FB: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

[formerd3db]

when I take a chance and hire some supposed highly sophisitcated, intelligent person from some highly acclaimed academic institution

The point about what you said that jumps out at me is that this supposed hire's degree from "some highly acclaimed academic institution" has some extra weight with you, whether consciously or subconsciously.  You expect more out of him than from other alums.  So what better person with a less respected degree was turned down to make room for this supposed sophisticate?  Doors are opened more easily by certain measurables, in this example - a certain degree from a certain school.  Doors sometimes have to be kicked in by average people with better character.  I'm not complaining about the way the world works, I'm just looking it square in the face and trying to teach my kid to do the same.

It all comes down to one's character and personality, academic skills being essentially equal or at least in the same ball park

decision08:

Oh, not all all.  I was using that as an example only in an attempt to illustrate just the opposite.  Having gone to a small college, I am partial to people who have graduated from small colleges.  That is not to say that people who come from a highly respected school such as Harvard or MIT didn't get a great education.  In the context of the discussion, my point was simply that just because someone comes from the highly touted institutions and/or has either the same or a higher GPA, doesn't mean that they are necessarily the better person for a job.  It just depends on what an employer decides to do during the interview process i.e. someone can have a perceived better interview than others, get hired and then turn out to be really the wrong candidate selection.  My other point was that someone from a small college that might have a GPA of the same or less than someone else from a Harvard or MIT, and/or a different small college i.e. one that is not perceived as being as "elite" as other small colleges, may indeed turn out to be a better employee, if they are given the chance.

Perhaps I misunderstood, (and if so, my apologies) but the context of the original discussion on this board was that some people, in fact, did perceive (and wrongly IMO), that "so and so's" degree from "X" small college was not as good as someone other person's from "XY" small college and/or "X - Ivy", etc., etc.

[formerd3db]

decision08:

Thank you for those kind words.  Seriously, I sense that you, too, are the kind of person who looks at all angles and considerations in making a decision.  For sure, many factors go into making one's decision as to where they choose to attend school for their undergraduate degree as well as continuing their football career (or other sport).  As I'm sure you know, these range from not only academic programs and success rates of placement of student-athletes in graduate programs, (and yes, national ratings, rankings from various organizations viewing the same), but also people you meet and observe on campus, financial aid, the physical layout and presentation of the campus itself, the town and surrounding community, the coaching staff, facilities, approach i.e attitude toward the sport and the league, student-body support, and, of course, the #'s game in some instances i.e. on the roster (like how many are ahead of me?, etc. - sounds silly to some, but in reality it is not! ).  Seeing all these aspects and then commiting it down on paper to assist in making one's final decision makes sense to me.

Anyway, my apologies for this long dissertation.  Yet, I do wish you and yours all the best as you approach and make the decision.  If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me (off line if you desire) and I'll give you my best "MIAA pitch"! .

Best regards,
formerd3db

[formerd3db]

decision08:

I can understand your point and certainly agree with respect to the financial aid aspects.  The time schedule is important.  You might want to take that up with some of our Adrian friends on these boards.  Recruiting issues have been some of their complaints in the past with respect to that program.  I will say, however, that I do know some of the coaches there and they are good people, as well as the people I know who went to that school.

Every college staff has a different approach to recruiting, even at DIII schools.  And you are right in that "the early bird gets the worm".  I know of some MIAA schools that coaching staffs "hit the road" right after the end of the season to visit high schools.  Others rely on admissions reps to visit schools, talk with hs coaches and get names of prospective student-athletes to the college coaching staffs.  Most of the MIAA schools have programs and visitation for football gamedays for prospective players.  While coaching staffs may have their list of players they are recruiting and would like to have, at the same time, many rely on contact from the student-athletes themselves and/or their coaches or alumni.  DIII recruiting is an entire "different ballgame" in many respects in comparison to the scholarship programs, but in some respects not different either.

The bottom line is, as I'm sure you are finding out, DIII coaching staffs will provide you with the information and guide you to their appropriate college staff as to how to apply for and possibly obtain as much financial aid as one can get since no athletic scholarships are allowed.  Of course, as unfortunate as it may be, that sometimes factors in to one's decision as to where they will decide to go and/or even be able to go.

