Real Life NCAA Football Recruiting Pitch Takes Odd Turn - jmik58's Blog

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Real Life NCAA Football Recruiting Pitch Takes Odd Turn Stuck

Posted on February 6, 2013 at 08:32 PM.

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Apparently Bret Bielema and Arkansas will have a "D-" recruit-pitch rating for "Impression on Mom" in NCAA Football 14.

As if it wasn't already hard enough to recruit the nation's top high school football talent, apparently the key to winning over that future All-American isn't a sales pitch. It's mom.

Like any other high school senior with a Division I offer, Alex Collins inked his letter of intent today. His school of choice: the Arkansas Razorbacks. All that was left was a signature from his mother. Simple enough, right? Unfortunately for young Alex, his mom had a slight problem with his future plans -- she has refused to undersign his LOI, leaving the young man in quite the awkward position.

The document must be endorsed by a parent or guardian for anyone under the age of twenty-one, even though it is a legal contract like most others which would typically allow an 18 year old to sign. Mr. Collins is old enough to fight in a war, but not make an informed decision on his future athletic and educational needs according to current rules.

According to the ESPN report, Collins' mother -- who had hoped he would sign with Miami (FL) -- wanted her son to stay closer to home for shorter travel times from school and for family members heading to games.

Instead of enjoying one of the happiest days of his life with the support of his family, Alex Collins gets to spend it in a sea of confusion, anger, and most likely loneliness. His dream of being called an All-American or Heisman are off to a slow start. At this point, "Mama's Boy" is about the only title he's going to hear for quite a while.

Sound Off: What would you do in this situation? Follow your path and risk alienating your family, or follow their wishes and alter your dreams?

Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Give him hell in the comments or on Twitter: @long_snapper

Comments

# 1 GRONK IS AMAZIN @ Feb 6

Don't go to Miami to tick ur mom off

# 2 bccards13 @ Feb 7

I would convince my father to sign me off if possible, or at least petition the NCAA to allow me to go under my own will. I wonder if a controversy like this has ever happened for a child with foster parents or no legal parents.

# 3 Sportzfan0290 @ Feb 7

I'd go wherever I'd want. Some these kids don't realize how much they take for granted. Being able too play college football about any school they wish. Then by the time you finally hear about them most its their junior season. I wouldn't be shocked if Dee Liners a starter this upcoming year. Disappointed in how my Hurricanes day went and when will the NCAA ever punish us that's really hurting our recruiting. Also how is UGA 10th best when they're 6th best in SEC?

# 4 Eski33 @ Feb 7

I wasn't good enough to be placed in this situation. The mother is thinking selfishlessly. Sad. Her son gets a full ride to go to college and her only concern is herself.

NCAA rules state she has to sign the documents because the son is under 21. Last I heard they thought he would sign this morning.

Just a sad sutuation. Not only has she blocked her sons dream but she has also embarrassed him nationally. Awful.

# 5 jmik58 @ Feb 7

Sounds like the father came through: http://espn.go.com/college-sports/re...mitment-letter

# 6 BBallcoach @ Feb 7

I'm glad his dad came through. They really need to change the LOI signature to 18 and over... WHy is it 21 to go to college? That is weird.

# 7 PFellah @ Feb 7

Let's see... if he's not technically 18 yet, he will be by the time he goes to school. And it's his football skills that make it possible. So he should go where he damn well pleases. If she were footing the bill, that would be one thing, but if he earned a ride, he should be allowed to choose for himself where that ride takes him.