FB: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

[Adam Sayer]

Adam, recruiting from more than the 'local' area (however that may get defined) would put MSJ in rarified company in d3.....While just about everyone gets a few recruits from far afield due to alums, most rely heavily on 'local' talent.

Exactly!!! Begin doing something that very few other D3 teams do. When I got out of the hopsital after my staph Infection my senior year, I had shoeboxes filled with letters from places I'd never heard of. I eventually started throwing them away cause my hand was tired of writing the same stuff, name, address, bench press, 40-time, interests, etc. Some of these schools were in Texas, California, Wisconsin...places far beyond Deer Park, Ohio. How they got my name is beyond me but even as I was throwing the letters away, I thought how cool it would be to travel and play someplace far (personally I didn't have the resources to do that as I paid for college from my own pocket). Throw in a guy like Rod Huber, and his personality and selling ability, I may have reconsidered...or at least gave them the opportunity to bring me on campus....which could have led to me actually going there.

Coaches always talk about finding "the edge" or a "legal " advantage...recruiting a place like the South would be an edge because very few in D3 actually do it. JacketsFan can give you more insight as he lives in Florida and he went through his son's recruiting phase with his son.

[SaintsFAN]

I understand what usee and others are saying...though, I don't think its TOO hard for Wheaton.  Year after year its a very deep team, they were put to the test this year though with all the injuries they sustained and still went 8-2. 

[altor]

While fishing with JacketsFan, he explained the lack of small schools in Florida and the South in general. He went on about how many players get missed because they don't have the size or speed for DI...but nonetheless, are good football players. I think MSJ would benefit, if Suriano and Hubie were to take 2 weeks and hit different cities in the south such as Atlanta and the Florida cities. Hell, Rod could play his guitar while on the beach sipping a bahama mama...looking at the mama's. I hate to "dog' where I'm from, but I don't think recruiting the the Tri-State area is going to win more than a playoff game...which so far has been a struggle in itself.

About 10-15 years ago, Defiance used to recruit from Florida pretty heavily.  In fact, I remember going into the Admissions office and seeing three maps on the wall...Ohio, Florida, and rest of the U.S.  Then, DC joined the MIAA.  When this happened, I heard a rumor that one of the stipulations of membership was that DC had to stop actively recruiting in Florida.  I don't know how true that was.

Does the HCAC have a similar rule?  Is that why it seems like nobody recruits more than about 300 miles from home?

[Adam Sayer]

If they do, I haven't heard of it. Even when I played, Defiance had a few (1 or 2) Florida boys on roster. I thought it was funny that they would leave the surf, warm weather, and beautiful women for corn fields and cold weather, occasionally seeing Farmer Johnson's daughter, more often seeing the other livestock on the farm

I think this would really be a benefit to schools. Again, I hate to sound like a downer, but what has the HCAC done lately compared to other Big Whigs? We had a good year this year, but it's sad when we are happy that we played "tough" and keep looking to the future. When you consistently look to tomorrow, you fail to accomplish anything today (that's good stuff right there and I made it up). Carpe Diem. Go get it. Do something that no other HCAC school does to accomplish something that no other HCAC school has accomplished in years.

I wish a great and happy Thanksgiving to all. May it be filled with plenty of spirits, food, and laughter...and of course, good football.

[Most Known, Unknown.]

Hubbie should and could tap in getting kids, from down here in Cali. I know all the head coaches here at the schools, and the talent is good. I think the only problem is leaving Cali to go to Ohio, not really the ideal place, sun vs. cold! But with the right recruiting tools, and hubbie motivation; he could get some great kids from down here, all he has to do is call me, and I could get him all the information that he needs! I would like to see MSJ go further then the first round; they are a few good players from doing so; MSJ will have to get the school on board though. The Mount has been known to turn down some good players. I recall a nice WR from Middletown was going to come to the Mount. I met his family, and he was a great talent big kid, d-1 talent, but he did not met the mount academic standards, so he did not get in, broke hillvert heart! One of the mount asst coach BJ Adams, was not going to get in at the Mount, and I remember sitting in a board meeting with him, and some of the administrators, to allow him to attend the school!

