SPRING PROSPECTIVE: 2015 QB Henry Houden

[MADISON] - For those wondering who's a quarterback prospect slipping through the cracks in the class of 2015, we have one: his name is Henry Houden and he attends Memorial High School in Madison, WI.  While waiting for his turn to take over full-time quarterback duties, Houden showcased his ability to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball at safety.  Now, the six-foot-four, 185-pound signal caller has put in the necessary preparation to showcase he is ready for the spotlight at quarterback.  He has great feet, athleticism, throws an accurate ball, and is sound mechanically with his load and release of the football.  He's a versatile multi-sport athlete with a 4.0 GPA and a 29 on his first time taking the ACT.  

The old adage goes the best athlete plays quarterback.   When you combine that with size, intelligence, and drive you have the recipe of developing a special quarterback.

"I started playing quarterback in the sixth grade," commented Houden.  "I was the best athlete on the team and could throw the best ball so that is where I started.  In my three-year middle school career, our team went 20-4.  My proudest moment was in the 8th grade when my coach gave me the freedom to call audibles at the line of scrimmage.  We had an audible to run a fade route and I remember the first audible I called was to the fade route and we scored a touchdown."

Houden then transitioned to high school where he continued playing quarterback on the freshman team and by the end of his freshman year on the junior varsity team.  He also mixed in time at safety before taking over quarterback responsibilities for the junior varsity team his 10th grade year.

Heading into this junior season, it became apparent he would fall in line with previous Memorial quarterbacks who had to wait until their senior seasons to resume quarterback duties.

"The guy in front of me was a back-up his junior year and was the coach's son," Houden continued.

"I didn't want to just sit on the sideline without being able to help the team all season so I gave defense a shot and worked to become the starting safety.  By week four, against Madison West, we had a 28-21 lead with four minutes left in the 4th quarter and I made an interception to close the game.  In week five against Verona, I recorded 16 tackles.  Throughout the season, I recorded the most tackles in the conference (67), two interceptions, one caused fumble, and one fumble recovery."

"In the three series I played quarterback, I completed all seven of my passes averaging 9.6 yards per attempt.  I rushed six times for 23 yards and two touchdowns.  I also caught one pass for 20 yards in our playoff game."

His play proved he can pursue the safety position, but his sights are squarely set on playing quarterback and his experience on the defensive side of the ball strengthened his opportunity to play quarterback this coming fall.

"I have a much better understanding of how a defensive back is playing with leverage and how to better read their hips.  I have a much better understanding of how to attack zone defense. Quarterback is the position I plan to play in the college.  It is important to me because it's a position that requires you to be a leader for your team." 

Also a starting guard on his varsity basketball team -- one of the state's best teams – Houden’s excellence in athletics is matched with his success academically.  Gearing up to take 4 AP courses next year as a senior, Houden has already opened doors to many of the country's top ranked academic universities.

"I take my academics very seriously because I believe it shows determination," said Houden.  "In whatever I set out to do, I want to make sure that I am doing it at my best.   I will take the ACT again and I expect to score higher."

Thus far, he has received serious college interest from Harvard, Yale, Penn, North Dakota State, and Southern Illinois among others.   He plans to attend camps at Princeton, Penn, Yale, and Harvard in late June plus the New England Elite Football Clinic in early July.   He will camp at Wisconsin and Northwestern, too, and is also considering attending camp at North Dakota State and possibly elsewhere.

"I am looking for a big campus surrounded with a big city," said Houden.  "I want to know the school values education more than they do sports and the coaches are committed to their players’ development and winning championships.  I want to be a part of a program that cares about its people and team."

As he prepares for his summer camp appearances and his senior season, Houden continues to receive instruction from quarterback coach Joe Dickinson, the lead instructor for DeBartolo QB Academy.

"Joe's great and I trust everything that he relays on to me," expressed Houden.  "I know if I am not happy with a throw I made I can trace it to the ball coming off my middle finger or slipping off my thumb.   He is very straightforward with me, and has shown me what I need to do to elevate my game to the level of where I want to play.   I can already see from the end of last season I have made great improvements with my arm strength, foot speed, accuracy, and overall knowledge of the game."

