Coach Bates from Texas College and Coach Pugh sat down for a candid discussion on Coach’s Corner to provide their perspectives on recruiting, the college football process, and playing at the NAIA level.
As a coach himself from Arkansas who saw his playing career cut short due to injuries, Coach Bates brought a relatable point of view to the table. He stressed the importance of being coachable as a player, especially for those competing for a spot on the offensive line where coaches look for specific mentalities. Coach Bates elaborated on how the recruiting process can seem transactional from the coaches’ side as they evaluate game film and data points to determine a player’s potential fit and impact.
The conversation highlighted how grades come into play, affecting eligibility to compete at certain levels. Coach Bates gave an inside look into NAIA programs, noting that some Division 1 bounced players land there due to height restrictions. However, he emphasized that the NAIA features tough competition week in and week out. Players can prove themselves at whatever level they are at.
Issues that could cause a removal from a team include repeated missed workouts or a bad attitude. Coach Bates promoted his school, Texas College, as a place where players get chances to compete immediately and utilize the connections of its well-networked coaching staff to potentially ascend to higher levels of college football.
For recruiters and players alike, the discussion provided great insights into the evaluation process and keys to succeeding at the college level. I highly recommend checking out the full video conversation through the link below:
Let me know in the comments what you think of Coaches Bates and Pugh’s recruiting and college football discussion! What stood out to you the most?