By Phil Ayres
I hear what you're saying. It is the middle of the season. Your fantasy football team is on the right track to win your championship. You have studied the Yahoo cheat sheets religiously. Or, you have looked at the ESPN Fantasy Football Rankings until you can't see straight. Or, on the other hand, maybe your team is headed right for the cellar. Despite your best efforts, you haven't been able to make your fantasy football team work. You actually showed up for the draft. You bought the Athlon fantasy football guide. You had the best fantasy football draft software. You had every fantasy football cheat sheet and fantasy football rankings sheet. Yet, you couldn't make it work. Don't despair. There is still time.
Before you get to the cellar, I ask that you take a minute to read this article, read a few mid-season fantasy football tips, and perhaps, you can get your fantasy football team on the right track to success. However, if you are the guy who is operating the fantasy football team that is on the right track, you just might benefit from a few tips also that will make the rest of your season a success. Trust me; these tips are better than digesting more fantasy football rankings.
Here are my five mid-season fantasy football tips to getting your fantasy football team ready for the fantasy football playoffs:
1. Check your fantasy football team. Now, I know this sounds common sense and completely ridiculous. You have been checking your fantasy football team the entire season, right? Well, if you have been checking your fantasy football team and making changes, hopefully, you're on the right track. But, if you are not, realize that at this point in the season many fantasy football owners have thrown in the towel. They are tired of adjusting their line-ups and reading fantasy football rankings. This will enable you to be able to capitalize on their late-season laziness. Simply checking your fantasy football team and making the appropriate changes (e.g., benching players who are injured, etc.) will enable you to possibly pick up one or two wins that you otherwise might not get late in the season.
2. Look ahead at the NFL schedule and get play-off bound players out of your fantasy football team line-up. Every single year, I see a great team in one of my leagues get destroyed due to a lack of planning. And, for a serious fantasy football player, a lack of preparation is tragic and inexcusable. Many fantasy football owners think that they can simply operate with Yahoo fantasy football rankings, ESPN fantasy football rankings, CBS SportsLine fantasy football rankings, Athlon fantasy football rankings, or the fantasy football rankings from another publication. But, at this point in the season, you have to start looking at the schedule. This season, it is fairly clear that the Colts will win the AFC South, for example. You need to be looking at your fantasy football schedule-at week's 14, 15, 16, and 17. You need to look at your fantasy football playoff schedule and compare it to the NFL schedule. Examine who you have at running back. Examine who you have at wide receiver. Are these players on teams that are absolute shoe-ins for the playoffs? I will give you an example to illustrate my point. A few years ago, when the Philadelphia Eagles locked up their home field advantage early on and Donovan McNabb was having such an outstanding fantasy football season, a friend of mine in a league that I'm in had his fantasy football team implode because the Eagles benched McNabb. You do not want this to happen to you. Look at the NFL standings, see who will be benched, and plan ahead to get them out of your fantasy football team's lineup.
3. This goes along live Tip Number Two. Look ahead at the NFL schedule and find backups to place in your lineup. When you see that certain teams are locking up home-field advantage or getting to the playoffs (and they don't have a hope for home-field advantage), capitalize! If you know the starting running back will be on the bench late in the season, grab his backup. If you know the starting wide receiver who has been your go-to guy all season will be benched because his team is going to the playoffs, grab his backup if you are in need of depth at that position. Even if you are not in need of depth at the particular position, it may be advantageous for you to grab that player anyway to prevent your fantasy football competition from doing so.
4. Analyze your competition. This is what separates great fantasy football owners from average fantasy football owners. Most fantasy football owners do not plan ahead. Sure, they read fantasy football rankings every week. They do not think beyond next week. As you get close to championship weeks (weeks 14, 15, 16, and 17), you should look ahead at your potential field of competitors. Figure out what their weaknesses are. If a particular wide receiver owned by a potential play-off competitor of yours is playoff bound and you know that the player may get benched during the playoffs, go ahead and grab his backup. Prevent your fantasy football competition from being able to fill that niche.
5. Know your league's deadlines. One of the leagues that I am in has a trade deadline that has already passed. You may need to make a big trade late in the season. But after the deadline has passed, you are stuck with your team. Know what your league's deadlines are, and make the deals at the appropriate time.
Although it is helpful, reading fantasy football rankings, cheat sheets, and benching injured players is just not enough. You have to be pro-active and strategic. Fantasy football is a chess match. And, you have to think like a chess player. Analyze your opponents and block them from moving. Follow these guidelines and you will be equipped to combat your late-season competition and excel in the playoffs.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Football Boots (Soccer Cleats) The History
By Alan Spurgeon
Football Boots: Earliest Recorded - King Henry VIII in 1526
King Henry VIII's football boots were listed within the Great Wardrobe of 1526, a shopping list of the day. They were made by his personal shoemaker Cornelius Johnson in 1525, at a cost of 4 shillings, the equivalent of £100 in today's money. Little is known about them, as there is no surviving example, but the royal football boots are known to have been made of strong leather, ankle high and heavier than the normal shoe of the day.
Football Boots - The 1800's
Moving forward 300 years saw football developing and gaining popularity throughout Britain, but still remaining as an unstructured and informal pastime, with teams representing local factories and villages in a burgeoning industrial nation. Players would wear their hard, leather work boots, which were long laced and steel toe-capped as the first football boots. These football boots would also have metal studs or tacks hammered into them to increase ground grip and stability.
As laws become integrated into the game in the late 1800's, so saw the first shift in football boots to a slipper (or soccus) style shoe, with players of the same team starting to wear the same boots for the first time. Laws also allowed for studs, which had to be rounded. These leather studs, also known as cleats, were hammered into the early football boots, which for the first time moved away from the earlier favoured work boots. These football boots weighed 500g and were made of thick, hard leather going up the ankle for increased protection. The football boots would double in weight when wet and had six studs in the sole. The football boot had arrived...
Football Boots - The 1900's to 1940's
Football boot styles remained relatively constant throughout the 1900's up to the end of the second world war. The most significant events in the football boot world in the first part of the twentieth century were the formation of several football boot producers who are still making football boots today, including Gola (1905), Valsport (1920) and Danish football boot maker Hummel (1923).
Over in Germany, Dassler brothers Adolf and Rudolf formed the Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik (Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory) in Herzogenaurach in 1924 and began producing football boots in 1925 which had 6 or 7 replaceable, nailed studs, which could be changed according to the weather conditions of play.
Football Boots - The 1940's to 1960's
Football boot styles shifted significantly after the end of the second world war, as air travel became cheaper and more international fixtures were played. This saw the lighter, more flexible football boot being worn by the South Americans being thrust onto the world stage, and their ball skills and technical ability amazed all those that watched them. Football boot production shifted to producing a lighter football boot with the focus on kicking and controlling the ball rather than simply producing a piece of protective footwear.
1948 saw the formation of the Adidas company by Adolf (Adi) Dassler after a falling out with his brother that was to form the cornerstone of football boot maker rivalry for the preceding years up to today. Brother Rudolf founded the beginnings of the Puma company in 1948, quickly producing the Puma Atom football boot. This led to interchangeable screw in studs made of plastic or rubber for the first time, reputedly by Puma in the early 1950's but the honour is also claimed by Adidas (Read the Story on Footy-Boots). Football boots of the time were still over the ankle, but were now being made of a mixture of synthetic materials and leather, producing and even lighter shoe for the players of the day to display their skills with.
Football Boots - The 1960's
The technological developments of the sixties bought a momentous step-change in design which saw the lower cut design introduced for the first time in football history. This change allowed players to move faster and saw the likes of Pele wearing Puma football boots in the 1962 World Cup Finals. Adidas, though, quickly emerged as the market leader, a position it claims until the present day. In the World Cup Finals of 1966, an astonishing 75% of players wore the Adidas football boot.
The 1960's also saw several other football boot makers joining the market with their own brands and styling including Mitre (1960), Joma (1965) and Asics (1964).
