Gator Country

ChartsandGrafs · 02-05-2013, 04:43 PM

Imagine you are a 17-year old, well-regarded, four star defensive end at the high school level with offers from Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, and Vanderbilt. Your dream has always been to suit up and play for the Florida Gators and then play in the NFL. Tomorrow is signing day and you have to make a quick decision on where you will play college football for the next four years.

This seems like an easy decision, right? Well, it's not. When you look at the depth chart at Florida, there are already seven other highly rated defensive ends on the roster, two of which were talented five star guys that came in with the class the year before yours. The coaches at Florida inform you in a very honest way that playing time will be very limited for at least two, and possibly even three years. Worst case scenario is you won't see the field on a regular basis until your senior season, and even then there are no guarantees.

On the other hand, the depth charts at Kentucky, Missouri, and Vanderbilt are virtually wide open. All three schools are in desperate need of help at defensive end, and the coaches of all three schools are guaranteeing immediate playing time. You believe you can earn a starting position at all three schools by no later than the end of your freshman season.

At Florida, you will be a backup and unessential last minute throw-in to their recruiting class. At Kentucky, Missouri, and Vanderbilt, you will be an almost immediate starter and the crown jewel and savior of their recruiting class.

Be honest, where would you sign your letter of intent under these circumstance?

Bushmaster · 02-05-2013, 04:59 PM

I would sign with UF and proceed to kicking ass on the field.

gatorjlm · 02-05-2013, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChartsandGrafs

On the other hand, the depth charts at Kentucky, Missouri, and Vanderbilt are virtually wide open. All three schools are in desperate need of help at defensive end, and the coaches of all three schools are guaranteeing immediate playing time. You believe you can earn a starting position at all three schools by no later than the end of your freshman season.

At Florida, you will be a backup and unessential last minute throw-in to their recruiting class. At Kentucky, Missouri, and Vanderbilt, you will be an almost immediate starter and the crown jewel and savior of their recruiting class.

Be honest, where would you sign your letter of intent under these circumstance?

Why would you have to earn anything when it has already being guaranteed by the coaches?

Short answer is competition makes you better. You can take a shortcut or the easy path or the more rigorous one. While there are success stories of all kinds, generally, you want to be tested and best prepared if your goal is the NFL. If the gaol is just to get as many college snaps as possible, then chose the school with the easiest path to that end, Ky, Tulane, SE LA, etc...

**hgators** · 02-05-2013, 05:18 PM

This is happening right now to someone I know very well. He is/was down to us and another nameless school.

Following his heart may cost us a great, great player.

vangator1 · 02-05-2013, 06:18 PM

Sign with UF and if I couldn't hack it, transfer.

g0ggles · 02-05-2013, 08:13 PM

Sign with UF & bust my a$$ to get on the field. Only way I wouldn't sign is if I never received an offer.

**newdad** · 02-05-2013, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushmaster

I would sign with UF and proceed to kicking ass on the field.

This.

**boatdrinks** · 02-05-2013, 08:27 PM

I would sign with Old Miss and take the cash.

DuPontGator · 02-05-2013, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatdrinks

I would sign with Old Miss and take the cash.

I'd take the cash too. Cam newton style.

ugaGator · 02-05-2013, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuPontGator

I'd take the cash too. Cam newton style.

lol.

Sign with UF all the way. Go Gators!

kbell42 · 02-05-2013, 09:44 PM

Most of these kids believe in themselves enough to think that they can compete and earn a starting spot or playing time

wiene2003 · 02-05-2013, 09:45 PM

Follow my dreams and play for the Gators. You only get an opportunity like that once. If you truly love the Gators like I do, You will never regret that decision, IMO.

1gatorbear · 02-05-2013, 09:47 PM

Playing time.

gatormoe1 · 02-05-2013, 09:54 PM

Follow my dreams. Assuming were talking about a program that can get me from point A to B (CFB to NFL) the same as the school with immediate PT.

gatorinmi · 02-05-2013, 10:49 PM

Follow the dream. QB is the only position that isn't usually rotated during the game and where you could potentially ride the bench the whole time. Here's the thing about recruiting, once you sign the LOI you're old news. The coaches are going right back out and looking to sign another highly rated player at your position. Just because you think the depth chart ahead of you looks good doesn't mean a guy behind you can't move up past you.

More than anything I'd want to play on a team that plays big games. In the SEC nearly every game is a big game. Who'd want to play an ACC schedule?