I have been speaking with some friends lately, prominent coaches of established teams who have been managing or coaching for over 10 years. They informed me that recruiting is worse than ever because players/parents want guarantees for playing time. Whatever happened to a player earning playing time? No guarantees, just flat out competition! Everyone wants to go to college and play ball, do they think they will get a guarantee from a coach who is feeding his family based on his team's performance? What is going on. I would appreciate all perspectives on this subject. THANKS!

Larry, let's face it, it is a case of wanting their cake and eating it too. Sure everyone wants to get to a big, winning D1 and play as a freshman, but let's face it what D1 is out there winning games and playing alot of freshmen. If you want this kind of winning program you will have to "pay your dues" and ride the pine. Or......you find a school that is having a so so year and needs help at your position and hope you catch the coach's eye. It comes down to research on the part of the up and coming freshman.

Another route to take is to get into a junior college. The coach will need new talent sooner, and is forced to play freshmen. With only a two year turnover of peresonnel, your chances of playing time are greatly increased.

Some say that it is better to practice with players at the highest level and wait your turn. While others feel that playing in game situations is better for the up and comer. I will not debate this issue, because I have not settled the issue in my own mind, but both ideas are out there. Perhaps others will join the thread with their thoughts on the issue.

I am going to throw a little fuel to the fire. In context I agree with your comment Larry, I just see the other side.

If we take the utopic view, the process of putting your time in works. As stated, college coaches have to put food on their table, in most cases, based upon winning. Lets set the table:

Your the coach at a D1 program, you have a quality freshman, but in 2005 you have the ability to pick up a stud (JUCO or HS) that plays the same position. What do you do?

We would like to believe the coach would stay with his quality freshman and develop him, but I am not sure this is realistic. I may not like it, but I am not certain I can blame the college coach.

Now place yourself in the freshman's shoes.

The bottom line, I believe it makes sense for players to find places they can play (DI, DII, DIII, NAIA). In some cases it does make sense to go the Quality JUCO route to develop, but doing it through practicing and PLAYING.