Football Boots - The 1970's
The seventies began with the iconic 1970 World Cup Finals which saw a sublime Brazilian team lift the trophy with Pele again at the helm, this time wearing the Puma King football boot. The decade itself will be remembered for the way in which football boot sponsorship took off, where players were being paid to wear only one brand. In terms of design and style, technological advancements produced lighter boots, and a variety of colours, including for the first time, the all-white football boot.
In 1979, Adidas produced the world's best selling football boot the Copa Mundial, built of kangaroo leather and built for speed and versatility. Although Adidas remained dominant, several other football boot makers joined the fray including Italian football boot maker Diadora (1977).
Football Boots - The 1980's
The greatest development of recent times in the design and technology of football boots was developed in the eighties by former player Craig Johnston, who created the Predator football boot, which was eventually released by Adidas in the 1990's. Johnston designed the Predator to provide greater traction between football boot and the ball, and football boot and the ground. The design allowed for greater surface areas to come into contact with the ball when being hit by the football boot, with a series of power and swerve zones within the striking area allowing the player to create greater power and swerve when hitting the "sweet spots". The eighties also saw football boots for the first time being made by English company Umbro (1985), Italy's Lotto and Spain's Kelme (1982).
Football Boots - 1990's
1994 saw Adidas release the Craig Johnston designed Predator with its revolutionary design, styling and technology making it an instant and lasting success. The Predator by now featured polymer extrusion technologies and materials allowing for a more flexible sole as well as the conventional studs being replaced by a bladed design covering the sole, giving a more stable base for the player. In 1995 Adidas released their bladed outsole traxion technology which are tapered shaped blades. Puma hit back in 1996 with a foam-free midsole football boot, known as Puma Cell Technology, to which Adidas responded again, this time with wedge shaped studs in the same year. The nineties saw new football boot producers Mizuno release their Mizuno Wave in 1997. Other new football boots came from Reebok (1992) and Uhlsport (1993) with other companies also joining the ever increasing, lucrative and competitive market place. Most significantly the nineties saw the entry of Nike, the world's biggest sportswear producer, immediately making an impact with its Nike Mercurial soccer boot (1998), weighing in at just 200g.
Football Boots - 2000+
As technology advanced still further, the application of the new research and developments were seen in the years into the new millennium right up to the present day and this has led to a reinforcement of the market positions of the big three football boot makers and sellers, Puma, Nike and Adidas (incorporating Reebok since 2006). Fortunately, there still remains room in the market place for the smaller producer that does not have the big money endorsement contracts at its disposal, such as Mizuno, Diadora, Lotto, Hummel and Nomis.
Recent developments since 2000 have seen the Nomis Wet control technology producing a sticky boot (2002), the Craig Johnston Pig Boot (2003), shark technology by Kelme (2006) and the exceptional design of the Lotto Zhero Gravity laceless football boots (2006) all of which underpin the successes that these smaller makers can achieve by producing specialised and technologically advanced football boots that provide a distinct differentiation from the mass produced products of the big three. Laser technology has also helped to produce the world's first fully customised football by Prior 2 Lever, which is perhaps the most exciting and innovative of the recent developments.
Current favourite football boots include Adidas' F50, Tunit and Predator; Nike's Mercurial Vapor III, Air Zoom Total 90s and Tiempo Ronaldinho, Reebok Pro Rage and Umbro X Boots.
Football Boots - The Future
As the debate rages with regards the lack of protection given by modern football boots, and the repercussion in terms of player injuries, there seems little to suggest that the major manufacturers are going to give up their quest for the lightest football boot for a more protective one. The proliferation of big money sponsorship deals, namely Nike Ronaldinho, Adidas with David Beckham and Reebok with Thierry Henry, has become a huge factor that drives the success and sales of a football boot maker, but is viewed as at a cost of injury and stagnation in football boot research and development. All we can predict for the future is integration with sensor technology, lighter and more powerful football boots and more outlandish designs and styles.
Football Boots: Earliest Recorded - King Henry VIII in 1526
King Henry VIII's football boots were listed within the Great Wardrobe of 1526, a shopping list of the day. They were made by his personal shoemaker Cornelius Johnson in 1525, at a cost of 4 shillings, the equivalent of £100 in today's money. Little is known about them, as there is no surviving example, but the royal football boots are known to have been made of strong leather, ankle high and heavier than the normal shoe of the day.
Football Boots - The 1800's
Moving forward 300 years saw football developing and gaining popularity throughout Britain, but still remaining as an unstructured and informal pastime, with teams representing local factories and villages in a burgeoning industrial nation. Players would wear their hard, leather work boots, which were long laced and steel toe-capped as the first football boots. These football boots would also have metal studs or tacks hammered into them to increase ground grip and stability.
As laws become integrated into the game in the late 1800's, so saw the first shift in football boots to a slipper (or soccus) style shoe, with players of the same team starting to wear the same boots for the first time. Laws also allowed for studs, which had to be rounded. These leather studs, also known as cleats, were hammered into the early football boots, which for the first time moved away from the earlier favoured work boots. These football boots weighed 500g and were made of thick, hard leather going up the ankle for increased protection. The football boots would double in weight when wet and had six studs in the sole. The football boot had arrived...
Football Boots - The 1900's to 1940's
Football boot styles remained relatively constant throughout the 1900's up to the end of the second world war. The most significant events in the football boot world in the first part of the twentieth century were the formation of several football boot producers who are still making football boots today, including Gola (1905), Valsport (1920) and Danish football boot maker Hummel (1923).
Over in Germany, Dassler brothers Adolf and Rudolf formed the Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik (Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory) in Herzogenaurach in 1924 and began producing football boots in 1925 which had 6 or 7 replaceable, nailed studs, which could be changed according to the weather conditions of play.
Football Boots - The 1940's to 1960's
Football boot styles shifted significantly after the end of the second world war, as air travel became cheaper and more international fixtures were played. This saw the lighter, more flexible football boot being worn by the South Americans being thrust onto the world stage, and their ball skills and technical ability amazed all those that watched them. Football boot production shifted to producing a lighter football boot with the focus on kicking and controlling the ball rather than simply producing a piece of protective footwear.
1948 saw the formation of the Adidas company by Adolf (Adi) Dassler after a falling out with his brother that was to form the cornerstone of football boot maker rivalry for the preceding years up to today. Brother Rudolf founded the beginnings of the Puma company in 1948, quickly producing the Puma Atom football boot. This led to interchangeable screw in studs made of plastic or rubber for the first time, reputedly by Puma in the early 1950's but the honour is also claimed by Adidas (Read the Story on Footy-Boots). Football boots of the time were still over the ankle, but were now being made of a mixture of synthetic materials and leather, producing and even lighter shoe for the players of the day to display their skills with.
Football Boots - The 1960's
The technological developments of the sixties bought a momentous step-change in design which saw the lower cut design introduced for the first time in football history. This change allowed players to move faster and saw the likes of Pele wearing Puma football boots in the 1962 World Cup Finals. Adidas, though, quickly emerged as the market leader, a position it claims until the present day. In the World Cup Finals of 1966, an astonishing 75% of players wore the Adidas football boot.
The 1960's also saw several other football boot makers joining the market with their own brands and styling including Mitre (1960), Joma (1965) and Asics (1964).
Football Boots - The 1970's
The seventies began with the iconic 1970 World Cup Finals which saw a sublime Brazilian team lift the trophy with Pele again at the helm, this time wearing the Puma King football boot. The decade itself will be remembered for the way in which football boot sponsorship took off, where players were being paid to wear only one brand. In terms of design and style, technological advancements produced lighter boots, and a variety of colours, including for the first time, the all-white football boot.
In 1979, Adidas produced the world's best selling football boot the Copa Mundial, built of kangaroo leather and built for speed and versatility. Although Adidas remained dominant, several other football boot makers joined the fray including Italian football boot maker Diadora (1977).
Football Boots - The 1980's
The greatest development of recent times in the design and technology of football boots was developed in the eighties by former player Craig Johnston, who created the Predator football boot, which was eventually released by Adidas in the 1990's. Johnston designed the Predator to provide greater traction between football boot and the ball, and football boot and the ground. The design allowed for greater surface areas to come into contact with the ball when being hit by the football boot, with a series of power and swerve zones within the striking area allowing the player to create greater power and swerve when hitting the "sweet spots". The eighties also saw football boots for the first time being made by English company Umbro (1985), Italy's Lotto and Spain's Kelme (1982).
