Responding to A typical Mom

Question
Thank you so much for your very quick, informative and courteous reply to my original question of 9/4/01.  I hoped my husband would contribute to any continued correspondence we might have.  Manatee has one more game this week then the play-offs.  Sean has played some as offensive left tackle but not as much as he would have liked.  The radio announcers always comment on his size and how good he "sure fills out the uniform well", or "Boy!  That is a big kid!" But, alas, he has never gotten to start and now we doubt if he ever will.  

He has gotten (3) 1AA letters from interested football coaches. He also received a Division III invitation The most interested so far is Jacksonville, Florida.  We recently moved to Palmetto from NW Bradenton.  Sean, being a senior, wanted to stay at Manatee, a 5A school, with his friends.  I wanted him to go to Palmetto where he would have been a star and would have had plenty of stats for college recruiters.  But, I understand him wanting to stay with his friends.

Anyway, we have the Florida College Plan with four years paid in plus two years of dorm.  He can attend any Florida public college; but which one will let him play football and offer a solid academic program along with it.  USF and Florida have the best journalism/writing curriculums but both of these get the top players, not USF as much as Florida.  With his size, he could be a piece of meat on scout team....or he could develop into a real player.  USF is an option.  We plan to visit there soon, introduce them to Sean and talk to the coaches about any possibilities.  

Jacksonville is interested and he could probably get a chance to really play there.  But the academic possibilities are pretty much limited.  We do not know much about that school.  

We are not against out of state.  We can get back what we paid into the Florida program or maybe wait a year to access that program.  We would have to find out how it works very soon.  Out of state tution is horrific and that is why he would have to have scholarships to go out of state.

How are recruiters ever aware of kids like Sean, with the size and talent but not the notority?  He has brought his weight down to 305 and is working toward 290-285 by winters end.  He will be working with Patrick McNeil, a 4 year starter from FSU when the season is over.  Pat is going to help him with speed and technique. He is also going to be with a trainer for strength and conditioning.

Where do we go from here?  I promise my response will be immediate.

Thanks, A Typical Mom. (I would prefer this was a PRIVATE Question)


Answer
Hi Rustie! Glad to hear from you again. The information you provided is very helpful and it sounds as if you have some very good options! It is still early in the recruiting process. Coaches begin the "weeding out" process in Dec. and start making offers in Jan. Your son has to Feb 28th to make up his mind if he will accept a school's offer.
In my view, if a school offers a scholarship and the school has the programs your son needs, then take it and don't look back. Often kids will hold out to see if something better comes along and then the coach starts to question his selection and looks to cover himself.
A couple of things that are working for Sean, [1] the fact that he plays in FLORIDA. The number one recruiting state in the country!! Coaches like to recruit in Fla. because of it's reputation on developing sound players and the fact that the state has more players than the state can handle! [2] I don't know your son's height but believe me his weight and the fact that he plays LEFT Tackle is going grab a coach's attention. LT is the most important position on the offense---- protecting the QB is critical in college. [3]Having a player from FSU working with him is an added plus. He'll teach him the things he needs to know. Also your getting a S & C coach to work with him on conditioning is a benefit that most kids don't have. If he starts working out right after the season, he'll be ready for next year.[4] he plays in a major league.[5]based on your letter, it appears that Sean is academically sound another added plus!!!!
At this point, I would not worry too much over the cost of the college. If they want him, they'll find a way to fund the costs. The big question that you and your husband will have to answer jointly is, " How do you feel about his playing out of state and away from home"? There are many colleges that would be interested in him that are in the south. My experiences have shown that when BOTH the parents and the player are comfortable with the college selection, the player usually has success!!
If you would like, send me some additional inforamtion [nothing that you feel is private] and I will give you some schools that you might want to check out in the south.
Please provide; height,approximate 40 yard speed, some indication as to his strength, SAT scores,what academic programs he would like to pursue, any other football positions he's played, any honors/awards [football or otherwise]and how far away from home EVERYONE is willing to go. I'll give you some schools to take a look at but please understand that I am NOT an agent or an employee of these schools therefore, I cannot guarantee anything.
Good Luck to you and Sean!
Coach Nargi