[dc_has_been]

So....what should we talk about next?  Ah yes, any thoughts on the last weekends combine in Indy?
I'm stuck in limbo on who's going to be a more successful qb, Ryan or Brohm? 
Plus the free agency market is heating up rapidly.
I hope this gets the ball rolling on another subject.

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

dc_has_been:

It may not be popular to say on a board where there are many Ohio people, but I would venture to say Henne will be better than those two.  Ryan seems like he could be the bust of the draft to me, just look at his game against MSU from his bowl game.  Thats a franchise qb that you are going to bet a number one pick on?

Chris Long looks to be an amazing athlete as well as a high energy hustle guy, he could be a dangerous for years in the league from DE or OLB in the right system.

Jake Long put in a great performance, good times, great lifting and the career to back it up, not to mention his hands are 11 1/2" from pinky to thumb and i believe his arms were 35 3/4" long which is amazing.

Otah from pittsburgh looked fat and out of shape, hes a mauler but still he looked way to heavy.

Kellen Davis from MSU, good productivity, and the numbers to back him up 4.58 40yd dash, good on the bench and looked very good in the receiving drills.(Hes an Adrian guy so I wish him the best)

Manningham and Hart were both dissapointments.

Just thought Id throw my hat in the ring for comments since I watched the workouts live on the NFL network and recorded them.(Yes I have to much time on my hands)

[D306]

ADAWG

1st nice to see you on another board I typically stay with the MIAA.

I agree the 2 Longs will both be successful. Jake is large, athletic and smart he will do well. ( I pray the Lions do not move up to take him, I like the guy and do not want his NFL time to be in the waste land). Chris Long is very fluid and will make a impact with the right team that laets him use his skills, not sit on the end and hold the corner all day.

Mario is a very good route runner and will find his spot in the NFL, needs to work on hands, and I am sure some NFL team will get some speed into his game. The guy gets open and thats what counts.

Hart I fear is on the edge,  I was not happy with him this last year, plays hard, but I think he have some character issues when he no longer is the "star" of a team.


My 2 cents on the issue above, character is what counts. Give me a employee whom is a worker and has the capability, drive to improve over a high rated university and a "attitude".

[70_dc_alum]

Has_been your freaking Lions have me Pissed off right now pussing out of a trade with the Bengals for Rogers to deal with them dirtballs from the south coast of lake erie.  I guess there really is no self respect coming out of Detroit

[Adam Sayer]

I can't believe a Hanover poster, after all these years, finally comes on and has the balls to talk trash...where have you been the last 4-5 years? At least Tricksnaps posts something here and there.

And how's Hanover's football team now that you mention it? Please don't give me all this: "We have Coach Austin now and we will be good" BS...know where you're at...on the bottom looking up...like those "townies" you guys like to frolic with in Madison.

At least field a respectable football team before you start writing checks your a$$ can't cash. RHIT is aruably the best school in the HCAC and their football team is decent.

AND...MSJ has been nationally recognized in the past, while I was in attendance, as a quality place to get an education degree...which is what I have.

[dc_has_been]

Very nice ADAWG, but I half way agree w/ you on Henne.  Didn't they say his throws were all over the place at the combine?  I do know the combine means squat at times (ex. Tom Brady), but look at Ryan's numbers from it.  By the way, Jake Long is a freak & I do hope the Lions don't draft him too.
On regards to the Lions 70dcalum, did you really think any differently of the Lions beforehand?  Hell, look at what the mayor of Detroit is going through right now.  I'm still a huge fan of all Detroit teams, but the Lions do the best job of getting my blood pressure to rise.  The problem is that Los Angeles doesn't have a damn football team so there is nobody to switch to and root for.

[SaintsFAN]

IMO,

Ryan is more polished than any of the QB's.  The knock on him is that he's not a Carson Palmer type QB.  He's going to need pieces around him to win....which is true of all the QBs in this draft. 

For sure -  Ryan, Brohm, Henne et all are going to need the right pieces around them to be successful QBs in the NFL...otherwise we'd have a consensus #1 pick being talked about like Russell from LSU last year.