Football Boots - 1990's
1994 saw Adidas release the Craig Johnston designed Predator with its revolutionary design, styling and technology making it an instant and lasting success. The Predator by now featured polymer extrusion technologies and materials allowing for a more flexible sole as well as the conventional studs being replaced by a bladed design covering the sole, giving a more stable base for the player. In 1995 Adidas released their bladed outsole traxion technology which are tapered shaped blades. Puma hit back in 1996 with a foam-free midsole football boot, known as Puma Cell Technology, to which Adidas responded again, this time with wedge shaped studs in the same year. The nineties saw new football boot producers Mizuno release their Mizuno Wave in 1997. Other new football boots came from Reebok (1992) and Uhlsport (1993) with other companies also joining the ever increasing, lucrative and competitive market place. Most significantly the nineties saw the entry of Nike, the world's biggest sportswear producer, immediately making an impact with its Nike Mercurial soccer boot (1998), weighing in at just 200g.
Football Boots - 2000+
As technology advanced still further, the application of the new research and developments were seen in the years into the new millennium right up to the present day and this has led to a reinforcement of the market positions of the big three football boot makers and sellers, Puma, Nike and Adidas (incorporating Reebok since 2006). Fortunately, there still remains room in the market place for the smaller producer that does not have the big money endorsement contracts at its disposal, such as Mizuno, Diadora, Lotto, Hummel and Nomis.
Recent developments since 2000 have seen the Nomis Wet control technology producing a sticky boot (2002), the Craig Johnston Pig Boot (2003), shark technology by Kelme (2006) and the exceptional design of the Lotto Zhero Gravity laceless football boots (2006) all of which underpin the successes that these smaller makers can achieve by producing specialised and technologically advanced football boots that provide a distinct differentiation from the mass produced products of the big three. Laser technology has also helped to produce the world's first fully customised football by Prior 2 Lever, which is perhaps the most exciting and innovative of the recent developments.
Current favourite football boots include Adidas' F50, Tunit and Predator; Nike's Mercurial Vapor III, Air Zoom Total 90s and Tiempo Ronaldinho, Reebok Pro Rage and Umbro X Boots.
Football Boots - The Future
As the debate rages with regards the lack of protection given by modern football boots, and the repercussion in terms of player injuries, there seems little to suggest that the major manufacturers are going to give up their quest for the lightest football boot for a more protective one. The proliferation of big money sponsorship deals, namely Nike Ronaldinho, Adidas with David Beckham and Reebok with Thierry Henry, has become a huge factor that drives the success and sales of a football boot maker, but is viewed as at a cost of injury and stagnation in football boot research and development. All we can predict for the future is integration with sensor technology, lighter and more powerful football boots and more outlandish designs and styles.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Loving the Sport Football
By Jaimie Max
Being actively involved in any type of sport is really good for the health. It has benefits that encompass almost all of the body systems. You will clearly see the evidence when you try to look at different athletes. From the physical aspect, their bodies are fit and look healthy. Mentally they are able to use their thinking and decision making skills when it comes to the different strategies of winning the game.
Any type of sport has given an individual with different opportunities to explore the inner capacities, whether it is a simple board game, extreme sport or perhaps any type of ball game. Your body and mind work hand in hand as you play the game. Coordination, discipline and proper body mechanics are the basic lessons learned when playing a certain type of sport.
There are plenty of sports that you can actively engage in. And once you are able to choose and select from the many sports, make sure that you dedicate your time, exert effort and constantly practice that way you will master all the techniques and will manage to play the game effectively.
Football is just one very common sport being played in almost any country around the world. It is a game filled with fun, with intense adrenaline rush and also a game that needs good decision skills. Football also known as soccer is the type of sport wherein your stamina and endurance is put to a test. You have to really practice and exert effort that way you will not get new to the game.
Football is played with the use of a spherical ball. The two teams compete to get the ball inside the other team's post to make a goal. Whoever scores more goals is considered the winner. Goalkeepers need to really guard the post and prevent the other team from making a goal. It is a task that should be given with focus and concentration. All the team members should cooperate and learn to protect one another as this sport can be very chaotic especially when the game is so intense.
If you are out in the field, you will really feel all the pressure and the intense battle between your opponent. They too are striving hard so they could win the game. Like any other sport, football also has its own rules that need to be followed. The football rules are very important to maintain in every game to prevent disqualification or from possible forfeit.
Getting injuries can never be prevented in this type of sport. From the name itself, you have to use your feet to keep score many goals. You have to protect the ball and prevent the opponent from stealing the ball away from you. Protecting is hard since the opponent will also do their best so they can beat you no matter what it takes. You just need to wear protective gears like knee guards, shin guards, socks and high quality shoes. It is also stated in the rules that players are not allowed to wear anything that can create harm such wearing of jewelries and watches. As much as possible, try to be light so you can move freely. You will definitely learn to love this type of sport once you have gained enough knowledge and have learned the important mechanics while playing the game.
Being actively involved in any type of sport is really good for the health. It has benefits that encompass almost all of the body systems. You will clearly see the evidence when you try to look at different athletes. From the physical aspect, their bodies are fit and look healthy. Mentally they are able to use their thinking and decision making skills when it comes to the different strategies of winning the game.
Any type of sport has given an individual with different opportunities to explore the inner capacities, whether it is a simple board game, extreme sport or perhaps any type of ball game. Your body and mind work hand in hand as you play the game. Coordination, discipline and proper body mechanics are the basic lessons learned when playing a certain type of sport.
There are plenty of sports that you can actively engage in. And once you are able to choose and select from the many sports, make sure that you dedicate your time, exert effort and constantly practice that way you will master all the techniques and will manage to play the game effectively.
Football is just one very common sport being played in almost any country around the world. It is a game filled with fun, with intense adrenaline rush and also a game that needs good decision skills. Football also known as soccer is the type of sport wherein your stamina and endurance is put to a test. You have to really practice and exert effort that way you will not get new to the game.
Football is played with the use of a spherical ball. The two teams compete to get the ball inside the other team's post to make a goal. Whoever scores more goals is considered the winner. Goalkeepers need to really guard the post and prevent the other team from making a goal. It is a task that should be given with focus and concentration. All the team members should cooperate and learn to protect one another as this sport can be very chaotic especially when the game is so intense.
If you are out in the field, you will really feel all the pressure and the intense battle between your opponent. They too are striving hard so they could win the game. Like any other sport, football also has its own rules that need to be followed. The football rules are very important to maintain in every game to prevent disqualification or from possible forfeit.
Getting injuries can never be prevented in this type of sport. From the name itself, you have to use your feet to keep score many goals. You have to protect the ball and prevent the opponent from stealing the ball away from you. Protecting is hard since the opponent will also do their best so they can beat you no matter what it takes. You just need to wear protective gears like knee guards, shin guards, socks and high quality shoes. It is also stated in the rules that players are not allowed to wear anything that can create harm such wearing of jewelries and watches. As much as possible, try to be light so you can move freely. You will definitely learn to love this type of sport once you have gained enough knowledge and have learned the important mechanics while playing the game.
Football Scholarships - 3 Things You Must Have For College Football
By Greg A Slone
Greg A. Slone Have you ever set back and thought, what would it take to get your child an athletic scholarship? Well, the truth is ...
College football is one of the most pursued sports in the country. There are literally hundreds of thousands of high school players trying to get there. This is one sport where college recruiting is fierce and the competition is enormous, especially at the DI level. This article will give you 3 major things you will need in order to bypass the competition for one of those roster spots.
THING 1 - ATHLETIC ABILITY
You will need to know what your athletic ability in comparison with where you want to play. Make sure you can compete at the level of school you want to go to. Compare your size, strengths, speed and so on when looking at college programs. To be real honest, if you aren't being courted pretty hard and often, DI may be out of your range. On a positive note though, there are hundreds of DI AA and DII Schools that you may be a perfect fit for. Just be honest with yourself and give yourself every advantage you can.