The Journey of 2014 DE Lloyd Campbell III

[EXETER] -  Our staff takes great pride identifying student-athletes whom excel in the classroom and showcase a ceiling for development into a productive college football player.  Two years ago, we were introduced to defensive end Lloyd Campbell III of Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire.  At that time he caught the attention of current Arizona Cardinals defensive line coach Tom Pratt during an off-season camp.  It was evident Lloyd's skill was raw and he needed physical development, but his coach-ability, work ethic, and relentless motor proved in the right structure he would be blossom into a productive every down player.   Lloyd's own focus on academics and electing not to join a postgraduate football program in New England may have prevented him from reaching his ideal level of success on the football field; but never the less; his success academically opened doors to allow him to reach his goal of playing college football.

GAINRecruiting.com share the journey of Lloyd Campbell III in his own words culminating his signed letter of intent with Williams College.

THE BEGINNING

"I started playing football when I made the move to Fessenden School to attend 8th and 9th grade.  Before that move, I always played goalie in soccer and had fun with the relentless freedom the position afforded to play with contact.  It made me realize I enjoyed hitting people when the opportunities presented themselves. So, I started out playing offensive tackle and defensive tackle when I joined the football team, but I struggled my first year with asthma and the fact I was out of shape.  It was a wake-up call that I need to improve my conditioning."

TURNING POINT

"I would say the turning point came for me going into my freshman year when I attended a five-day Offense/Defense camp.   I picked up techniques and really improved my physicality.   It led to a much improved freshman year when I won the Best OL award at Fessenden."

PREP SCHOOL

"Once I finished 9th grade at Fessenden, I transitioned to Phillips Exeter Academy to finish high school.   I had applied to seven prep schools and was proud to be accepted by each.   My final choices were Exeter, Andover, and St. Paul.  I looked for the best combination of football, a math program, and a good Japanese program.  I found Exeter to be the best fit for me.   It's been a great place for me to gain independence from my home and has given me an advantage in my preparation for college.  I have taken several college level courses, am nearly fluent in Japanese, and am finishing my last year of school learning Arabic."

GRADES 10-12

"Even though I grew up with my sights on playing running back, it became evident my skill set was better served elsewhere.  I ended up continuing to play on the offensive line and continued playing on the defensive line during my sophomore season with the junior varsity team.  I gained a lot of valuable experience in practice against the varsity team and going up daily against the postgraduates that were on the team.   It helped prepare me to make the move to varsity my junior season."

"During my junior season, I finally got an opportunity to join the backfield as I was moved to fullback.   I was happy with the move because as a 6'0, 220-pound guy I knew I didn't have much of a future as an offensive lineman.  I continued my progression at defensive end and received action in every game at both spots.   We won our prep school conference championship."

"Going into my senior year, I was invited to participate in the Under Armour All-American Combine.  Following my performance there and the work I put in during the off-season, I expected to be an every down player.  Instead, our coaches brought in two postgraduates at defensive end and one postgraduate at fullback so I was not able to be an every down player.  I continued to make the most of the opportunities I received and contributed on both sides of the ball, as well, as on special teams.  Even though I was not able to receive full-time reps, I was satisfied with my development.  My first step was quicker, I was stronger, and I learned how to effectively engage my hips at the point of attack."

 WILLIAMS COLLEGE

"My recruiting process was long and it was a hard decision.  In the end, after making several college visits I trimmed my list to Williams, Rose-Hulman, Middlebury, and Carleton.   I developed a very strong relationship with head coach Aaron Kelton at Williams and he personally recruited me.   When I visited campus, the people were welcoming and generous.  I was very impressed with how unified the football team was with the student body and there were a bunch of great guys on the football team.  Coach Kelton told me he plans to play me at defensive end and that my main responsibilty is to rush the passer.   I felt Williams was the place that I could make the best of every opportunity that is in front of me academically and athletically."

