Each year, aspiring high school level athletes look to impress coaches and college recruiters in their respective sports so they can earn a shot at the next level and also receive a free education.
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into the plans of college teams and the opportunities for prospective athletes. Deerfield Beach High is a hotbed of talent for young football and basketball players alike, typically drawing a flurry of activity to the school as head coaches and recruiters pay visits to Buck Pride Way to scout for diamonds in the rough.
The pandemic has forced high schools, colleges, and players to adapt to how they carry out their recruiting techniques.
‘’It’s been a struggle’’ head football coach Jevon Glenn said. ‘’We have just been trying to figure out a way to adjust. The good thing about Deerfield [is] every college coach knows that we have some of the best players in America.’’
Everyone has had to adjust to our world going virtual, and that includes those involved in the recruiting process. Universities have been reluctant to send out scouts to observe players first hand, instead opting to gather as much video on players as possible to form the consensus of their potential. Even though coaches and scouts have not been able to see the young Bucks’ full potential in person, they will most definitely see it on film.
NCAA member colleges have not been able to send out any recruiters to schools during the season since the “dark period” has been extended through April, according to Larry Blustein of PrepRedzone.com. Blustein has been promoting high school recruits for over 50 years in the South Florida area.
“A lot of the kids would go to the college campuses during the summer for camps and 7 on 7 [scrimmages] and they didn’t get the chance to do that this year,” Blustein said. “Plus, the last time that the colleges and NCAA member schools were allowed to see the kids was last year at this time, so it’s been a year since these kids have physically been seen by colleges. They have gained 10 to 20 pounds more, grown two to four inches or more.”
‘’Normally during the spring season, college coaches are able to come out to the school, talk to us and see our practices,’’ junior wide receiver Joseph Kennerly Jr. said. It is not known if this normal will return anytime soon, although everyone has been trying to adapt.
“Kids have just been using whatever tape they have. You have events like [the Dec. 19 Deerfield vs. Western semi-final game] that is great because if Deerfield had opted out or they ended their season early then all of it would have been over. Now at least they have got the chance to play some extra games,” Blustein said.
He continued, “Some of these schools [in South Florida] are going to get six, seven, or eight games in when they only would have had three or four. That has helped, but these kids are really behind the 8-ball. They have to send out [tapes]. They have to find out what schools they are interested in. They have to be doing social networking as well, without that, they are sunk.”
Several media outlets and companies have been visiting the Beach Boys and posting their practices with recordings, photos, and even little comedic shorts on their official Instagram page to promote the players and get them noticed by the masses. This began with the first football team scrimmage on Oct. 21. Recruiters evaluated the players using the film that was shot.
Despite all that has shaken up the recruiting dynamic, the Bucks do not seem to be phased regarding the situation.
Four upperclassmen on the varsity squad have announced their commitments to play at the next level. Defensive end Justice Cross and wide receiver Fred Eaford are committed to Florida Atlantic University, cornerback Tyler Gaskin has stated his intentions to play for the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. and defensive back Philip O’Brien has pledged his services to Pittsburgh. Cross signed with FAU during the early signing day in late December.
Quite a few players sporting the Scarlet and Gold have received Division-1 offers, including junior running back Jaziun Patterson and senior wide receiver Jamarion McDougle, who have earned well over 30 offers combined. Even the team’s punter, Jaden Gold, affectionately known as “Gold Foot”, scored his first offer from the University of Arizona. Senior running back Deion Smalls has also caught offers from Virginia State and Bethune Cookman.
“I got a couple of tricks up my sleeve [that] have been cutting edge,” Glenn said. ‘’Trust me, we are always prepared.”
Despite all of Deerfield’s apparent success on the recruiting market, many players have said the pandemic has squandered plenty of opportunities. College tours and visits, which allow players and their families to get to know coaches and teams who they may consider committing to, have been lost due to this tragic virus.
“[COVID-19] stopped me from visiting a lot of schools and having a final spring game to pull in more college coaches to see my true talent.” senior defensive back Simeal Burke Jr said.
This road has not been easy, but the resolve for many of the Bucks’ top athletes remains unshaken. For them, it’s just another step on the ladder they have had to climb; another step towards becoming a “Next Level Beach Boy”.
Ethan Eibe contributed reporting.
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