That is a lot of Videos
September 2nd, 2008 - byWith Football season kicking off recruits are starting to send tapes to colleges all over the country knowing that decisions on scholarships are offered at a sometimes blinding pace. Many athletes are depending on their high school coach to assist with the process. At Fleming Island, one of the top athletic high schools in Florida, Coach Neal Chipoletti is working overtime to make sure his players get the recognition they deserve. Gatorcountry.com details Coach Chipoletti’s efforts in assisting 2010 Florida commit Ian Silberbman:
“We sent out Ian’s highlight tape to over 100 schools across the country,” Fleming 
Island coach Neal Chipoletti said. “If a kid demonstrates the interest in playing college football, we will do everything we can to help them out.”
Fleming Island offensive line coach Damenyum Springs has known all along that he has a big time player on his hands. He knew it wouldn’t be long until the rest of the country discovered what he already knew.
“A lot of people didn’t know or hadn’t seen him,” Springs said of Silberman, whose first season as a starter was last season as a sophomore. “His highlight film was nice and people said ‘wow, how did we miss this kid?’ Then everyone jumped [to try and recruit him].”
Chipoletti said he bought $1,500 worth of DVDs, in order to make highlight tapes for his players and also has invested heavily into audio-visual equipment to help make the process go smooth.
Things have paid off quickly for Fleming Island, which has sent 30 players to college in only five seasons of fielding a varsity football team.
Overall, it takes a total commitment from everyone involved at the program to help kids make it to the next level.
“My principal and athletic director have been very supportive of everything we’ve done,” Chipoletti said. “They’ve allowed me to bring in talented coaches … the coaches who coach for me are professionals and do a great job with the kids.”
What parent and recruits all over the country need to realize is that the effort by Coach Chipoletti is far from the norm. Even with all of his extra work several issues need to be considered. There is a tremendous cost involved with sending so many DVD’s around the country. For athletes that aren’t targeting D1 schools, 100 schools may not be enough. Also, many athletes are asked by coaches to send in updates as the season progresses or early next season. If this is the case the tremendous cost and effort in sending out so many DVD’s will have to be repeated. Can you count on your high school coach for that much help?
The reality is that you can’t. Coaches are paid to coach, not to find athletes a place to play in college. That is why thousands of athletes are turning to NCSA’s verified scouting reports. They allow athletes to quickly send updated information and video to coaches around the country efficiently. Too many athletes wait too long waiting for help that never arrives. I suggest that you get moving today.