TRACK & FIELD

"During high school, I always competed in track & field.   I ran the 100 and threw the shot put.  I focused more of my attention on throwing but used sprinting to help me develop my explosiveness and overall conditioning.   This spring, I won the New England Prep School Track Association shot put with a personal best throw of 51'1.5'.   I am going to consult with my coaches at Williams and if available, am going to try and continue throwing shot put in college."

CLOSING

"I want everyone at Williams to know they're getting a guy who's going to give it his all.  I am going to bring excitement and make big plays.  I don't report until the last week of August but until then I will be hard at work developing my game.  Overall, I feel Williams gives me the best opportunity to develop as a world citizen and to help make the world a better place."

The Journey of 2014 QB Vincent Testaverde Jr.

[TAMPA]  -  When you follow college football recruiting at the quarterback position, you are living in the fast lane.   The recruiting time clock has sped up hours; if not; days upon weeks upon a year with how quarterbacks are evaluated at the FBS and FCS levels. Few college football programs enter the start of their season without a quarterback committed.

Still, good quarterbacks can be discovered during their senior season of high school football and some are only beginning their development.   That holds true with Tampa Jesuit quarterback Vincent Testaverde, Jr.; a name well recognized by the people of Tampa Bay; and a quarterback who has just gotten his start.  Following his senior season, Testaverde had the opportunity to follow his father's footsteps playing postgraduate football at the prep level.  Instead, he discovered an opportunity many would ask for when accepting a preferred walk-on to join Kliff Kingsbury and the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

GAINRecruiting.com shares the journey of Vincent Testaverde Jr. in his own words...

THE BEGINNING

"I was born in Tampa and moved to Long Island around the age of 5 or 6.   It was when I was either 7 or 8 that I went to one of my dad's games with the Jets and was allowed to go down on the field after the game that it all sunk in.  I was able to take everything in and it successfully clicked for me that football was a big part of my family's life.  I moved back to Tampa Bay in the sixth grade and my dad had always told me he was fine with what sports I played as long as I was happy.  For the longest time, my love was basketball and that was the sport I focused on.  I played shooting guard.  I was a good player but going into my sophomore year at Tampa Jesuit I started having thoughts about playing quarterback.  Even during my time only playing basketball, I would go out and shoot hoops with my dad and then spend time throwing the football with him in the yard.   During the spring of my sophomore year, I talked with my dad, and decided to switch it up and start my development on playing quarterback."

THE FIRST SPRING

"I joined the team for spring practice and learning everything as I went.   I had a lot to learn and a lot of room to grow but I was catching up fairly quick and keeping up with my teammates learning and grasping the playbook.  There were two seniors ahead of me on the depth chart so I had to make the most of limited reps.  It was a great learning period and allowed me to go to work and earn my teammates trust to become part of the team."

JUNIOR SEASON

"The coach asked me if I wanted to start junior varsity games but I did not want to be the only junior on the field.   So I worked my hardest to make sure I was prepared if I received an opportunity to start on varsity.   Through the first five games, I did not receive one snap.   I kept picking up the offense and working on my fundamentals in practice then in the sixth game of the season they put me in to execute a couple of hand-offs. The two games after I received playing time and threw about 10 passes per game."

"The following game against Lakewood, they inserted me as a starter.   I went 4 for 10 and threw for around 115 yards.   We had an opportunity to kick a field goal late in the 4th quarter to tie the game but it was blocked.   I only made one pass attempt in the red zone during that series and it made me appreciate having the ball in my hands in those situations moving forward.   During the game, I completed a pass up the seam for over 30 yards that was extended to 50 yards with yards after the catch.   That gave me the confidence I could play the position and stand in the pocket and make the necessary throws down field."

"I started the final two games of the season, and we won both games.  The final game of the season was against our rival Tampa Catholic.  I threw a touchdown pass and we won 17-3.  It gave me confidence going into the off-season that I had an opportunity to go out and play well as a senior."

