[KnoxvillesFinest]

I love you Knoxville’s Finest…in a bro-code kinda way!!!

But I’m curious how to do it; the honest way!!

in the honest world where kids play where they should be playing…

find a coach who can recruit the hallways. I don’t care if it’s a senior that’s never played, get him out there. Chances are he won’t have the strength or be in shape enough but sometimes natural talent takes over, especially for smaller schools. Get as many kids possible in that locker room.

second, feeder programs. You cannot be a successful program year after year if your players haven’t been playing together before they get to high school. Even middle school usually isn’t enough. Get them on the same page. Get your basic playbooks into the hands of those elementary coaches. By 5th grade kids should know how to run trap plays, etc. 

third, infrastructure. You have to have the resources. Those weight rooms and conditioning programs have to be too notch. Get someone hired that knows nutrition. Who knows actual speed and strength training. Someone who has a degree in it. Not your oline coach who never went to college and diet plan consists of a nightly six pack. Set the example and be the example.

and last… And this is the most important. don’t be a dick. Kids today aren’t the same as kids 20 years ago. The world has changed. I’m not going to argue if it’s for better or worse but all I do know is these kids do not have the same type or interest and ways of thinking we did 25 years ago. Water breaks are no longer something that’s earned. That old school mentality will win you games. But you’ll find yourself falling behind the times. These kids want to see themselves on highlight tapes. Their parent want them to go to a school where their coach will get them recruited and scholarships. All of this is something that wasn’t really well thought out for a lot of coaches back then. It’s a must now to build a culture where kids want to play for you.