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Recruiting analysts and coaches rage
about what it takes to be the perfect recruit. Recruiting is an inexact science
to say the least due to its subjective nature and the wide margin for error
that characterizes the talent evaluation process. But there are 5 nonnegotiable traits
that the smart recruiter sees before an offer is issued.
Baseline level of skill/talent – the recruit must
possess a level of talent which will enable him to successfully compete on the
level to which he is being recruited. What the everyday fan needs
understand is that talent is not a
coachable commodity. Height, body structure/frame, speed, hand-eye coordination
and arm strength are just a few of the talents that are not coachable abilities
that set apart an elite recruit from a good high school athlete.
Character/will to win – The character of an
athlete is the second step in the evaluation process but is one of the key
predictors of the success or failure of each recruit. Character measures two
things. First, is decision-making ability and second is the ability to develop
mental toughness which allows the individual to respond effectively to
adversity. These qualities effect the athlete’s ability to develop into a
championship level performer and effective team member.
Academic Eligibility – this one is simple. You
can’t play if you can’t get into school. I hear players all the time, in
reference to college coaches, “He sleepin’ on me.” No, son, he’s sleeping on
your 1.8 GPA. Get serious about your school work if you want to be taken
serious as a prospective student-athlete.
Durability – do not mistake durability for
toughness. Toughness is the ability to play through pain which is linked to
character mentioned above. Durability is
the ability not to be easily injured. Unfortunately, some athletes who are
incredibly tough are not very durable. This is a physiological issue and is
usually out of human control.
Football IQ/Instinct – this is the ability to
understand the game at a very high level and to react on a level that is faster
than human thought can process on a verbal level. Therefore, we refer to it as
Instinct. It’s the great cut made by a Running back or the perfect pass by a
Quarterback under heavy pressure. Just watch Lamar Jackson run or Tom Brady
make a perfect throw and you will get the picture.
These are five characteristics that
coaches look for when evaluating a recruit. It should be noted that the ability
to properly and objectively evaluate athletes is the rarest ability in coaches.
One example is that of character. A coach with poor personal character will
often recruit players of the same character and vice versa. Rest assured a lack
of character will eventually raise its’ ugly head. It is why football is such a beautiful game;
because it’s a microcosm of life. And that’s what separates champions from
contenders on the field and in life.