THING 2 - GRADES ( this is very, very important )
If you really want to set yourself apart from thousands of high school football players, just have superior grades. If your grades are top in your class opportunities will come your way. College coaches love to have exceptional student athletes on their team, because they don't have to baby sit them and make sure they stay eligible. Look at it this way. If a coach is recruiting 2 football players with the same skill, but, one player is top in his class for academics and the other is only a solid B or C student, which one do you think the coach is going to sign. He and you both know if you flunk classes you DON'T PLAY!!! So do yourself a favor and put yourself in the position to get that scholarship and get your EDUCATION PAID FOR. That is really the whole reason to go to college anyways.
THING 3 - EXPOSURE
If you have nailed down your grades and ability the only thing left is to get your name out there. You will need to be proactive in getting in contact with the colleges you can and what to play for. The simple fact is, if colleges don't know about you they can't sign you. You will need to contact the coaches and get them what they need from you for them to put you on their radar. Ask yourself this question, whose hands do you want to leave your future in? A coaches, who has no vested interest, or yours, it is your life after football, make sure you get what you deserve.
SUMMARY
Make sure you apply the 3 things we just covered and you will set yourself apart from all others. This is your career and life, you need to take charge of it and see that it turns out the way you want it too. Don't leave your future in just anybodies hands. Know what you have to do and DO IT...
Greg A. Slone Have you ever set back and thought, what would it take to get your child an athletic scholarship? Well, the truth is ...
College football is one of the most pursued sports in the country. There are literally hundreds of thousands of high school players trying to get there. This is one sport where college recruiting is fierce and the competition is enormous, especially at the DI level. This article will give you 3 major things you will need in order to bypass the competition for one of those roster spots.
THING 1 - ATHLETIC ABILITY
You will need to know what your athletic ability in comparison with where you want to play. Make sure you can compete at the level of school you want to go to. Compare your size, strengths, speed and so on when looking at college programs. To be real honest, if you aren't being courted pretty hard and often, DI may be out of your range. On a positive note though, there are hundreds of DI AA and DII Schools that you may be a perfect fit for. Just be honest with yourself and give yourself every advantage you can.
THING 2 - GRADES ( this is very, very important )
If you really want to set yourself apart from thousands of high school football players, just have superior grades. If your grades are top in your class opportunities will come your way. College coaches love to have exceptional student athletes on their team, because they don't have to baby sit them and make sure they stay eligible. Look at it this way. If a coach is recruiting 2 football players with the same skill, but, one player is top in his class for academics and the other is only a solid B or C student, which one do you think the coach is going to sign. He and you both know if you flunk classes you DON'T PLAY!!! So do yourself a favor and put yourself in the position to get that scholarship and get your EDUCATION PAID FOR. That is really the whole reason to go to college anyways.
THING 3 - EXPOSURE
If you have nailed down your grades and ability the only thing left is to get your name out there. You will need to be proactive in getting in contact with the colleges you can and what to play for. The simple fact is, if colleges don't know about you they can't sign you. You will need to contact the coaches and get them what they need from you for them to put you on their radar. Ask yourself this question, whose hands do you want to leave your future in? A coaches, who has no vested interest, or yours, it is your life after football, make sure you get what you deserve.
SUMMARY
Make sure you apply the 3 things we just covered and you will set yourself apart from all others. This is your career and life, you need to take charge of it and see that it turns out the way you want it too. Don't leave your future in just anybodies hands. Know what you have to do and DO IT...
Sun Belt Football Predictions 2010
By Jack T Jones
The Sun Belt sees it's fair share of shootouts, making for one of the more exciting conferences in the country. Troy has won back-to-back titles, but they lose a lot of talent this season which could open the door for a few other teams. Below I list my 2010 Sun Belt football predictions, offering the finishing order of each team within the conference.
Sun Belt Predictions:
1.) Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders - QB Dwight Dasher is back after throwing for 2,789 yards and 23 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,153 more along with 13 scores. He is one of the few returning starting quarterbacks in this conference from an offense that put up 32.0 PPG last year. 4 offensive linemen and most of their playmakers are back as well, so the offense should pick up right where it left off. The defense will be solid with 6 starters back from a unit that gave up 23.7 PPG a year ago. The Blue Raiders get Troy at home on October 5th as well.
2.) Troy Trojans - Only 5 starters return on offense, and they lose Sun Belt Player of the Year in QB Levi Brown. The defense is an even bigger concern from a unit that gave up 29.8 PPG in 2009 with only 3 starters returning. Larry Blakeney has proven he can recruit, and there will be some talent here, just not enough to overcome MTSU.
3.) Louisiana Rajin' Cajuns - QB Chris Masson is back and the offense should be improved after scoring 22.2 PPG a year ago. The biggest improvement will come from a defense that allowed 30.3 PPG with 7 starters returning. This team went 4-4 in the Sun Belt last year and a 5-3 mark this season will be good enough for third.
4.) Florida Atlantic Owls - FAU gave up 33.8 PPG last year, and the defense must improve with 8 starters back. The defense should be fine with so much returning experience, but the offense is in shambles with only 3 starters back. The Owls must replace their entire offensive line.
5.) Arkansas State Red Wolves - All five starting offensive linemen return, but that's all the Red Wolves have to work with on offense. And they desperately need new skill players to step up after averaging just 22.7 PPG last year. Only 5 starters are back defensively as well, giving Arkansas State just 10 returning starters to work with which won't be enough for them to compete with the top tier of the Sun Belt.
6.) Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks - RB Frank Goodin returns after rushing for 1,126 yards and 13 touchdowns, so the offense is in good hands with him. QB Kolton Browning is an elite talent, but the defense is a concern with only 4 returning starters.
7.) North Texas Mean Green - 9 starters return to an offense that put up some big numbers last season, including 40 points against Florida Atlantic and 68 points vs. Western Kentucky. The Mean Green will put up plenty of points on the board, but the defense gave up 35.6 PPG last year and if they cannot improve the stop unit, then they won't be very competitive this season either. 7 starters return on defense.
8.) Florida International Golden Panthers - The offense only put up 22.9 PPG last year, and once again the offensive line is in shambles and the QB position is a major question mark. Not to mention, the defense is hurting with only 3 starters back. The Panthers defense yielded 35.3 PPG last season.
9.) Western Kentucky Hilltoppers - It cannot get any worse after an 0-12 season, and with 16 starters back, the Hilltoppers should see some improvement. Plus, WKU came close to winning at the end of last year by concluding the '09 season with three straight losses by 6 points or less. It's probably safe to say they will get a win or two this season, but not much more.
The Sun Belt sees it's fair share of shootouts, making for one of the more exciting conferences in the country. Troy has won back-to-back titles, but they lose a lot of talent this season which could open the door for a few other teams. Below I list my 2010 Sun Belt football predictions, offering the finishing order of each team within the conference.
Sun Belt Predictions:
1.) Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders - QB Dwight Dasher is back after throwing for 2,789 yards and 23 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,153 more along with 13 scores. He is one of the few returning starting quarterbacks in this conference from an offense that put up 32.0 PPG last year. 4 offensive linemen and most of their playmakers are back as well, so the offense should pick up right where it left off. The defense will be solid with 6 starters back from a unit that gave up 23.7 PPG a year ago. The Blue Raiders get Troy at home on October 5th as well.
2.) Troy Trojans - Only 5 starters return on offense, and they lose Sun Belt Player of the Year in QB Levi Brown. The defense is an even bigger concern from a unit that gave up 29.8 PPG in 2009 with only 3 starters returning. Larry Blakeney has proven he can recruit, and there will be some talent here, just not enough to overcome MTSU.
3.) Louisiana Rajin' Cajuns - QB Chris Masson is back and the offense should be improved after scoring 22.2 PPG a year ago. The biggest improvement will come from a defense that allowed 30.3 PPG with 7 starters returning. This team went 4-4 in the Sun Belt last year and a 5-3 mark this season will be good enough for third.
4.) Florida Atlantic Owls - FAU gave up 33.8 PPG last year, and the defense must improve with 8 starters back. The defense should be fine with so much returning experience, but the offense is in shambles with only 3 starters back. The Owls must replace their entire offensive line.
