It’s when grown men fawn over teenage athletic talents. It’s where the hopes of fan bases and school communities hang in the balance of a few signatures, hoping to become more than just a piece of headwear left on a table.
Friendships and even family relationships will reach crossroads. The die-hard football fans from the south to the west will make it a point, regardless of employment duties, to take a glance at the wall to wall national coverage.
It’s national signing day.
We all have our opinions on the circus and national media attention-getter that is signing day. Some cry out on the way these young men are getting exploited and the 24 hour coverage is just another example of what’s wrong with college sports. They will ask the question, “Shouldn’t these kids be in class?”.
On the other hand, the supporters may think it a great way for kids to be exposed to the national scope and hone public speaking and interviewing skills. After a hectic period of recruiting, this is their time to shine and finally put an end to all the letters, home visits and shallow admiration on campus visits.
While you may fall within either of the above mentioned thoughts, I don’t. Yes, this day is about recognizing the talents from the likes of Mario Edwards and Dorial Green-Beckhams. But this day makes me think about the undervalued, the doubted and the forgotten. I think about the A.J. Doyles of the high school football world. He’s a high school quarterback who signed on to play linebacker at North Carolina State, but has since decided to sign a letter of intent with Massachusetts (will have FBS status in the fall). It was the one school that would give him a chance under center.
So you out there who broke records in a tiny locale or simply overshadowed in talent hotbeds like Texas and Florida. Don’t think your skills not worthy simply because your college choice won’t be celebrated with a crowd of your peers, teachers and family. Get that frown of your face. The future is bright. Don’t believe me? Just look at the rosters of the two teams playing in the Super Bowl.
The aforementioned Doyle can follow the blueprint of the Giant’s Victor Cruz. The salsa-dancing wide out could have gone D-1, only if he would have obliged to play defensive back at Rutgers. He believed in his pass catching skills enough to carve his path to the league via UMASS.
Scouts couldn’t have predicted the impact Jason Pierre-Paul is having on opposing offenses in the NFL. He had to play for the College of the Canyons (California) and Fort Scott Community College (Kanas) before making way to South Florida. Wes Welker did at all on offense, defense and special teams at Heritage Hall in Oklahoma City. He got no love on signing day. Meaning zero scholarship offers.
This whole scouting and ranking thing, as the saying goes, is an inexact science. You can’t project the heart of a young player. You can’t project whether or not the freedom and easy access of alcohol, drugs, sex and money will be the downfall of a recruit.
It’s the “measurable” that means more than the “high motor”, “huge ceiling” and “great physical tools” sayings from the analysts. It explains why after a stellar career at Texas high school Westlake High, Drew Brees only had Kentucky and Purdue knocking on the door. It’s why Aaron Rodgers almost studied law before improving his game at Butte Community College.
So whoever and wherever you are, sad that the nation doesn’t care where your talents are going? Make your own video of the announcement if it makes you feel any better. Celebrate your accomplishment with those close to you. There is no time for a woe-is-me attitude. It’s time to go to work. Sure, you may have to miss out on the swag bags at bowl games, national glory and potential scandals. Maybe you’re the forgotten guy on a stacked depth chart (see Tom Brady). You have bigger goals ahead; goals that could lead you to the ultimate label of world champion.
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