I saw Manningham's 40 times live on NFL network.  I think he'll be fine...there's 40 speed and then there's football speed.  Unless he feasted too much on secondaries like Notre Dame's turtle squad.  But I don't think thats the case. 

As far as Hart goes....I don't think I've ever rooted against someone so much as him before.  I think he's a loudmouth punk.  A broken down one at that. 

The first round is going to be decided by needs moreso than who is the best player on the Big Board.  I think you're going to see alot of suprises early on (first 20 picks)

[cave2bens]

The problem is that Los Angeles doesn't have a damn football team so there is nobody to switch to and root for.

Now, now - you've the best team that money and boosters can buy, occupying the Coliseum.  Switch your purple wardrobe to cardinal and you're all ready for action.

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

One other QB to keep an eye on is that Flaco kid from Delaware, huge arm and he had a pretty good showing in terms of athleticism at the combine.  The kid from San Diego was also a guy that opened some eyes with his 40 time at the combine.

SaintsFAN:

Id agree that Ryan is more polished than the other QB's but watching his games over the course of the season I really just dont see him being a savior for a franchise.  None of these QB's (IMO) will be first year players, they could all do well with some seasoning.  Manninghams whole problem seemed to be his starts, he stutter stepped coming out on both of his, not sure what coach hes working with on that, but he needs a new one.  Mike Hart is a good college RB because he runs very hard which is also why he gets hurt so frequently.   He has marginal speed and moves and has no class as noticed by his constant running of his mouth.

70_DC_Alum:

That Shaun Rogers trade wouldve been great for Cinncy, not taht Corey Williams is a slouch either but he doesnt have the tools that Rogers does.  Its to bad the League shot that one down over language in the trade agreement from what Ive read.  Now the Lions get a thrid rounder and a below average QB, look out now, that secondary is shaping up and maybe Millen will have some success in rounds 3-5 unlike he has his whole career.  Heres a great number 26 of 58 players Matt Millen has drafted are no longer in the NFL and one entire draft class of his (2003 I believe) has no players left on the Lions.

[SaintsFAN]

The problem is that Los Angeles doesn't have a damn football team so there is nobody to switch to and root for.

Now, now - you've the best team that money and boosters can buy, occupying the Coliseum.  Switch your purple wardrobe to cardinal and you're all ready for action.

EXACTLY

[dc_has_been]

The problem is that Los Angeles doesn't have a damn football team so there is nobody to switch to and root for.

Now, now - you've the best team that money and boosters can buy, occupying the Coliseum.  Switch your purple wardrobe to cardinal and you're all ready for action.

NEVER!

[Adam Sayer]

Hart runs extremely hard and Michigan ran him very often. The same was the case with Perry when the Bengals drafted him. He had led the Big 10 back to back years in carries (had 50 his Senior year vs Michigan State) and was billed as a hard-running durable back. HA! Has he even played in a combined 16 games yet?

You can argue QB's all you want and I was the furthest one on here from being one, but when you're talking about Chad Henne as possibly the 2nd best QB in this daft...your QB class sucks. He was a 4-year starter at Michigan who never amounted to anything but OK seasons and OK numbers...and couldn't win the big game. 0-4 against Ohio State and 1-3 in Bowl Games. He played one hell of a game against Florida, but that doesn't make up for the other 95% of his "OK-at-best" performences. Kevin, he had weapons  and people in place around him throughout his career...Hart, Manningham, Edwards, and a stellar O-line and couldn't do anything. Ryan may amount to something in the league, but I almost spit up in my protien shake when I heard ESPN state "excellent QB class."

The #1 pick should be Long to the Dolphins barring some kind of trade. The have a pretty good RB returning from injury and, next to QB, the most important player on the field is LT (or blind-side tackle)...in a poll taken by NFL players, they rated LT #1 and QB #2. Anyway, surring up the line will help the run game which in turn will help whichever person they decide is capable of playing with the center's nuts.

I think the best player is McFadden. He can return kicks for you, run between the tackles, line up in the slot, and if you want him to, take some direct snaps. Reminds me of Reggie Bush, except Reggie can't run between the tackles consistently and McFadden can. If he's not taken 2-5, I'll be very surprised. He can create so much for you and does have the power to be an Adrian Peterson type running back if that's what you solely want him to do.