National Underclassmen Combine

National Underclassman Combine
Founder David Schuman
Headquarters United States
Number of locations
 Numerous throughout the U.S.
Website National Underclassman Homepage

The National Underclassmen Combine is a professional, privately owned recruiting program and three-day training and assessment function for high school football players to display their skills and potential. It is one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind, the purpose of which is to connect talented football athletes with collegiate programs willing to offer them a scholarship.[1] Notable players to go through the system include Joe Haden, cornerback for the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, and Marcus Lattimore, star running back for the University of South Carolina. Founded by former University of Connecticut linebacker David Schuman, the first combine event was held in New Jersey in 2005.[2]

Philosophy and objectives

According to ESPN recruiting analyst Jamie Newberg, “Combines … are platforms for kids to get initially identified, for young kids to emerge, etc.”[3] Dave Schuman, the founder of National Underclassmen Combine, observes that college football programs are now looking to younger students as potential recruits.[2][4] Previously, a football player would not have to consider his options for playing collegiate football until his senior year. Now many elite programs are extending scholarship offers to students at the beginning of their junior years of high school.[2]

Combine structure

A typical weekend combine organized by National Underclassmen is a three-day event. The first day consists of preparatory events: combine prep training, positions skill training and All American recruiting.[5] Day 2 includes the actual combines: tests of athletic ability and football-specific skills. Seventh through ninth graders participate in the morning, while sophomores and juniors work out during the afternoon.[5]

The tests and drills on day two of the combine allow athletes to gauge their abilities against competition. Standard drills include the 40-yard dash, shuttle run, bench press and vertical leap. National Underclassmen Combine also administers position-specific drills, such as throwing strength and accuracy, catching ability, and offensive and defensive line work.[2][6]

Day three consists of special events such as a 7-on-7 tournament and “trench warfare” for linesmen.[5] Additionally, an awards ceremony for the most exceptional athletes of the weekend is held at the end of day three. Event managers hand out the overall MVP (most valuable player) award and positional MVP awards, as well as a number of other awards, including Strongest Man and Combine King.[5]

The top participants from all of the national combines are invited to take part in the regional Ultimate 100 camps. According to the National Underclassmen website, 50 percent of those invited to an Ultimate 100 camp go on to play college football at the Division 1 or 1aa level.[7] The format of the these camps is similar to the standard National Underclassmen weekend combine. The first Ultimate 100 camp was held in 2006.[6][7]

Combine recruiting process

No explicit eligibility criteria exist, but participants must compete within their age group.

Results are made available to college coaches in the form of a report. Major sports sites such as ESPN.com and Rivals.com also regularly cover news from the combines.[8]

Issues with recruitment of young athletes

The recruitment of young players is not without controversy. Some coaches and parents worry that, just as in the classroom, some athletes may not “test” well and therefore have a blemish on their recruiting record, not to mention the potential psychological damage of falling short of their goals.[3] Others have expressed concern that combines are too expensive for some families.[3][5]

Notable players from National Underclassmen Combine

Many combine participants go on to play football at the collegiate level while earning a degree. A few continue to play football at the professional level in the National Football League. Noteworthy players to matriculate through the National Underclassmen Combine system include:

Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week 9/01/2014[9]

External links

References

  1. ↑ Jackson Advocate via HighBeam Research. "Schuman's national underclassmen combine set to hit Mississippi March 11th - 12th". Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Baker, Matt (4 July 2010). "Taking Charge: Potential recruits use combines, camps and websites to gain attention of college scouts". Tulsa World.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Knight, Joey (15 July 2011). "FINDING AN AUDIENCE; Combines can help unheralded players, but not everyone is a fan". Tampa Bay Times. pp. C1.
  4. ↑ Bangor Daily News via HighBeam Research. "Combine promotes state's players". Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 National Underclassmen. "2012 National Underclassmen Football Combine Schedule". Retrieved 10 July 2012.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Rivals High from Yahoo Sports. "National Underclassmen Combine". Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 National Underclassmen. "2012 NUC Ultimate 100 Camp Series". Retrieved 10 July 2012.
  8. ↑ Clark, Ernie (26 May 2010). "Underclass football combines helfpul; Players' results sent to college programs". Bangor Daily News. pp. C1.
  9. ↑ http://www.conferenceusa.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090114aaf.html