5.) Arkansas State Red Wolves - All five starting offensive linemen return, but that's all the Red Wolves have to work with on offense. And they desperately need new skill players to step up after averaging just 22.7 PPG last year. Only 5 starters are back defensively as well, giving Arkansas State just 10 returning starters to work with which won't be enough for them to compete with the top tier of the Sun Belt.
6.) Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks - RB Frank Goodin returns after rushing for 1,126 yards and 13 touchdowns, so the offense is in good hands with him. QB Kolton Browning is an elite talent, but the defense is a concern with only 4 returning starters.
7.) North Texas Mean Green - 9 starters return to an offense that put up some big numbers last season, including 40 points against Florida Atlantic and 68 points vs. Western Kentucky. The Mean Green will put up plenty of points on the board, but the defense gave up 35.6 PPG last year and if they cannot improve the stop unit, then they won't be very competitive this season either. 7 starters return on defense.
8.) Florida International Golden Panthers - The offense only put up 22.9 PPG last year, and once again the offensive line is in shambles and the QB position is a major question mark. Not to mention, the defense is hurting with only 3 starters back. The Panthers defense yielded 35.3 PPG last season.
9.) Western Kentucky Hilltoppers - It cannot get any worse after an 0-12 season, and with 16 starters back, the Hilltoppers should see some improvement. Plus, WKU came close to winning at the end of last year by concluding the '09 season with three straight losses by 6 points or less. It's probably safe to say they will get a win or two this season, but not much more.
LSU Football Predictions 2010
By Jack T Jones
The LSU Tigers went 9-4 last season, with all four of their losses coming by 10 points or less. And each loss came against a solid team with the likes of Alabama, Florida, Penn State and Ole Miss. But it appears the Tigers may be slipping in head coach Les Miles' 6th year on the job. Miles is 51-15 at LSU through his first five seasons, but he'll have his hands full with only six offensive and four defensive starters returning.
Check below to find out much more about the Tigers along with my predictions on how they'll fare in the SEC West this season.
Offense:
Miles wants to get back to pounding the rock with more consistency after the Tigers averaged just 122.8 rushing yards per game last season. Carrying the bulk of the load in the running game will be RB Stevan Ridley, who was forced into action in the final two games last season. But he'll have plenty of help from Richard Murphy, who is returning from injury. The electric freshman Michael Ford rushed for more than 200 yards in nine games as a senior in high school, and he is their RB of the future.
QB Jordan Jefferson is back to lead the offense after throwing for 17 touchdowns to 7 interceptions as a sophomore. He is a nice talent, but he doesn't have many proven playmakers to get the ball to in the passing game. WR Terrence Tolliver had 53 receptions for 735 yards last season, but he's their only proven returnee at wideout. Both starting tackles are back along the offensive line, but the interior will be all new.
Defense:
LSU stayed in ball games last season thanks to a defense that allowed just 16.2 PPG. But only 4 starters return, and the Tigers must replace five of their front seven. Senior DT Lazarius Levingston is a stud, and DT Drake Nevis brings some experience. Sophomore end Sam Montgomery could be the best of the bunch, and the team has praised him throughout spring ball. LB Kelvin Sheppard led the team with 110 tackles a year ago and he'll be counted upon heavily to help out an inexperienced linebacking corps.
Also back is junior CB Patrick Peterson, who scored two touchdowns last season, one on an interception return and another on a blocked field goal return. He held Alabama's Julio Jones to three catches, while also holding Georgia's A.J. Green to just four grabs. Teams will throw away from him this season, putting sophomore Morris Claiborne in a tough spot opposite Peterson. Junior SS Brandon Taylor started nine games last year, and FS Jai Eugene will have to adapt quickly to his new position.
SEC Prediction: 3rd in the West - Both Alabama and Arkansas have many more playmakers on offense than LSU. The Tigers must find a way to put up more points this season after scoring just 24.9 PPG a year ago, and it's not looking promising. The defense has a lot of talent despite only four returning starters, but the Tigers will be hard-pressed to match the 16.2 PPG they gave up a year ago. I have LSU finishing behind both the Crimson Tide and the Razorbacks in the West this season.
The LSU Tigers went 9-4 last season, with all four of their losses coming by 10 points or less. And each loss came against a solid team with the likes of Alabama, Florida, Penn State and Ole Miss. But it appears the Tigers may be slipping in head coach Les Miles' 6th year on the job. Miles is 51-15 at LSU through his first five seasons, but he'll have his hands full with only six offensive and four defensive starters returning.
Check below to find out much more about the Tigers along with my predictions on how they'll fare in the SEC West this season.
Offense:
Miles wants to get back to pounding the rock with more consistency after the Tigers averaged just 122.8 rushing yards per game last season. Carrying the bulk of the load in the running game will be RB Stevan Ridley, who was forced into action in the final two games last season. But he'll have plenty of help from Richard Murphy, who is returning from injury. The electric freshman Michael Ford rushed for more than 200 yards in nine games as a senior in high school, and he is their RB of the future.
QB Jordan Jefferson is back to lead the offense after throwing for 17 touchdowns to 7 interceptions as a sophomore. He is a nice talent, but he doesn't have many proven playmakers to get the ball to in the passing game. WR Terrence Tolliver had 53 receptions for 735 yards last season, but he's their only proven returnee at wideout. Both starting tackles are back along the offensive line, but the interior will be all new.
Defense:
LSU stayed in ball games last season thanks to a defense that allowed just 16.2 PPG. But only 4 starters return, and the Tigers must replace five of their front seven. Senior DT Lazarius Levingston is a stud, and DT Drake Nevis brings some experience. Sophomore end Sam Montgomery could be the best of the bunch, and the team has praised him throughout spring ball. LB Kelvin Sheppard led the team with 110 tackles a year ago and he'll be counted upon heavily to help out an inexperienced linebacking corps.
Also back is junior CB Patrick Peterson, who scored two touchdowns last season, one on an interception return and another on a blocked field goal return. He held Alabama's Julio Jones to three catches, while also holding Georgia's A.J. Green to just four grabs. Teams will throw away from him this season, putting sophomore Morris Claiborne in a tough spot opposite Peterson. Junior SS Brandon Taylor started nine games last year, and FS Jai Eugene will have to adapt quickly to his new position.
SEC Prediction: 3rd in the West - Both Alabama and Arkansas have many more playmakers on offense than LSU. The Tigers must find a way to put up more points this season after scoring just 24.9 PPG a year ago, and it's not looking promising. The defense has a lot of talent despite only four returning starters, but the Tigers will be hard-pressed to match the 16.2 PPG they gave up a year ago. I have LSU finishing behind both the Crimson Tide and the Razorbacks in the West this season.
The All-Time Leading Running Backs of the New Orleans Saints
By Mark Peter
Mark Peters is a traveler that has not forgotten the lost art of the road trip.
The New Orleans Saints came into the National Football League in 1966 and like most expansion teams had some tough years in the beginning. Since then though they have had a good mix of successful years and years that were more of a struggle.
Like every team in the NFL, the Saints have relied on running backs over the years. Lucky for them, they have had some very good ones in their history too. Here is a look at some of the all time great New Orleans Saints running backs.
The Best For A Career
The all time leading rusher for the Saints is running back Deuce McAllister. He played for the team from 2001 to 2008 and during that time ran for 6,096 yards. That's almost 2,000 yards more than the second place player on that list, Dalton Hilliard. McAllister is also at the top of the list in rushing touchdowns scored with 49, again Hilliard is in second place, this time with 39 scores of his own. The running back with the highest average yards per carry, with 300 minimum career rushing attempts, is Pierre Thomas at 5.1. Thomas is eclipsed in this category, just not by a running back. Former quarterback Archie Manning carried the ball 357 times for 2,058 yards, an average of 5.8 yards per carry.
