Any tips?

Question
  I am freshman football player and I was wondering if you could assist me in my question. I play for a team in Youngstown Ohio and my team has an excellent running back. Because of our running game, we really never pass. I was just wondering if there is something I can do to be noticed by a college in the future. And if i should move to a different position, not that I want to or anything. I know all the stuff about keeping my grades up and everything, and watching film and etc. And if you know of anyone who can help me, or any camps that are around where I live please let me know. Especially if you know someone who can help me.  

Answer
Nick -

Hey buddy.  It is really hard for me to make that type of decision for you, since I do not know your team's situation.  The first thing I would like to say is this - You have to look at the coach's thought process before anything else, and compare it with your thought process. I am sure they want to win.. DO you?  Or are you more concerned with your team winning as it seems to be?  Or are your thoughts geared towards your individual future?  From a coaching aspect, I am hoping it was the first one.  And if it isnt, it might be a good idea to take some time to reconsider your ideals when it comes to football. I can tell you this.  For some reason, maybe it is coincidence, maybe something else... Losing QBs, no matter how good, usually do not get noticed as fast as winning QBs.  Even if the losing QB is more talented.  College coaches look for one thing above anything else in QBs, and that is the ability to win.  I am sure you see and hear it all the time. "This guy isnt the most athletic QB ever, but boy he does nothing but win!"  Think about that.

As far a changing positions, that is completely up to you, and how you think.  I can only go off of my own personal experience which is this.  My Junior year in high school, I was the QB os the wing-t offense. 90% running, about 8-10 passes a game.  I had one of the best TD/int ratios in the city at 11/2.  Our team was pretty good. But I was a little unhappy because I knew I could help out more as the QB.  My senior year, we got a new head coach who ran the run and shoot, ok?  Granted, the class ahead of me graduating hurt because they were outstanding, and the class below me was poor.  We had a terrible year, even though I passes the ball 30 x a game, threw for a bunch of yards, etc.  I realized no matter how much I did personally, it wasnt much fun to get our butts kicked every week.  SO think about that heavily before you switch.  If you are the teams best QB,and you give them the best chance to win, is it a good move to switch?

Getting into colleges will take care of itself.  If you are a good enough athlete, which about 1 out of 10,000 are, then they will find you.  Dont make it your #1 concern.

There are numerous camps out there.  Some are general camps, some position specific, and some scheme specific.  Get on the internet and and do your fair share of research to find which is best for you / interests you.

The best person to help you is probably your head coach.  I know Youngstown well - I am from Cleveland.  So ask him to help you.  If college doesnt work out,there are always other options.  I coach semi-pro here in Cleveland.  You can always try out for a team like that.  About 80% of our players played in college, so it is certainly no joke.

Give it some serious thought, rethink your priorities, and make a choice you think you will be comfortable with not only now but in years to come when you look back. Feel free to do a follow up if you have anything else, or would like to continue this discussion.  I hope to hear back on what you decided.

Best wishes and good luck on your choices

Coach Perl