The Recruiting Wire 4.21
April 21st, 2008 - byA new rule change in football recruiting is making waves in the coaching world. The Orlando Sentinel examined the so called Saban Rule, prohibiting head coaches from recruiting off campus from April 15th until May 31st. The article speaks to the importance coach’s place in evaluating a player’s character.
The rule revolves around the SEC — league representatives proposed it, and many around the country feel it targets the conference’s most zealous recruiters. In some circles, the legislation has acquired a catchy nickname — “The Saban Rule.” And its namesake isn’t real pleased about losing his time on the road.
In a teleconference Thursday, Alabama Coach Nick Saban called the new rule “ridiculous.” He said he always tries to judge an incoming player’s character himself, knowing his bosses and fan base will hold him responsible if a player fails off the field. Now he’s lost half his time each year to get close to his future players.
“We will be held accountable in the long term,” he said on the call, “relative to decisions we make on character and all those factors.”
The change comes from concern over coaches violating an established rule that prohibits them from speaking with recruits on spring visits. Players from all grades figure to seek out major college coaches when they roll through, even to say hello or receive a handshake.
Saban said he also benefited from chatting with teachers and guidance counselors; Florida’s Urban Meyer has said he tries to find a female faculty member who can discuss how a potential Gator treats women.
But those springtime opportunities are gone, delegated now to assistants, who remain on the road.
No doubt, though, the relationships between big-time prospects and big-time coaches will be much weaker. And that hurts everybody involved.
The importance of character in recruiting has always been a mainstay of NCSA’s recruiting education. Recruits need to display great character in their communites and do the right things to seperate themselves from the rest of the field.
