[GRIZZ]

I'll tell you why some of these kids will not sign with Cumberland or Georgetown is because they have been made to feel or in their own minds they feel that that is an inferior level of play. Eastern Kentuckians have this big fantasy that anyone that excels in this area is automaticly D1 caliber. What many fail to realize is that more than likely in reality they may not even be good enough to play at the NAIA level. There are some absolute beasts and studs that play at that level and most of the people that claim that this player or that player is D1 caliber dont even understand what NAIA caliber is, let alone D1.

Not only was Ryan Brown an exceptional football player he was also a very good student whom was hovering around 30 on his ACT score and was educated at one of the better high schools in the state of Kentucky and now has to work his tail off in the classroom while in college to see the light of day. What most fail to understand , is how much time is demanded out of a college student /athlete. Some of the players being mentioned as having quote "D1" talent better understand that unless they get things in the classroom taken care of first, then you can forget about ever seeing the field at any level. You better be just as dedicated to the books as you are to the weight room.

Yes, when you get to college you are required to know how to do a little more than just be able to sign your name. Unfortunately some of the players being made mention of in this thread as having great college futures struggle in that aspect . Say "hi" to some of them next year as you drive through McDonalds on saturday afternoons.

Great post Mr. Kimball. Like you said, there is so much more to being a college athlete than being able to catch TD's, make tackles, or make pancake blocks. It is MUCH more demanding than high school on the field and in the classroom. In college you are always told you need to study at least one hour for every hour you are taking a week to keep up. Then you mix in 5:30 am workouts, 7 am film study, 3 hours of practice, several hours of doing homework, not counting attending your classes. High school kids don't realize coming out the adjustment and the amount of discipline you must have towards all aspects of the college life. In college you don't have mommy and daddy staying on your back to tell you to do your work, no days off because its game day, professors don't care if you are a stud athlete, you get the grade you deserve. It takes a special breed to succeed at the next level.