texascpa
Living Legend
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- Aug 26, 2011
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Some of you may recall that I have mentioned being heavily involved in youth football in the past down here in Texas. Honestly, though, who isn't? Kidding aside, I had helped coach a friend's team several years ago. He had a son who was destined for college football. Ended up winning state his Senior year on the 6A Division II Katy Tigers. Started 3 years. He was courted by several FCS teams, Ivies and Army. Army put the hard press on him. Monkin was heavily involved. While the kid didn't come from a military family and army life wasn't a priority, he ended up choosing Army due to the position they wanted him for (Will) and the opportunity to play Division 1.
So, Army actually has two teams - the main team and a Freshmen team. I think Freshmen actually go to different schooling too, but I could be wrong. Last year, as a Freshman, he was considered part of the main team but never got to dress. He was on the Scout team, got very good feedback and was listed third on depth chart for kickoff team. If you know Army's roster size, that's an accomplishment for a Freshman. Problem was, there was a logjam of Will's.
Going into Spring, his Dad was hopeful he would make an impression and move up the depth chart. Off-season workouts had been really good (top Freshman bench other than linemen, I believe). During the Spring game, his dad said he played about 40 percent of the snaps. Quite a bit for a Freshman moving into his Sophomore year. Things looked to be good.
The next day he was cut. Yep. Army actually cuts players. This is not the same as university's that push kids out for "medical" reasons. This was a "hey, we're sorry to inform you but we're cutting you". I guess along with not having to abide by the recruiting numbers requirements, the Academies can also cut players. I learned something new.
Interestingly, Dad was devastated, the son not so much. He immediately put his name in the portal (hey, a good portal story!) and the same day several FCS schools reached out to him, two located in TX. Son isn't sure what he wants to do, however. He's deciding whether to extend his football career or continue with Army for his development and career aspirations. I'm hoping the latter.
So, Army actually has two teams - the main team and a Freshmen team. I think Freshmen actually go to different schooling too, but I could be wrong. Last year, as a Freshman, he was considered part of the main team but never got to dress. He was on the Scout team, got very good feedback and was listed third on depth chart for kickoff team. If you know Army's roster size, that's an accomplishment for a Freshman. Problem was, there was a logjam of Will's.
Going into Spring, his Dad was hopeful he would make an impression and move up the depth chart. Off-season workouts had been really good (top Freshman bench other than linemen, I believe). During the Spring game, his dad said he played about 40 percent of the snaps. Quite a bit for a Freshman moving into his Sophomore year. Things looked to be good.
The next day he was cut. Yep. Army actually cuts players. This is not the same as university's that push kids out for "medical" reasons. This was a "hey, we're sorry to inform you but we're cutting you". I guess along with not having to abide by the recruiting numbers requirements, the Academies can also cut players. I learned something new.
Interestingly, Dad was devastated, the son not so much. He immediately put his name in the portal (hey, a good portal story!) and the same day several FCS schools reached out to him, two located in TX. Son isn't sure what he wants to do, however. He's deciding whether to extend his football career or continue with Army for his development and career aspirations. I'm hoping the latter.