is a mid tier conf. now since the mass defections. may take them a while to regroup and see if some of the remaining teams can make the step up to a major program.

He still gets Fla kids.  They've got Rutgers billboards in Florida.  His TV show runs on an all Florida sports network.

[JQV]

He has done a good job picking up some of the second-tier Florida kids.  I saw him at a few games around Tampa this fall.  There is a lot of talent that the Big 3 pass on. 

[rams1102]

How much is Rutgers success affecting the NJ schools in the NJAC?  Here's a kid set for Rowan but now walking on at Rutgers

I've heard different schools of thought on this.  Some say its bad and others say that long term success of Rutgers actually may help NJAC recruiting ie., as the talent level improves at Rutgers, kids that would be four-year bench jockies will look at DIII.

Off the DIII tangent for a sec. Gro noticed a lot last year of many NJ'ers showing up on the starting rosters of ACC, Big10, SEC teams.  Jersey definetly has the HS talent, if they could keep it in state Rutgers would be a legit powerhouse.

Gro,

Well said. There were alwats a lot of Jersey players in other schools around the country. Who really cared about Rutgers. They usually sucked. Schiano has done a first class job with Rutgers. I think the program will really take off and hopefully the NJAC and especially Montclair will benefit. As the Rutgers program grows a lot of the D1 guys who would not start may come to the NJAC. We all know the % that make it to the Pro's. Why not get a good education and build your future from a good D3 University / College.

That being said I need a D3 Football fix. Any news on recruits and who may look to improve in 2007 for the NJAC ?

[JT]

How much is Rutgers success affecting the NJ schools in the NJAC?  Here's a kid set for Rowan but now walking on at Rutgers

I've heard different schools of thought on this.  Some say its bad and others say that long term success of Rutgers actually may help NJAC recruiting ie., as the talent level improves at Rutgers, kids that would be four-year bench jockies will look at DIII.

Off the DIII tangent for a sec. Gro noticed a lot last year of many NJ'ers showing up on the starting rosters of ACC, Big10, SEC teams.  Jersey definetly has the HS talent, if they could keep it in state Rutgers would be a legit powerhouse.

Gro,

Well said. There were alwats a lot of Jersey players in other schools around the country. Who really cared about Rutgers. They usually sucked. Schiano has done a first class job with Rutgers. I think the program will really take off and hopefully the NJAC and especially Montclair will benefit. As the Rutgers program grows a lot of the D1 guys who would not start may come to the NJAC. We all know the % that make it to the Pro's. Why not get a good education and build your future from a good D3 University / College.

That being said I need a D3 Football fix. Any news on recruits and who may look to improve in 2007 for the NJAC ?

I'm combing the minor league baseball rosters right now for potential MSU football flameouts.  I'll keep you posted. 

[MOJO]

Posters,
Pursuant to the discussion concerning Rutger's success affecting NJAC recruits, I would think there would be minimal impact.  Keep in mind, there is a difference in size, speed, and general athletic ability when comparing d1 athletes with d3 athletes.  Yes there are some kids capable of playing at the d1 level that are routed to d3 schools, however with few exceptions, this is the exception and not the trend.  I think I'm correct with my opinion, however I would like hearing commentary if someone disagrees with my observations.   

[rams1102]

Posters,
Pursuant to the discussion concerning Rutger's success affecting NJAC recruits, I would think there would be minimal impact.  Keep in mind, there is a difference in size, speed, and general athletic ability when comparing d1 athletes with d3 athletes.  Yes there are some kids capable of playing at the d1 level that are routed to d3 schools, however with few exceptions, this is the exception and not the trend.  I think I'm correct with my opinion, however I would like hearing commentary if someone disagrees with my observations.   

My first look at D3 Football was in 2000 when my daughter was a frosh at Wesley. Went to the Rowan game at Wesley. When I saw many of the Rowan kids on the field I could not believe the size of them. Big, strong and fast. They looked like Madden football players compared to Wesley. Rumor had it that Keller had a lot of D1 rejects. I can not confirm or deny, but I know what I saw.

I know a former D1 QB and asked him what the difference was between D1 and D3. His answer is speed and quickness and you can't teach that.

