ODU is now tied...

[CAA Flagship]

Going through your rosters over the last 5 or so years, it looks like you typically carry 25-32 players from 757 area. But the last time I checked, there is only one that was either a freshman or soph on this year's team. I hear what you are saying about being another name in the pot, but we have the ability of being able to build relationships early. So you can't dismiss proximity as something minor. But along with that, we have up to date facilities and a large attendance.
JMU will be fine. They will just have to cover more ground for the number of recruits. I just don't see them getting 6-8 in a bunch from this area code each year.
And yes you are right. We can't survive on the 757 alone. We will have to go elsewhere for lineman much of the time.

[ODUfanRazor]

Not to mention the fact that alot of kids from the 757 will strongly consider playing in front of their family and friends when they decide where they want to go to college.

The fact that ODU is 7-2 early, even if it is against very weak competition, will still look good when recruiting kids from this area. If we can tell them "hey look, we are winning right away and will be competitive in a matter of years with the big boys (even if it isn't true)", that could be a very useful tool in recuiting some kids from this area.

I mean honestly, right now, what looks better? Playing for a JMU team that has a losing record and is a 3 1/2 hour drive from home and in the middle of nowhere or playing for a start up program that is getting TONS of media coverage from all over the place, has top notch facilities, is sold out every home game, is winning right out of the gate (even if, as i said, its against poor teams) and is right in your back where your family and friends can see you shine.

Be honest, what sounds better? Sure, you can recruit them on your national title and your new stadium, but is that going to enough to steal the majority of recruits from this area, especially after your very dissapointing season this year?

[ChetSteadman]

Playing for a JMU team that has a losing record and is a 3 1/2 hour drive from home and in the middle of nowhere or playing for a start up program that is getting TONS of media coverage from all over the place, has top notch facilities, is sold out every home game, is winning right out of the gate (even if, as i said, its against poor teams) and is right in your back where your family and friends can see you shine.

I can't believe I'm taking up for JMU, but you're making some really silly arguments. Don't get too far ahead of yourself with that losing record thing. Sure, ODU has won some games this season, but it's basically been against high school and DIII competition. JMU has a winning tradition. They've been deep in the playoffs on numerous occasions won national titles. Once ODU steps up and starts playing the CAA, it's record will not be as pleasant. JMU will soon have a nicer facility than ODU (as witnessed by the YouTube videos). JMU plays a much heartier schedule than does ODU, and that will entice recruits just as much as playing in front of their hometown folks ever will. Athletes want to play against the best competition they can find - the Dogs do that. FBS teams every year, big games against OOC division rivals, the playoffs - ODU can't match that now, and probably won't be able to for several more years, at least.

As for the travel distance issue, kids are going to find the best fit, no matter where it is. 3 1/2 hours isn't too far to drive to see your son play football. I know parents who make the drive from New Jersey to Boone every other week to see their son play. Not everyone has the ability to do that, but you're making way too much of it. And don't forget that many kids want to get away from home for a little while, meaning ODU won't have a chance with them from the start.

[mcveyrl]

Playing for a JMU team that has a losing record and is a 3 1/2 hour drive from home and in the middle of nowhere or playing for a start up program that is getting TONS of media coverage from all over the place, has top notch facilities, is sold out every home game, is winning right out of the gate (even if, as i said, its against poor teams) and is right in your back where your family and friends can see you shine.

I can't believe I'm taking up for JMU, but you're making some really silly arguments. Don't get too far ahead of yourself with that losing record thing. Sure, ODU has won some games this season, but it's basically been against high school and DIII competition. JMU has a winning tradition. They've been deep in the playoffs on numerous occasions won national titles. Once ODU steps up and starts playing the CAA, it's record will not be as pleasant. JMU will soon have a nicer facility than ODU (as witnessed by the YouTube videos). JMU plays a much heartier schedule than does ODU, and that will entice recruits just as much as playing in front of their hometown folks ever will. Athletes want to play against the best competition they can find - the Dogs do that. FBS teams every year, big games against OOC division rivals, the playoffs - ODU can't match that now, and probably won't be able to for several more years, at least.

As for the travel distance issue, kids are going to find the best fit, no matter where it is. 3 1/2 hours isn't too far to drive to see your son play football. I know parents who make the drive from New Jersey to Boone every other week to see their son play. Not everyone has the ability to do that, but you're making way too much of it. And don't forget that many kids want to get away from home for a little while, meaning ODU won't have a chance with them from the start.

I can't believe I'm agreeing with you taking up for us!!

Seriously though, he's right. We've got a losing record because we played three of the top 5 teams in the country. And we've made the playoffs 4 of the last 5 years. A recruit, if he's smart, looks at more than one year.

And the distance issue is just silly too. I'm not going to reiterate his arguments, but they're spot on.

I'll give you that the Pilot is all over their jock, but if kids want media coverage they should go to Georgia State, I think ESPN is covering their start-up.

[ChetSteadman]

I do what I can, mcvey. Sometimes, you have to put your petty differences aside for the common good of defeating ignorance.

[Monarch Nation]

Who really knows what factors are going to come into play when a teenager is trying to make up his mind? Things adults see as a no-brainer can be a mind-boggling decision for a teenager. Ultimately, it will come down to the best fit for the kid, as determined by the kid, his parent(s), and how they feel about the coaching staff and academic programs the school in question has to offer.

In that regard, we all have the upper hand with some kids, and no chance at all with others. So take the dice in hand and follow me to the craps table, which is about what it all comes down to anyway.

[ODU89]

but what advantage, other than proximity, does ODU have over JMU? We're showing a tradition of winning (this year notwithstanding), have a national championship and will soon have equal to or better facilities than ODU.

ODU has the howitzer!

[BlackFalkin]

No disrespect.... but... I would love it if you ODU fans would keep the talk to a minimum untill you start playing a REAL fcs schedule... for the love of Jeff........

[Monarch Nation]

Let us know when we have your permission to speak.