USF baseball/out of state recruiting

1) Contact them
2) Go to tournaments & showcases where they are (PG, etc.)

Backstop 17 is very familiar with this program. I believe I have heard him indicate that they have really focused on recruiting in Tampa in the past but may be opening that up a bit.

quote:

Originally posted by mzurick:
Hey, I am graduating in the class of 2014 and I play catcher. Im from Pittsburgh, PA. Southern Florida is one of my top schools I want to play for, and I think I have the talent to play D1. My dad has a house in Florida, but all but one player on their roster is from Florida. I was wondering what I could do to let them know I am interested in them and to get them to see me play.

They have a very good Christmas Camp that you should try to attend.

Of the 21 players on the roster 19 are from the state of Florida...

14 of the 19 grew up within 30 miles of Tampa...

USF has built most of their athletic programs by heavily recruiting the Tampa Bay/Central Florida area. It's actually a great plan, it's inexpensive for travel costs and Florida is packed with unreal talent so why wouldn't they. Mzurick, to battle this you need to separate yourself from those talented Florida recruits and make yourself available to those coaches who have the talent at their backdoor. Don't count on coaches coming to see you play, instead as many have suggest above, you need to come see them.

The important key to this situation is don't just show up, send them a resume, tape, and try to have a few conversations leading up to a showcase or camp in the Tampa/Central Florida area. This will allow them a chance to get to know you, what you are about, your academic and athletic performance thus far, and give you a chance to research their school, coaches, program, etc. before you show up. Last thing you want to do is show up knowing nothing and nobody, you can really expect to get seen with that plan.

Ask for an evaluation during your conversations and make sure to followup with the coaching staff, whomever you have been speaking with, once you have left the camp or showcase.

quote:

Originally posted by floridafan:
14 of the 19 grew up within 30 miles of Tampa...

True, but recruiting close to home is practiced by all schools that have adequate talent in their State. The reason is simple, they can get more bang for their limited "scholarship bucks" by using the local kid that is eligible for in state tuition grants like "Bright Scholar or Hope." Taking an out of state player costs more.

Hey Prime,just trying to point out to the OP the significant hurdles he faces by seeking a program that has traditionally built their team locally.

He may want to expand his horizons!

quote:

He may want to expand his horizons!

Yea, I know and I AGREE with you!

Yes, we have a similar situation. I have a 2014 that wants to attend a "mid-major" DI because of a host of reasons other than baseball. I think you should explain your reasons like we have. Besides the huge talent pool in the southern states, the coach wants to know that it won't be a hardship for the player to go to school so far away. Explain that your father has a house close. Our reasons are that his grandmother has rental property that he will be able to use for housing after the first year in the dorms (big cost savings). Also, grandparent's cooking and support. The right academic program. We actually have multiple reasons...

I did neglect to say we are heading the opposite way so, our path is a little easier. The school my son wants to attend is in the Carolina's. So coming from Georgia, we have a bias of coming from a bigger talent pool. However, talent is talent. Show that you are a good student, you can compete at that level and that going to school so far away isn't an issue. You should be fine. But, just having your dad's extra house there doesn't convince me of that. Make sure your can honestly answer many of the questions the coaches will ask to yourself.