SPRING 2013

"I was a completely different player coming back for my second spring.  I knew so much more, understood the game so much better, and I felt a part of the team.  I had much more comfort leading the team in practice and putting my guys in the best position at line of scrimmage.   I went into the spring knowing I had an opportunity to throw in front of college coaches but I never established any relationships to identify which schools actually evaluated me so I did not have much recruiting activity going on.  I kept my confidence level up because I knew I had my senior year in front of me to prove myself and kept putting in the work to find a way to get a little bit better each day."

SENIOR SEASON

"We had a strong season and finished 8-4.  I threw for 1,015 yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions.  I unfortunately suffered an appendectomy and missed the last regular season game and our first round state playoff game.  We were losing to Lake Wales in the second round game so I came in to take over quarterback duties in the second half, but I was still recovering and my stomach was not fully healed.  I did not make much of a difference.  Overall, though, I am proud of the progression I made my first year playing during my junior season through my senior season."

"I am much better prepared to make pre-snap reads and identify the "Mike" in any defense I am facing.  I have really developed my game to throw with timing and rhythm and anticipation.   My dad always told me to never rush throwing the football, get my shoulders square, and throw towards my target.  I play with eyes up field and with my feet and I am capable of making any throw down field.   A lot of FCS, Division II, and Division III schools showed interest when my film was sent out after the season but I was set on giving myself an opportunity to compete with a BCS school if I was not going to go the prep route.  I ended up having walk-on opportunities at Florida, USF, and FAU but I fell in love with Texas Tech and knew that is where I wanted to go."

TEXAS TECH VS PREP SCHOOL

"One of the reasons I never worried too much about my college recruitment was I always planned to play a postgraduate year since that is the route my dad went with Fork Union Military Academy back when he graduated from high school.   I don't turn 18 until after I graduate high school.  We had discussions with a couple of the elite post-graduate only programs in the northeast and I was leaning that direction."

"But my first trip to West Texas and visiting a place they said was a big campus in a small town convinced me that was the route I wanted to go.  I could tell as soon as I arrived and was greeted by the people of the town.   The university is surrounded with great people, and it starts with Coach Kingsbury.  He has a young, hard-working staff that does a great job relating with their players and providing energy and enthusiasm.  They have a young depth chart at quarterback and I will be coming in with an equal opportunity with guys in my same class to earn a spot on the depth chart.   Coach Kingsbury works directly with his quarterbacks.   It's a great opportunity to have him lead our position meetings and on-field work."

CLOSING

"I am excited for the progress I have made in my first year and a half of playing the quarterback position and I am even more excited for the progress and development I will make at Texas Tech.  I have put on 20 pounds of muscle since the end of last season and I want Red Raider fans to know that I am going to come in and give it my all.  They will receive my hardest work every day and I will continue to push myself and those around me to help us achieve our team goals.   I have not yet decided my area of study but I report to campus in the beginning of June and can't wait to get started."

SPRING PROSPECTIVE: 2015 OL Quentin Hall

[BOSTON] -  For every story of a path less traveled comes a story of a path well traveled; and in the case of Quentin Hall; the offensive lineman has taken the path that best serves his own development.  A four-year starter at Thayer Academy, Hall is set to graduate this spring.  Following graduation, he will enroll at Milford Academy (NY) in the fall as a postgraduate to better prepare for opportunities that await at the next level.  Frustrated with his own college recruitment, Hall's approach was to locate the opportunity he needed to prove himself.  Milford Academy is considered among the elite postgraduate football programs in the country, and after receiving an opportunity from head coach Bill Chaplick to join the team, Hall knew he had one last opportunity to prove all naysayers wrong.

THE BEGINNING

"I haven been playing football and playing along the offensive line since I was 7-years-old.   It's been the game I love ever since I started playing, and all the way up to high school I was always the biggest guy on the field.   That changed my freshman year at Thayer Academy when they started me on varsity and I found myself going up against Max Ricci at Lawrence Academy, who now plays at Boston College.  He basically picked me up and threw me to the ground.   He gave me a good reminder from that point forward I will no longer always be the biggest guy on the field."

