Q & A with DII Coach

We caught up with Division II East Stroudsburg Head Football Coach Douds and asked him some questions that high school football players wanted to know.

SmarterFootball: How do you make up your recruiting list?

Coach Douds: Well, we have a very fluid list. We usually scout guys from our area, the guys from Pennsylvania. Most coaches start local and go out a certain distance from the college, usually a couple hours. Also, our list is ongoing and we scout right up until the last minute. Someone can tell us about a kid out of our area and we will ask for some video on him and add him to the list.

SmarterFootball: What is the biggest difference between DI, DII, and DIII Football?

Coach Douds: Its all about Size, Speed, and Experience. We have Offensive Lineman that come in anywhere from 280 to 300 lbs and benching about 300 lbs. Our linebackers come in at around 210 to 220 lbs. We can always help them get bigger, but from an initial stand point it is about size and speed. The most important thing is we want good students. We want to make sure these players can get accepted to our school because football wont last forever.

SmarterFootball: Would you suggest players sending information to you or position coaches?

Coach Douds: Send it to the Head Coach. All the information we get will be reveiwed by the recruiting coordinator so he is an option as well. We receive about 20-40 profiles or videos every couple of days which the recruiting coordinator will go over and make a decision on us pursuing that individual. Well know right away if they can compete.

Send everything! We dont take anything unless that athlete is a Junior or Senior unless he is one of a kind.

SmarterFootball: What are the most important things coaches want to see on an athletes recruiting profile?

Coach Douds: Besides the academic stuff, other sports can matter. Also, can they play in their DVD?

SmarterFootball: What do you want to see in an athletes highlight film?

Coach Douds: About 10 to 15 plays and one full game. We can get everything we need to know from that alone.

SmarterFootball: Why should a high school football player settle for a division lower than division I?

Coach Douds: Well if they really want to continue the sport they love, then do it. College ball is a life changing experience. The thing is, we play a lot of kids, so everyone that comes here has a great opportunity to play. If you are lucky to get to a division I college, you may not play until your final year of college so would that be something you want? The guys we get want to compete for 4 years and thats what all these kids should be thinking.

SmarterFootball: Do you change players positions when they commit to your program.

Coach Douds: We could. Just because you were a Left Guard in high school, does not mean you will be a Left Guard in College. We can see your potential in your highlight film and your progression from year to year. We will see if you can join our program even if it means changing your position to give you the best chance.

SmarterFootball: What should high school football players be thinking about college?

Coach Douds: Find a great education and enjoy playing! College football will end and a lot of these kids wont become professionals.

SmarterFootball: Anything you want to say about picking the right college?

Coach Douds: Make sure the college has your major. What is the social aspect like?, Can you go there and actually play?, Can you afford it?, and make sure you like the coaches philosophy.

SmarterFootball: In your opinion, how can they prepare for college?

Coach Douds: Visit colleges your Junior year and keep track of them. Find out what you like and dont like. Grade every school out and then by Senior year, knock that list down to about 4 and visit them again.