The Best For A Season
No New Orleans Saints running back has rushed for more yards in one season than George Rogers. In 1981, Rogers put up 1,674 yards. McAllister missed taking this spot in the team record books by just 34 yards in 2003 when he ran the ball for 1,641 yards. Three players are tied for the team record for most rushing touchdowns scored in one season at 13. George Rogers accomplished this in that same 1981 season, Dalton Hilliard equaled that mark in 1989, and then Deuce McAllister joined them at 13 in 2002. When it comes to the highest average yards per carry over the course of one season, with a minimum of 150 rushing attempts, Chuck Muncie tops the list. In 1979, Muncie carried the ball 238 times for 1,198 yards and an average of 5.0 yards per carry.
The Best For A Game
In a 28-17 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in 1983, George Rogers set the all time record for rushing yards in one game for the Saints when he put up 206 yards. In 1986, Rueben Mayes came close to taking that mark for himself when he ran for 203 yards in a 31-27 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Eight different Saints players are tied for the record for most rushing touchdowns in a game at three, but no player has done it twice. Those players are Mario Bates, Reggie Bush, Rueben Mayes, Deuce McAllister, Chuck Muncie, George Rogers, Ricky Williams, and Wayne Wilson. The single game record for highest yards per carry average in one game, with at least ten carries, is held by Tony Galbreath. In a 1976 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, Galbreath carried the ball 14 times for 146 yards or an average of 10.43 yards per carry. Two other running backs put up over ten yards per carry averages in a game for the team. Gill Fenerty carried the ball ten times for 104 yards in a 1990 win over the Rams and Hokie Gajan carried the ball 11 times for 113 yards in a loss against the New York Jets.
Mark Peters is a traveler that has not forgotten the lost art of the road trip.
The New Orleans Saints came into the National Football League in 1966 and like most expansion teams had some tough years in the beginning. Since then though they have had a good mix of successful years and years that were more of a struggle.
Like every team in the NFL, the Saints have relied on running backs over the years. Lucky for them, they have had some very good ones in their history too. Here is a look at some of the all time great New Orleans Saints running backs.
The Best For A Career
The all time leading rusher for the Saints is running back Deuce McAllister. He played for the team from 2001 to 2008 and during that time ran for 6,096 yards. That's almost 2,000 yards more than the second place player on that list, Dalton Hilliard. McAllister is also at the top of the list in rushing touchdowns scored with 49, again Hilliard is in second place, this time with 39 scores of his own. The running back with the highest average yards per carry, with 300 minimum career rushing attempts, is Pierre Thomas at 5.1. Thomas is eclipsed in this category, just not by a running back. Former quarterback Archie Manning carried the ball 357 times for 2,058 yards, an average of 5.8 yards per carry.
The Best For A Season
No New Orleans Saints running back has rushed for more yards in one season than George Rogers. In 1981, Rogers put up 1,674 yards. McAllister missed taking this spot in the team record books by just 34 yards in 2003 when he ran the ball for 1,641 yards. Three players are tied for the team record for most rushing touchdowns scored in one season at 13. George Rogers accomplished this in that same 1981 season, Dalton Hilliard equaled that mark in 1989, and then Deuce McAllister joined them at 13 in 2002. When it comes to the highest average yards per carry over the course of one season, with a minimum of 150 rushing attempts, Chuck Muncie tops the list. In 1979, Muncie carried the ball 238 times for 1,198 yards and an average of 5.0 yards per carry.
The Best For A Game
In a 28-17 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in 1983, George Rogers set the all time record for rushing yards in one game for the Saints when he put up 206 yards. In 1986, Rueben Mayes came close to taking that mark for himself when he ran for 203 yards in a 31-27 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Eight different Saints players are tied for the record for most rushing touchdowns in a game at three, but no player has done it twice. Those players are Mario Bates, Reggie Bush, Rueben Mayes, Deuce McAllister, Chuck Muncie, George Rogers, Ricky Williams, and Wayne Wilson. The single game record for highest yards per carry average in one game, with at least ten carries, is held by Tony Galbreath. In a 1976 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, Galbreath carried the ball 14 times for 146 yards or an average of 10.43 yards per carry. Two other running backs put up over ten yards per carry averages in a game for the team. Gill Fenerty carried the ball ten times for 104 yards in a 1990 win over the Rams and Hokie Gajan carried the ball 11 times for 113 yards in a loss against the New York Jets.
Superior Football Athleticism - 2 Superb Plyometrics For Your Football Performance!
By Brandon Richey
Plyometrics have to be a necessary part of your training formula for the game of football. If you are going to dish out the punishment on the field and take your game playing performance to the next level then you have got to train your body for that very purpose. Plyometrics are the way to go for conditioning your body to perform quick explosive short burst muscular contractions for some serious athletic movements. This is why I have included 2 here for you to help you to get started in the right direction.
Plyometrics For Football!
1. Squat Jumps: Squat jumps are a terrific plyometric drill that can be performed with or without the addition of an external load. This drill can be done in several different ways, but for the sake of this article I am going to discuss how you can execute the most basic form of this drill.
Start out by standing with your feet at shoulder width distance apart in length. From here you are going to perform a counter movement by swinging your arms back as you descend your hips down into a squat. This should be a quick and forceful motion to start the build up of momentum. As you reach the descent of your squat with your arms swinging back then immediately and forcefully swing your arms back forward as you forcefully and explosively extend at your hips, knees, and ankles. You should forcefully extend to drive your body as high up off of the ground as possible. When you land make sure to do so by landing with your feet from heel to toe. Each jump should be performed in continuous succession.
2. Box Jumps: Box jumps are a great plyometric drill to add as a different variation of the squat jump. The purpose of this drill is to try and generate as much vertical explosion as possible while keeping your body under complete control. Now there are many variations of this drill as well, but I just want to tell you about a basic box jump.
To start you will have to have the availability of a box varying anywhere from 12 inches to 24 inches depending on your personal level of ability and what you are capable of doing. More advanced athletes can use a higher box, whereas a novice should start out at the lowest height in order to master the jump first. Stand about a foot or so away from the box facing it. From here simply perform as squat jump (as described in drill 1 above). The only difference here though is when you elevate your body up off of the ground make sure to land squarely at the center of the box with your feet still at shoulder width distance apart in length. As you land you will also want to make sure to do so softly and with your feet heels to toe. Don't land on the balls of your feet. You will also want to squat into the landing to cushion the landing on the box. Once you have done this then simply stand up and step down to repeat the process over again.
If you haven't already started to include these hard hitting drills into your football strength and conditioning program then you are missing out. Take the time to learn more awesome performance building drills like these by accessing more of my articles on the subject for free. Remember that most any player can train hard, but only the champions train smart my friend!
Plyometrics have to be a necessary part of your training formula for the game of football. If you are going to dish out the punishment on the field and take your game playing performance to the next level then you have got to train your body for that very purpose. Plyometrics are the way to go for conditioning your body to perform quick explosive short burst muscular contractions for some serious athletic movements. This is why I have included 2 here for you to help you to get started in the right direction.
Plyometrics For Football!
1. Squat Jumps: Squat jumps are a terrific plyometric drill that can be performed with or without the addition of an external load. This drill can be done in several different ways, but for the sake of this article I am going to discuss how you can execute the most basic form of this drill.
Start out by standing with your feet at shoulder width distance apart in length. From here you are going to perform a counter movement by swinging your arms back as you descend your hips down into a squat. This should be a quick and forceful motion to start the build up of momentum. As you reach the descent of your squat with your arms swinging back then immediately and forcefully swing your arms back forward as you forcefully and explosively extend at your hips, knees, and ankles. You should forcefully extend to drive your body as high up off of the ground as possible. When you land make sure to do so by landing with your feet from heel to toe. Each jump should be performed in continuous succession.
2. Box Jumps: Box jumps are a great plyometric drill to add as a different variation of the squat jump. The purpose of this drill is to try and generate as much vertical explosion as possible while keeping your body under complete control. Now there are many variations of this drill as well, but I just want to tell you about a basic box jump.
To start you will have to have the availability of a box varying anywhere from 12 inches to 24 inches depending on your personal level of ability and what you are capable of doing. More advanced athletes can use a higher box, whereas a novice should start out at the lowest height in order to master the jump first. Stand about a foot or so away from the box facing it. From here simply perform as squat jump (as described in drill 1 above). The only difference here though is when you elevate your body up off of the ground make sure to land squarely at the center of the box with your feet still at shoulder width distance apart in length. As you land you will also want to make sure to do so softly and with your feet heels to toe. Don't land on the balls of your feet. You will also want to squat into the landing to cushion the landing on the box. Once you have done this then simply stand up and step down to repeat the process over again.