THAYER ACADEMY

"I was a three-sport athlete also competing in basketball and baseball, and in football I was a four-year starter.   I started at right tackle my freshman year, and then started at left tackle my final three years.   I really bought and fit into the system my first three years and that allowed me the good fortune of being a team captain my senior year.   It was a rewarding experience taking on a leadership role and bringing my teammates together.  We lost a lot of games during my senior season and it forced me to take my work ethic up another level with how I worked in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the field.  I did my best to lead by example and hope it pays dividends for next year's team and beyond.   I am eager to bring my experiences with me and assume a leadership role at Milford Academy and in college."

SELF-EVALUATION

"After going back and watching film of myself after the season ended, I saw that I need to finish plays stronger and dominate more consistently at the point of attack.  I went against a lot of smaller guys in high school and to the naked eye it often would look like a good block but I know I need to advance my technique to be more successful at Milford Academy and in college.  I have really focused on my explosion getting off the ball and drive blocking using my lower body in the running game."

COLLEGE RECRUITMENT

"I would label my recruitment over the last year as a roller coaster.  I received a lot of positive encouragement and indication from various FBS and FCS programs that I was in heavy discussion to receive a scholarship, but too often I was let down when it came to extending an official offer.  Through last fall, I received interest from programs such as: New Hampshire, Maine, Coastal Carolina, Richmond, and Fordham along with FBS schools like UConn and UMass.  A few weeks ago, I attended the spring game at Boston College and was fortunate to spend quality time with Coach (Steve) Lempa; my area recruiter; and Coach (Justin) Frye; the offensive line coach.  They informed me they were aware of me while I was at Thayer but they filled up on offensive line scholarships before they could review my senior film.  They are interested in getting me to a one-day camp this summer and would like to see my first three games at Milford.   This summer, I am doing my best to plan trips to Iowa, Wisconsin, Virginia, North Carolina, and Duke.  I also will be playing the Massachuetts Shriners All-Star Football Classic from June 7th to June 21st."

MILFORD ACADEMY

"When I drove up to the school with my dad the first thing we saw outside the office buildings were two football fields.  I could tell right then with the history and tradition of the program that I knew it was the place I wanted to be.   The biggest reason I wanted the opportunity at Milford is the competition.  We are going to play a college level schedule and I could not ask for a better opportunity to physically and mentally prepare myself for the next level.  The coaching staff told me practice will be even tougher than the games and that excites me too to know the level of talent I will team with and go up against in practice every day.  It's the perfect environment for me to play football this fall."

CLOSING

"I am stronger this spring than I have ever been and have really developed my upper and lower body.  I am currently six-foot-five, 305-pounds and have been told by the Milford coaches they plan to start me at left guard.   I know what I have to do to take my game to the next level and know the competition I will face every day and in every game will prove how far I have advanced my game."

SPRING PROSPECTIVE: 2015 WR Jordan Allen

[BOSTON] - Class of 2015 wide receiver Jordan Allen was the first 2015 prospect listed on GAIN Sports in late January.   It was good fortune for us because we knew Jordan embodied much of what we looked for in our student-athletes.   First, he is a good student.   Second, he had a recruiting disadvantage in that injuries impacted his freshman and sophomore seasons so Jordan really emerged after his junior season and we evaluated that on film.   He has not reached his ceiling and it is easy to see his best football is ahead of him.  Lastly, once you get to know him he is a well-spoken and personable young man.

For his great fortune, Jordan was ahead in his start to college football recruiting due to great guidance from his father Jeffery and mother Angela.  All of their work led to Jordan's first scholarship offer this past weekend from Boston College.   That was a lifetime achievement for the six-foot-two, 190-lb pound wide receiver with untapped skills and a six-foot-six wingspan.

"I'm extremely appreciative of Boston College extending my first scholarship offer," Allen commented.  "Their my hometown school and ten minutes away from my home.  It's close to my family and I am a good fit for their scheme and style of wide receiver play.  From the top with Coach (Steve) Addazio to Coach (Todd) Fitch my position coach to Coach (Kevin) Lempa my area recruiter, they are all doing a great job representing Boston College."