There are only so many slots opened on the Rutgers squad and maybe some will rather play then sit and move on. Keep in mind that Rutgers is exploding, they never had this before. Maybe some of the NJAC teams can get some quality additions. My opinion is that there will be some risidual effect. Can't say how large or small.

In closing, the Rurgers situition can't hurt. You knever know what you will turn up. 

[PA_wesleyfan]

ram


Wesley played Butler twice in the late ninetys and I recall the safties being as big as some of Wesleys line men.   

[MOJO]

Rams1102,
I concur with your observation that speed is the number one difference between d1 and d3 football players.  Overall, d1 attracts bigger, faster, and stronger athletes.  For example, whenever I see a d3 QB 6'3'' or taller I'm suspect of his feet, armstrength, etc.  I make this statement based on the fact if they got the size and athletic abilities, why would they be playing d3 level football.  Again, this is a general statement, as with all things in life, exceptions exist.  I have observed some supposed d3 QB superstars of recent vintage.  Without being specific,(names/programs) some of these kids would never be able to compete in even marginal d1 programs.  Yes, I'm aware that some kids transfer to lower level programs to ensure playing time.  However, most kids that do that aren't really d1 level athletes to begin with.  I hope I have not offended anyone here, that is not my intent.  Non the less, it is what it is.  D3 differs from D1. 

[rams1102]

Rams1102,
I concur with your observation that speed is the number one difference between d1 and d3 football players.  Overall, d1 attracts bigger, faster, and stronger athletes.  For example, whenever I see a d3 QB 6'3'' or taller I'm suspect of his feet, armstrength, etc.  I make this statement based on the fact if they got the size and athletic abilities, why would they be playing d3 level football.  Again, this is a general statement, as with all things in life, exceptions exist.  I have observed some supposed d3 QB superstars of recent vintage.  Without being specific,(names/programs) some of these kids would never be able to compete in even marginal d1 programs.  Yes, I'm aware that some kids transfer to lower level programs to ensure playing time.  However, most kids that do that aren't really d1 level athletes to begin with.  I hope I have not offended anyone here, that is not my intent.  Non the less, it is what it is.  D3 differs from D1. 

No offense taken. Your comments are fair. What I was trying to get across is that the Rutgers program was always a door mat and the great NJ high school football players always went out of state and NJ has a lot of talented football players. Now with Schiano doing a great job and Rutgers being a hopeful top 25 team, more players will migrate to Rutgers. The fall out may be not that great D1 / D2 athletes that can help a D3 program like Montclair. You know the % of D1 kids that make it to the next level. Not many. Get an education and enjoy the experience. In conclusion, what about the under achievers. How many people would have said that Sam Mills would have been a 5 time all pro yet make it to the next level.

[Knightstalker]

Former NJCU Track and Field All-American Johnnie Taylor signs with AFL team.

[formerwu]

Widener at Rowan.  Can't wait. 

Prediction - 7,000 + fans

[mandfense]

I think Rutgers success will have minimal, if any, impact on the quality of players trickling down to the D3 level. 

If a player is a borderline Rutgers scholarship player, I'm sure they would have offers from some of the lower tier D1 programs and at worst, 1AA programs.  I'd be willing to bet that they'd take the scholarship somewhere besides Rutgers, rather than stay in state and pay their own way at a D3 school. 

Obviously if Rutgers evaulated a kid and decided he wasn't D1 material out of the gate, then that's a different story.

[rams1102]

I think Rutgers success will have minimal, if any, impact on the quality of players trickling down to the D3 level. 

If a player is a borderline Rutgers scholarship player, I'm sure they would have offers from some of the lower tier D1 programs and at worst, 1AA programs.  I'd be willing to bet that they'd take the scholarship somewhere besides Rutgers, rather than stay in state and pay their own way at a D3 school. 

Obviously if Rutgers evaulated a kid and decided he wasn't D1 material out of the gate, then that's a different story.

I was basically refering to your closing statement. You said it better then I did. I was also trying to get a little action on this board. I guess we have to wait till August.

Happy July 4th To Everyone  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rams1102]

Pat,

Can you confirm or deny the change of the Montclair - Wesley game on Sept 22nd to Sam Mills Field in NJ?

[Pat Coleman]

Neither school has said anything to us, no.