If you haven't already started to include these hard hitting drills into your football strength and conditioning program then you are missing out. Take the time to learn more awesome performance building drills like these by accessing more of my articles on the subject for free. Remember that most any player can train hard, but only the champions train smart my friend!
How a Tough Alabama Football Coach is Thriving in the Alps
By Roger Kelly
From coaching high school and college football in the toughest football region in the US to coaching the Turek Graz Giants of the Austrian American Football League, widely regarded as one of the toughest football leagues in Europe, to becoming national team coach for Austria, Rick Rhoades journey as a football coach has been colorful and filled with a consistent pattern of success. And yet, as is the case with many successful coaches, Rhoades is sincerely modest about his success.
His record at the high school, college pro levels is astonishing. To him though, any other good coach would have had the same success given the circumstances.
Rhoades is entering his fourth season as the head coach of the Graz Giants. Since arriving in Austria in 2007, he has taken his team to the Austrian Bowl (championship game) every year, winning it in 2008 and has been ranked in the top three in Europe for the past two years. In 2008, the Giants also won the EFAF Cup.
"We could not have achieved this without the building blocks put in place by the Giants club itself," says Coach Rhoades. "Our president has initiated development programs at the youngest levels, and so the Austrian football players on our team have learned the fundamentals at an early age".
He played guard at Central Missouri before discovering his passion for coaching the game. He has continued coaching ever since which is more than 40 years of experience. He coached high school football in Alabama before becoming head coach at Troy State, (NCAA II) in Alabama where the team won two national championships (1984 and 1987) and Rhoades was named National Coach of the Year.
"That was a very special team with a very special group of players who grew close over the course of the four years," he says. "We won 45 games and I think somewhere between 25 and 30 of those players went on to become coaches."
He then moved on to Southern Illinois before becoming the offensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky for three years. He was at Nicholls State ( head coach 1993-94) and Pelham H.S. (head coach 1996-2000), as well as Stephen F. Austin University (linebackers coach 1996) and spent a season in the professional XFL with the Birmingham Bulls.
He then took the job as head coach of Delta State University (2002-2006), before coming to coach in Austria, where he spent five highly successful seasons guiding the team to number three overall in the U.S. in Division II football. In fact, as a head coach or assistant Rhoades has been part of a state championship team as a high school coach, six final four teams, an SEC championship team and two national championship teams. This is an astonishing record.
Now also responsible for the Austrian national team Rick has turned his attention to winning the 2010 European Championships of American Football in July in Germany. This means he will be working on a continent-wide platform with all the pressure and media attention of an entire country. And yet, the thoughtful philosophy to coaching that he has developed through his four decades on football sidelines will continue to carry him:
"Coaching really is about the people that you share your experiences with. Although those relationships aren't always easy or smooth, they are what makes the journey worthwhile. Of course the championships and great teams are always special, but the real reward in coaching is to see players and teams grow to their potential."
These wise words certainly ring true in the case of Rick Rhoades himself. And they explain why players and coaches respond to him and manage to attain the highest level of success.
From coaching high school and college football in the toughest football region in the US to coaching the Turek Graz Giants of the Austrian American Football League, widely regarded as one of the toughest football leagues in Europe, to becoming national team coach for Austria, Rick Rhoades journey as a football coach has been colorful and filled with a consistent pattern of success. And yet, as is the case with many successful coaches, Rhoades is sincerely modest about his success.
His record at the high school, college pro levels is astonishing. To him though, any other good coach would have had the same success given the circumstances.
Rhoades is entering his fourth season as the head coach of the Graz Giants. Since arriving in Austria in 2007, he has taken his team to the Austrian Bowl (championship game) every year, winning it in 2008 and has been ranked in the top three in Europe for the past two years. In 2008, the Giants also won the EFAF Cup.
"We could not have achieved this without the building blocks put in place by the Giants club itself," says Coach Rhoades. "Our president has initiated development programs at the youngest levels, and so the Austrian football players on our team have learned the fundamentals at an early age".
He played guard at Central Missouri before discovering his passion for coaching the game. He has continued coaching ever since which is more than 40 years of experience. He coached high school football in Alabama before becoming head coach at Troy State, (NCAA II) in Alabama where the team won two national championships (1984 and 1987) and Rhoades was named National Coach of the Year.
"That was a very special team with a very special group of players who grew close over the course of the four years," he says. "We won 45 games and I think somewhere between 25 and 30 of those players went on to become coaches."
He then moved on to Southern Illinois before becoming the offensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky for three years. He was at Nicholls State ( head coach 1993-94) and Pelham H.S. (head coach 1996-2000), as well as Stephen F. Austin University (linebackers coach 1996) and spent a season in the professional XFL with the Birmingham Bulls.
He then took the job as head coach of Delta State University (2002-2006), before coming to coach in Austria, where he spent five highly successful seasons guiding the team to number three overall in the U.S. in Division II football. In fact, as a head coach or assistant Rhoades has been part of a state championship team as a high school coach, six final four teams, an SEC championship team and two national championship teams. This is an astonishing record.
Now also responsible for the Austrian national team Rick has turned his attention to winning the 2010 European Championships of American Football in July in Germany. This means he will be working on a continent-wide platform with all the pressure and media attention of an entire country. And yet, the thoughtful philosophy to coaching that he has developed through his four decades on football sidelines will continue to carry him:
"Coaching really is about the people that you share your experiences with. Although those relationships aren't always easy or smooth, they are what makes the journey worthwhile. Of course the championships and great teams are always special, but the real reward in coaching is to see players and teams grow to their potential."
These wise words certainly ring true in the case of Rick Rhoades himself. And they explain why players and coaches respond to him and manage to attain the highest level of success.
2010 Florida Football Predictions
By Jack T Jones
The Florida Gators enter the 2010 season with a completely different look to them, as they no longer have Tim Tebow running the show on offense. Tebow without a doubt will go do as one of the best college football players of all time, and now this team will have to try and find a way to win without him. The Gators only loss in 2009 came in the SEC Championship game against Alabama, as they finished the year an impressive 13-1 after beating Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl.
The Gators enter the 2010 season with just 11 starters back, and for many schools that usually means a down year, but we are talking about one of the best football programs in the country. There is no doubt with the talent this team has just waiting to get onto the football field, they are going to be competitive year in and year out. Whether they will be good enough to win the SEC this year is a different story. Here is a look at what the Gators are bringing back on both sides of the ball in 2010, plus my prediction on where they finish the season in the SEC.
Offense: All signs point to junior John Brantley taking over the vacated starting quarterback job, and don't be surprised if this kid has a great season in 2010. Brantley is not going to rush for near as many yards or score 14 rushing touchdowns, but he is very accurate and could put up better passing numbers than Tebow did in his final season.
At the skill positions the Gators welcome back junior running back Jeff Demps, who ran for 745 yards and 7 scores last season. I would not be surprised at all if Demps passed the 1,000 yard mark this season. Looking at wide receiver the Gators lose four of their top five weapons from 2009, as the only starter back is junior Deonte Thompson. They moved fellow junior Chris Rainey into the slot receiver this spring, while adding junior college transfer Carl Moore at wide out.
The offensive line will be the key, as the Gators figure to have one of the best groups up front in the entire nation. They will make life a lot easier for Brantley, who should have plenty of time to get rid of the football, and Demps should have no problem running through the holes this unit creates.
Defense: Florida returns just five starters on this side of the ball, but don't be surprised if this unit is just as good as the group they sent out in 2009. Sophomore Omar Hunter figures to be a beast in the middle of the front four, but for the d-line to really be successful they are going to need solid production out of Justin Trattou and William Green, both of whom figure to step in and start at defensive end.
At linebacker the Gators only return junior AJ Jones, but look out for some of the young talent this team has waiting to get on the field at this position. It looks as though sophomore Jonathan Bostic and red-shirt freshman Jelani Jenkins have the early edge at the two open spots.