"Still, I know that Boston College is the only college I know intimately right now.   I have received interest from a lot of other schools, and know it is only fair to myself to learn about each school and program so that I ultimately can make the best decision for myself and my family."

Allen hopes to have a decision made before his senior season.  A season he is working hard to make his best season yet.

"That has been my biggest focus since last season ended," continued Allen. "I am keeping my options open and working hard to play my best and help our team play our best this fall.  I had injuries that impacted my freshman and sophomore seasons and my junior season was my first that I was able to put a full season together.  I'm proud of how I played and I am focused on getting better every day."

Through 8 games last season, Allen recorded 22 receptions for 350 yards and two touchdowns averaging 15.46 yards per catch.   When asked his best attributes as a wide receiver, Allen followed up with...

"I have a large radius and I have great ability to track balls in the air and know where to meet it.  I played outfield in baseball for 6 to 7 years and believe it greatly helped me with that skill.   I'm able to get low in and out of breaks and am continuing to work and get better at the craft of running routes and running full speed with deception."

"I also know that I have a lot to learn because I have not played for a former receiver.   I take pride in my coach-ability and know I have a lot to be coached up on.  I look forward to that opportunity."

His recruitment has officially started with the hometown Golden Eagles scholarship offer and that dates back to Jordan's first summer college football camp at BC last summer.

"I was coming off a torn labrum at the end of my sophomore season and due to continued rehab scheduled Boston College as the only football camp I would attend," Allen shared.

"I think I jumped out to the BC coaches when they saw me run my forty-yard dash.  I was sluggish coming off my injury, and didn't have the start I wanted but when they saw my top end speed from 15 yards to 40 yards they selected me as part of a small group of receivers they worked extra to evaluate.  They told me to keep working hard and they would evaluate my junior film."

"After my junior season, I received an invitation to their Junior Day in late February after Signing Day.  There, I got to sit down and talk with Coach Addazio and he shared with me how envisioned the next couple months in front of me and their hope I would return to their summer camp.  He established they had interest."

"I received a follow-up invitation to receive one of their first Saturday spring practices in March and had an opportunity to meet with Coach Addazio following the practice.  He became more detailed in our meeting letting me know I checked out in all areas except the 4.6 40-yard dash I ran last summer.  He wanted to see me run a faster time.  I told him I wanted a Boston College offer and was happy to earn it."

"After giving it thought for a couple of days, I received a Facebook message from Coach Fitch to give him a call later that afternoon.   When I called him, he told me Coach Addazio wanted to speak with me but was in a meeting and to call back at 5:30."

"When I called back at 5:30, I got to speak with Coach Addazio and he told me after giving it more thought he thought I was too good of a fit for their scheme and playing style that he was extending me my first scholarship offer.   I was very excited.   I was glad it happened."

Prior to receiving his first scholarship, Allen made a west coast trip with his father to visit USC, UCLA, and San Diego State, in addition, to competing with the themed GOON Squad all-star team in the Pylon 7v7 Super Regional in Las Vegas March 15th and 16th.

"Our trip out west was a great experience.  We started at USC, and they did a great job showing us around.  We spent time with Coach (Clay) Helton and Coach (Tee) Martin.  Coach Helton told me he was impressed with my film and thought I had a great radius to catch footballs anywhere near my general area.  They invited me to come back for their camp in late June," stated Allen.

"I had a great time at San Diego State and UCLA, too.   I spent time with Coach (LeCharles) McDaniels the wide receivers coach at San Diego State, and it seemed he became more intrigued to learn more about me after watching my film.   The visits were great and made it all worthwhile to attend the Pylon 7v7 Super Regional in Las Vegas."

"I felt very blessed to compete in the Pylon 7v7 against some great talent from around the country and I personally needed it as it gave me a measurement to know I can compete with those guys.  I thought I did enough to prove I am capable of playing against the best."

Allen has received strong interest from Northwestern, Penn State, Maryland, and UConn among others a month away from the spring evaluation period.  He does not have any more visits planned before the summer, but he is working out dates to attend camps at all four mentioned above, but he is keeping an open to determine the best camps to attend this summer.