[formerd3db]

While fishing with JacketsFan, he explained the lack of small schools in Florida and the South in general. He went on about how many players get missed because they don't have the size or speed for DI...but nonetheless, are good football players. I think MSJ would benefit, if Suriano and Hubie were to take 2 weeks and hit different cities in the south such as Atlanta and the Florida cities. Hell, Rod could play his guitar while on the beach sipping a bahama mama...looking at the mama's. I hate to "dog' where I'm from, but I don't think recruiting the the Tri-State area is going to win more than a playoff game...which so far has been a struggle in itself.

About 10-15 years ago, Defiance used to recruit from Florida pretty heavily.  In fact, I remember going into the Admissions office and seeing three maps on the wall...Ohio, Florida, and rest of the U.S.  Then, DC joined the MIAA.  When this happened, I heard a rumor that one of the stipulations of membership was that DC had to stop actively recruiting in Florida.  I don't know how true that was.

Does the HCAC have a similar rule?  Is that why it seems like nobody recruits more than about 300 miles from home?

Altor:

I'm not sure where you picked that rumor up, however, I have been associated with the MIAA for a long time and have never, ever heard anything like that.  In fact, the league would not put out such a mandate as the recruitment of prospective students and student-athletes is up to the individual colleges whose administration and board of trustees puts out their own requirements and stipulations.  In fact, even after DC left the MIAA, Olivet had several football players on its roster from Florida, which they used to recruit quite heavily for a few years.  Basically, it is up to the head coach in what regions they want to concentrate on.  Also, as has been mentioned, there are many factors which are involved that might draw students from far away to a school such as as school's religeous affiliation i.e. a Wheaton or Hope; and by "word-of-mouth" from students (i.e. athletes) who encourage friends to check out the school, and, of course, alumni from out-of-state.  As Sayer mentioned, our friend JacketsFan is more "versed" on this than me/most of us.

Additionally, one of the aspects in regards to the "hot-bed" of recruiting the southern states such as Florida and Georgia where there is a low number of small colleges for football, is that many (obviously not all) of the prospective students may come from families that might not be able to afford the high tuition and r&b at the DIII schools, thereby needing assistance for academic, alumni, community grants, loans, scholarships, etc. from the particular college to attend.  While most colleges have a majority of students who qualify for those (and, yes, the coaching staffs do every thing they can to assist the families in applying and/or checking out all the potential monies available in those forms), unfortunately, there will still be a number of student-athlete recruits who don't qualify and thus are not able to attend such a school "up here in the north". 

Anyway, this has been a good discussion and all of you have brought up some valid points.  Still, I think it is great that colleges attempt to look beyond their traditional regions for recruiting football players, although most likely, it will remain the usual pattern that for most schools, there players come from their own state and region.  Also, the expanded opportunities in DII in some areas have affected the recruiting as well (at least in Michigan and Ohio) as some have previously discussed on these boards.  Just wanted to add my own prospective to the discussion - thanks.

[formerd3db]

Changing the topic and returning to an earlier one, who do some of you think will be the leading candidates for the U of Mich job now that the long expected retirement of Lloyd Carr was announced by him today?  Current Mich assistant Ron English was mentioned earlier in the year, however, seems to have not been in consideration as much of recent - also would Mich go "outside" and name a non-Michigan man for their hc?  Brian Kelly's name (former successful Grand Valley State, Central Michigan and current Cincinnati hc) was mentioned by ESPN this AM after the Carr press conference, however, would he dare leave U of C after just one year?  I think those in Cincinnati would be very unpleased if that occurred - to some, he has been seen as a "stepping-stoner" and a "nomad" (commitment and loyalty?) similar to Lou Saban.

It will be interesting to see what happens.  While many have not liked Carr, I would dare say he has always acted with class.  I didn't always agree with his decisions (and especially when he tried to displace Brady in the latter's senior year at times - wow has that QB really proved him wrong ability-wise), but he hasn't done Mich bad.  Obviously, you can read Carr's bio on the U of M fb website, but many don't realize that he was an assistant at Northern Michigan years ago, actually starting out there as I recall.  Anyway, what are your thoughts?