The rest of the teams in the SEC figure to have a hard time throwing the ball against Florida in 2010, as the Gators look to have a top class secondary this season. Even though they lose CB Joe Haden and safety Major Wright, they look to have one of the best safety duos in the country with senior Ahmad Black and junior Will Hill. At corner they return one of the best in the SEC in junior Janoris Jenkins, and are expected to start a very talented freshman in Joshua Shaw at the other corner spot.
The Florida Gators enter the 2010 season with a completely different look to them, as they no longer have Tim Tebow running the show on offense. Tebow without a doubt will go do as one of the best college football players of all time, and now this team will have to try and find a way to win without him. The Gators only loss in 2009 came in the SEC Championship game against Alabama, as they finished the year an impressive 13-1 after beating Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl.
The Gators enter the 2010 season with just 11 starters back, and for many schools that usually means a down year, but we are talking about one of the best football programs in the country. There is no doubt with the talent this team has just waiting to get onto the football field, they are going to be competitive year in and year out. Whether they will be good enough to win the SEC this year is a different story. Here is a look at what the Gators are bringing back on both sides of the ball in 2010, plus my prediction on where they finish the season in the SEC.
Offense: All signs point to junior John Brantley taking over the vacated starting quarterback job, and don't be surprised if this kid has a great season in 2010. Brantley is not going to rush for near as many yards or score 14 rushing touchdowns, but he is very accurate and could put up better passing numbers than Tebow did in his final season.
At the skill positions the Gators welcome back junior running back Jeff Demps, who ran for 745 yards and 7 scores last season. I would not be surprised at all if Demps passed the 1,000 yard mark this season. Looking at wide receiver the Gators lose four of their top five weapons from 2009, as the only starter back is junior Deonte Thompson. They moved fellow junior Chris Rainey into the slot receiver this spring, while adding junior college transfer Carl Moore at wide out.
The offensive line will be the key, as the Gators figure to have one of the best groups up front in the entire nation. They will make life a lot easier for Brantley, who should have plenty of time to get rid of the football, and Demps should have no problem running through the holes this unit creates.
Defense: Florida returns just five starters on this side of the ball, but don't be surprised if this unit is just as good as the group they sent out in 2009. Sophomore Omar Hunter figures to be a beast in the middle of the front four, but for the d-line to really be successful they are going to need solid production out of Justin Trattou and William Green, both of whom figure to step in and start at defensive end.
At linebacker the Gators only return junior AJ Jones, but look out for some of the young talent this team has waiting to get on the field at this position. It looks as though sophomore Jonathan Bostic and red-shirt freshman Jelani Jenkins have the early edge at the two open spots.
The rest of the teams in the SEC figure to have a hard time throwing the ball against Florida in 2010, as the Gators look to have a top class secondary this season. Even though they lose CB Joe Haden and safety Major Wright, they look to have one of the best safety duos in the country with senior Ahmad Black and junior Will Hill. At corner they return one of the best in the SEC in junior Janoris Jenkins, and are expected to start a very talented freshman in Joshua Shaw at the other corner spot.
2010 College Football Predictions - Tennessee
By James Boyd
The Tennessee Volunteers finished the 2009 season 7-6. They weren't able to cap off their campaign with a victory over Virginia Tech in the bowl season, but it was still a nice year considering 2008 ended without a bowl game. It is also encouraging that three of Tennessee's losses came by four of fewer points. In fact, Tennessee played national champion Alabama as tough as anyone all season. All in all, Lane Kiffin's first season at Tennessee was a success in my book. But Kiffin has now left for USC, and the program has been put in the hands of Derek Dooley. Dooley is a good hire, but his first season on the job could be a very trying one. The Volunteers open the 2010 season by playing the likes of Oregon, Florida, LSU, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina in six of their first eight games. If the Vols can't find a way to win any of those contests, getting back to a bowl game could be a very difficult task.
Offense: Tennessee's offense was better than expected in 2009 when it averaged 29.3 points. The Vols were able to do most of their damage through the air. They ranked No. 3 in the SEC with 226.3 passing yards per game. Unfortunately, the offense could take a step back this season. Junior college transfer Matt Simms is the early favorite to land the starting job, and he certainly has the pedigree. He is the son of Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms. However, the horse with the best pedigree doesn't always win the race. Simms is very much unproven, and he will be working behind an offensive line that only returns one player with starting experience in league play. The good news for Simms is that he has a talented stable of receivers to work with. Wide receivers Gerald Jones and Denarius Moore have big play ability, and Luke Stocker is heralded as one of the best tight ends in the country. The Vols are also excited about incoming freshman Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter. The running game doesn't inspire much confidence either when you consider that neither Tauren Poole or David Oku have broken the century mark for a season.
Defense: Tennessee really struggled to stop the run last season. It ranked No. 8 in the SEC in run defense, giving up 149.5 rushing yards per game. The defensive line is small outside Montori Hughes, and that means that run defense could be an issue again. Plus, the Vols are really going to miss All-American safety Eric Berry. The guy was a hard-hitting, lock down defender, who could fill quickly against the run. The Vols have a talented performer in Janzen Jackson ready to step in, but he's no Berry yet. Up front, the guy to watch is defensive end Chris Walker. He recorded six sacks and picked off two passes last season. He is the Vols' top returning performer in both of those categories.
Prediction - 4th SEC East - It can be done, but it will be very difficult for Dooley to get the Vols to a bowl game considering how inexperienced this team is and how tough the schedule is. The defense has enough talent to remain a solid unit, but right now the offense looks like it will need time to jell. And time isn't exactly on Tennessee's side with all the tough games in September and October.
The Tennessee Volunteers finished the 2009 season 7-6. They weren't able to cap off their campaign with a victory over Virginia Tech in the bowl season, but it was still a nice year considering 2008 ended without a bowl game. It is also encouraging that three of Tennessee's losses came by four of fewer points. In fact, Tennessee played national champion Alabama as tough as anyone all season. All in all, Lane Kiffin's first season at Tennessee was a success in my book. But Kiffin has now left for USC, and the program has been put in the hands of Derek Dooley. Dooley is a good hire, but his first season on the job could be a very trying one. The Volunteers open the 2010 season by playing the likes of Oregon, Florida, LSU, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina in six of their first eight games. If the Vols can't find a way to win any of those contests, getting back to a bowl game could be a very difficult task.
Offense: Tennessee's offense was better than expected in 2009 when it averaged 29.3 points. The Vols were able to do most of their damage through the air. They ranked No. 3 in the SEC with 226.3 passing yards per game. Unfortunately, the offense could take a step back this season. Junior college transfer Matt Simms is the early favorite to land the starting job, and he certainly has the pedigree. He is the son of Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms. However, the horse with the best pedigree doesn't always win the race. Simms is very much unproven, and he will be working behind an offensive line that only returns one player with starting experience in league play. The good news for Simms is that he has a talented stable of receivers to work with. Wide receivers Gerald Jones and Denarius Moore have big play ability, and Luke Stocker is heralded as one of the best tight ends in the country. The Vols are also excited about incoming freshman Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter. The running game doesn't inspire much confidence either when you consider that neither Tauren Poole or David Oku have broken the century mark for a season.
Defense: Tennessee really struggled to stop the run last season. It ranked No. 8 in the SEC in run defense, giving up 149.5 rushing yards per game. The defensive line is small outside Montori Hughes, and that means that run defense could be an issue again. Plus, the Vols are really going to miss All-American safety Eric Berry. The guy was a hard-hitting, lock down defender, who could fill quickly against the run. The Vols have a talented performer in Janzen Jackson ready to step in, but he's no Berry yet. Up front, the guy to watch is defensive end Chris Walker. He recorded six sacks and picked off two passes last season. He is the Vols' top returning performer in both of those categories.
Prediction - 4th SEC East - It can be done, but it will be very difficult for Dooley to get the Vols to a bowl game considering how inexperienced this team is and how tough the schedule is. The defense has enough talent to remain a solid unit, but right now the offense looks like it will need time to jell. And time isn't exactly on Tennessee's side with all the tough games in September and October.
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