"Academics are very important to me," said Allen.   "I want to know I will receive a good education and have the support around me to walk away with a degree.   I also want an opportunity to play while I am in college and I am not afraid of a challenge to help a program rebound and take a step or steps forward."

The Journey of 2014 DE Michael Wright

[HOUSTON] - Look ahead at the class of 2015, and you will find a sizable group of athletes that have already earned their first division one scholarship.  Since we reached the digital age, the recruiting process has started earlier and earlier with each passing year.  That can be seen as beneficial to some and harmful to others.   In the case of defensive end Michael Wright, who grew from six-foot-four, 190-pounds at the end of his junior season to six-foot-five, 220 pounds entering his senior season, the recruiting process needed to slow down to keep up with his development.

GAINRecruiting.com shares the journey of Michael Wright in his own words culminating his signed letter of intent to join the New Mexico State Aggies.

THE BEGINNING

"I started playing football in the 7th grade and I started by playing defensive tackle.  Really, in my first two years playing middle school football, I wasn't really that good.   I didn't play very physical."

LIGHT TURNS ON

"Going into my freshman year of high school, the light started to turn on for me.   I knew I wanted to play football at the next level, and I knew I needed to help my mom out by securing a scholarship.  During my freshman season, I only played on our freshman team, but I started to love to hit people.   Then, as I entered my sophomore year, I really began to grow taller and became faster at the same time.   It all started to click and I was playing really good football on the junior varsity team. It prepared me well for my first varsity experience as a junior.   Entering my junior season, I was six-foot-four, 190-pounds, and I ended up rotating at the defensive end position with a senior who recorded 13 sacks that year.  I finished with 4 sacks and 9 tackles for loss."

TRANSFORMATION TO A D1 PROSPECT

"I worked really hard in the off-season right after my junior season concluded.   During the spring, I made it out to the NIKE Combine, National Underclassmen Combine, and a Prep Football Combine where I tested really well but I was still a bit undersized at under 200-pounds.   It made me focus more on my calorie intake and I began averaging around 25,000 calories per week.   Even when I got to summer camps at Baylor and Abilene-Christian, I was still a little more lean than I wanted to be, but by the time we reported to fall camp I had put on over 20 pounds and grew an inch to be at six-foot-five, 220-pounds.   We started our season off with a bang going 4-0 but then hit some adversity and lost our last six consecutive games.   I ended my senior season with 43 tackles (11 for loss), nine sacks, six pass deflections, and three forced fumbles."

RECRUITMENT

"Abilene Christian said they were impressed with my junior season.  At their camp, they told me I had a tremendous speed rush and arm length.  They wanted to see me get bigger and stronger while maintaining my explosiveness."

"Because I didn't have many schools coming after me, I didn't get my senior film out until after the season.   The first school to respond to my film was San Diego State about two and a half weeks after my senior season ended.   New Mexico State reached out shortly thereafter.   Both schools took their time to gather information on me.  San Diego was the first to extend an official visit invitation for the weekend of January 17th and then during the week leading up to the visit I received my first scholarship offer from New Mexico State.   San Diego State followed up shortly after with an offer."

"I loved the city of San Diego and thought San Diego State was a great university but in the end after I visited New Mexico State it just felt right."

"Prairie View A&M, Houston, Arkansas State, and Alcorn State all expressed interest in me after they saw my senior film.  Miami(OH) called me late in January and discussed an official visit but it never progressed."

NEW MEXICO STATE

"Coach (Shawn) Johnson recruited me for New Mexico State, and he pursued really hard.   Coach Johnson relates great with his players, and he is a hilarious guy.  Their defensive line Coach (Kerry) Locklin told me how excited he was to work with me and develop me into a great defensive end.  He's coached in the NFL and believes I have that type of ceiling with my talent, and said he plans to help me fulfill my aspirations.  Overall, I fell in love with the coaching staff at New Mexico State and feel very good about the team they are building towards a couple years from now."

CLOSING

"Signing Day was a great experience; a day I have always dreamed of.  I want to let the New Mexico State fans know I am playing for them and excited to join the school.  I look forward to being a part of many wins and bringing championships home in the future.  I plan to major in communications with a focus in television broadcasting."