[HOF]

Defiance fans:  I heard Taylor has been put on a month leave without pay?  Dig deep and find out some info???

[70_dc_alum]

While fishing with JacketsFan, he explained the lack of small schools in Florida and the South in general. He went on about how many players get missed because they don't have the size or speed for DI...but nonetheless, are good football players. I think MSJ would benefit, if Suriano and Hubie were to take 2 weeks and hit different cities in the south such as Atlanta and the Florida cities. Hell, Rod could play his guitar while on the beach sipping a bahama mama...looking at the mama's. I hate to "dog' where I'm from, but I don't think recruiting the the Tri-State area is going to win more than a playoff game...which so far has been a struggle in itself.

About 10-15 years ago, Defiance used to recruit from Florida pretty heavily.  In fact, I remember going into the Admissions office and seeing three maps on the wall...Ohio, Florida, and rest of the U.S.  Then, DC joined the MIAA.  When this happened, I heard a rumor that one of the stipulations of membership was that DC had to stop actively recruiting in Florida.  I don't know how true that was.

Does the HCAC have a similar rule?  Is that why it seems like nobody recruits more than about 300 miles from home?

was there the 2 year prior and the 2 years in the MIAA we where still heavily in FLorida.  When President Harris left and President Wood took over i think the recruiting budget got whacked and that put a real damper traveling to Florida.  we still pull a decent amount of kids from florida just not like we used to in the 90's (not really a football choice)

[70_dc_alum]

Current Mich assistant Ron English was mentioned earlier in the year,

us in Ohio would welcome this seeing how his defense has played against us the last several years!!!

if it was offered Brian Kelly would be gone in a heartbeat and UC knows it.  they might be able to offer close to 1M, UM could offer closer to 2-3M.  Best thing that could of happened would have been beating WVU and having a shot at the Big East title this year and intice him to stay

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

Current Mich assistant Ron English was mentioned earlier in the year,

Id say Ron English lost any chance at that job after his groups embarrassing showings against Appalachian State and Oregon to open the season. 

[Adam Sayer]

Les Miles. He's everything Michigan wants. He is a "Michigan Man." He played under Bo, coached under Bo, and is a proven coach. ESPN reported yesterday that he has a clause in his contract regarding Michigan and no other school. In an interview, when speaking of Michigan he refered to the state up north as the "Maize and Blue."

Be quite honest, this is similar to the Mike Leonard - Hanover situation. Big time head coach retires after some unsuccessful years and the job is on for a successor from the school's past. Les Miles is doing great at LSU. Why would he leave? Because he's part of the Michigan family...he's a Michigan Man. The same as Leonard is a Hanover Man.

[KYGrizzly]

The rumors we are hearing is also Les Miles going to Michigan and if that happens then Bobby Petrino would leave the Falcons and head to LSU.

[SaintsFAN]

Adam,

Exactly. . .

Also, I don't think Kelly is what Michigan is TRULY looking for.  The administration won't get along with a coach, who is so eager to shoot off at the mouth.  Also, schemes.....do they want to be like Northwestern in the Big 10?  I don't know...alot of things don't add up.  

Besides,  I don't think Miles will be able to turn the job down.  Did you see in his interview yesterday that he never said he wasn't interested...key words there.  Bob Stoops said it.  Jon Gruden said it.....but not Les Miles.  Is DC Bo Pelini going to have to coach the LSU Tigers in a bowl game?  The let lame duck Saban do it, and they got trounced.  Highly unlikely to happen again...


lets hear some more about this Taylor situation.  where there's smoke, there's fire boys. . .

I think its about time for a change up north (south of Michigan).

[victorybell_57]

except for that hanover sucks and leonard built franklin into what it is. why start over when you can enjoy the good life? it would be nice to go the movies on a saturday night instead of building a program up from the dirt.

ron english? doubt it, many michigan insiders don't like him or his coaching. if it is in house it will be Mike DeBord (former franklin man). odds are that it will be somebody "like" les miles out there is the Iaa realm of coaching. they will try to out tressell tressell.