Camps, Combines: Who Can You Trust?

You saw it last summer – and into the fall. During the height of the pandemic, individuals and groups hosting events during some rather iffy times. It is one of the hot button topics in the world of recruiting – and while it used to be a formality – more and more people are in this to make money – and make money only! <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-93841" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/01/OntheSideline-Logo-2-300x188.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="188" />“Who do you trust,” said <strong>Eileen Castro</strong> of Tampa. “There are all these people who we never heard of who are coming in this area with all these ‘get you better’ events and they cost some decent money without any positive credentials.” Castro’s concern is certainly valid – and after covering high school football for a half century and being on the ground floor of camps, combines and 7-on-7 events throughout the country, you can fully comprehend what many are faced with. There is good and bad in everything. So, when it comes to hosting camps and combines that are designed to get you better, there is the other side of that coin where more want a slice of the pie, promising things that are not totally true. Remember this. If anyone tells you that they can get you a scholarship, you better run in the other direction as fast as possible. It is a lie and will NEVER be true. The athlete is the only one who can achieve that yearly college scholarship. Secondly, when these groups ride into town with former NFL and collegiate stars taking part – or being prominent on the flyer or advertisement, do not for a minute take that as it’s automatically beneficial. What these events are for – and do not believe anything else – is for exposure. These “adults” can tell you all the college coaches they deal with and talk to – and they probably do, but again, college coaches will be the ones to make the final determination on an athlete. Not some 40-year-old man who used to play the sport. While word of mouth and positive reputation will always help in the process, the end result are grades, talent and skill. Do not get us wrong. There are many beneficial events and coaches who have been known to elevate status, talent and exposure. There are many of those, who have been in business for years – teaching and developing, and unfortunately are lumped in with those who are in this for the “money grab” and not so much in the best interest of the athlete. <strong>WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK</strong> When a camp, clinic or combine states all the colleges and coaches they send the results of their events to, simply tell them you would like a list of the schools and coaches that the information is sent to so you can follow up. Certainly, if you do these events all over, there is NO WAY you can give everyone who attends individual attention. It is impossible to fulfill that promise. Another key is many events that are held promise that national fan websites will be on hand along with recruiting services, which is fine. But understand if you are NOT on the radar, these services are not going to focus on you – or even mention you. There are, however, some events who will not only write and list EVERYONE who attends, but will end up doing features, spotlights and getting the film out college coaches. Do your homework! Florida has become the epicenter for these year-round events – because of the weather, talent and the fact that parents are sucked in to about everything at any price – just to keep up with friends and teammates. “I would like to shake these parents sometimes when I see them plunk down this crazy money because they were told that it would give their more exposure,” <strong>Kasey Sparks</strong> of Melbourne said. “I have had three sons go through the football process, and one is playing in college. There is nothing wrong with trying to get better and challenge yourself, but when many things you are sold on that are a mirage, you have to be smart and do your research.” Sparks hit it right on target. Do your research. If there is an event flyer that you have – or your kids tell you about something – do your homework. Talk to others who have gone through it in the past and see what they say.” Never has the buyer had to be so aware than now – during times when things are not the easiest – on anyone. <strong><em>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <a href="mailto:Foridakids1@aol.com">Foridakids1@aol.com</a>. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</em></strong>