The Journey of 2014 TE Drew Paulsen

[TAMPA] - One of the best kept secrets in the Tampa Bay area following the 2013 season, Tampa Jesuit tight end Drew Paulsen arrived late on the recruiting scene.  With only a month remaining until Signing Day, the only problem that existed for Paulsen was the lack of exposure his senior film had received.   Paulsen was Jesuit's top receiving threat in 2013 with 15 receptions (out of 16 passes thrown to him) for 280 yards and five touchdowns.  He was also the team's best blocking receiver, and in limited snaps, managed to record five sacks and 30 tackles from his defensive end position.   All the while, he carried a 3.2 GPA and scored a 1710 (1150 two-part) on the SAT. Once his senior film made the circuit, there was no shortage of college coaches hustling to recruit Paulsen to their football program.

GAINRecruiting.com shares the journey of Drew Paulsen in his own words culminating his signed letter of intent to join the Lehigh University Mountain Hawks.



THE BEGINNING

"I started playing football as part of the Tampa Bay Youth Football League in the 5th grade.  I played quarterback and running back on offense, and I led the team in interceptions on defense.  I quit playing football in 8th and 9th grade to focus on baseball.   During that time, my little league team won the Cal Ripken World Series."

TRANSITION BACK TO FOOTBALL

"After my freshman year, going into my sophomore year, I was cut from the baseball team.  I grew a couple inches from my freshman year so I told my dad I would try football again.  My first year back as a sophomore I started JV playing both ways, and I was called up to varsity at the end of the season.  That allowed me to get a jump start going into my junior season playing defensive end, but by the second game, they switched me over to tight end and I started there ever since."

"I was six-foot-two, 240-pounds as a junior so I was used primarily in blocking.   I recorded only two receptions for 40 yards, but lead the offense in pancakes.  Following my junior season, I focused on cutting my weight to 225 and I grew an inch to six-foot-three."

DEVELOPMENT AS A RECEIVER

"Heading into my senior season, we named a new head coach and ran more of a spread offense.   Coach (Vinny) Testaverde was our Offensive Coordinator and he did a great job featuring me as a receiver.  My out routes were normally two yard speed routes and I received the majority of my receiving yards running seam routes.  I have soft hands and if the ball is in play, I will come down with it even if it is in traffic."

RECRUITING

"After my junior season, Georgia Tech sent me letters as a defensive end prospect.   Heading into the spring evaluation period, I had between 20 and 30 schools stop by Tampa Jesuit to make an introduction during our spring practices.  Through my senior season, I only heard consistently from Bucknell and Lafayette and random schools would drop a note every once in a while.   Bucknell had extended me an official visit invitation, but later canceled.   Really, a month before Signing Day I did not know at all where I would be going to college."

"After getting my senior film out to schools, I received inquiries from Georgetown, Colgate, Florida International, and Buffalo.   Then, I started receiving more serious inquiries from Valparaiso, Robert Morris, and Lehigh; all three of whom worked hard to get me to go on an official visit.   I chose Lehigh as the one official visit I took, and the rest is history."

LEHIGH

"Lehigh was the strongest combination of athletics and academics.   When I visited, I loved the campus up north.  My dad is from up north so I am use to visiting the northeast.   I enjoy snow.  The campus had a small community feel; everything was within walking distance; and if I major in business all my classes are located centrally in the business building."

"I liked how straight forward the coaches were with me.  The coaches actually knew their players and had a personal relationship with each of them, and communicated well with them.  The entire coaching staff was very welcoming."

"I have as much as an opportunity to earn playing time as anyone else.  It's up to how hard I work and progress.  I don't think the plan is for me to redshirt."

CLOSING

"I think I'm entering Lehigh a good athlete, but they will transform to the next level.  I don't believe I have reached my potential.   I believe there is a stronger brotherhood you find at Lehigh than I found at most schools.  I'm working with the goal of playing in the NFL, but I am comfortable walking away with a degree from Lehigh."