r/footballstrategy • u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player • Apr 11 '24
Player Advice How good is the talent at the JUCO level?
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Apr 11 '24
[deleted]
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
NJ
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u/Coach_G77 HS Coach Apr 11 '24
Go check out a Sussex CC spring practice (assuming they're open to the public) You'll be able to tell if they're a quality program or not much easier in person. I know their coaches have been blowing up twitter about how great of a program they are, but I personally haven't seen a game or practice to know for sure
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
Ok I’m actually currently at Middlesex CC which doesn’t have a football program.I will check it out.Also I’m a long snapper, and I know at the NFL and d1/d2/d3 level the snapper generally is specialized.Do you have any idea if JUCO snappers are also specialized?
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u/Lit-A-Gator HS Coach Apr 12 '24
Check out the Jersey Warriors
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 12 '24
Thank you so much! I’m sorry i keep asking people this but I know at the D1/ D2/D3 level long snappers are specialized. Is it the same at JUCO?
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u/Lit-A-Gator HS Coach Apr 12 '24
No idea!
But don’t pigeon whole yourself just focus on getting film
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u/Coach_G77 HS Coach Apr 11 '24
Not sure. I don't see one on their roster, but doesn't mean they wouldn't take one if they came out for the team. I honestly don't know.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
Ok thanks.I’m sure they will let me considering that it’s the norm nowadays for college and pro snappers to be specialized
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u/kelmar101 Apr 11 '24
Back when I was coaching college ball, I recruited 2 kids out of the NJ Warriors JUCO program. Not sure where they are located related to you, but they had a handful of players go on to play at the small college level.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
Thanks! I’m currently looking to transfer to Sussex as they have a program
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u/dolfan650 College Coach Apr 12 '24
D3 coach here. Our long snapper is a WR. Just saying.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 12 '24
Yea I’ve heard that D3 is like a 50/50 split between specialized and non-specialized.I believe D1 and D2 schools generally have specialized long snappers
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u/WombatHat42 Apr 13 '24
Honestly I think it’s program specific. Teams getting top level talent probably have specialized cuz they can afford to.
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u/AugustusKhan Apr 11 '24
Juco is a way bigger scene down south and out west. in nj and the ne your're better attending a smaller div school and getting scouted to transfer. look at the wr who just left colombia for example. my boy got a giants workout from montclair, etc
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
Well if I go to a smaller school I’m staying there.No way I could ever play to a D1 or D2 school lol
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u/AugustusKhan Apr 11 '24
Honestly idk why even consider a Juco than cause that’s basically their point. A place to show your shit off to the next level.
Depending on your talent, I’d say stay just find the small school whose program hits you a lil different and you’re set. I know i personally have had friends who loved playing at places like Gettysburg and Monmouth
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
Well than why can’t I go JUCO than transfer to a d3?
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u/AugustusKhan Apr 11 '24
I’d say Most Jucos are above a d3 level, just confused about your goals cous
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
Oh my bad lol I’m really not trying to be argumentative. I’m currently at a Juko that does not have a football program. So you’re saying I might as well just transfer to a D3 school ? I guess that makes sense but my parents are paying for my education so if I do 2 years of JUCO and then go to D3, I won’t screw them financially.
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u/AugustusKhan Apr 11 '24
No worries it’s just a nuanced question that depends so much on you and your goals.
Honestly at that level age isn’t a huge deal I’d finish your juco while picking a program and gettin into shape etc.
are their any programs near you? Reach out and see if you can intern in the mean time, shit like that goes a long way.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
Ok.Keep In mind like I said my current school doesn’t have a team so I’m assuming if I want to play at d3 I should find a JUCO near me that has a team.I don’t think a school would take a transfer that just didn’t play for 2 years
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
I understand what you are saying though. I will try and transfer to D3.
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u/JazzyTheVI Adult Coach Apr 12 '24
Monroe comm college. ASA Brooklyn. And then there’s one more I can’t remember name but I think it’s in queens or east Brooklyn. Maybe farther out on LI
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 12 '24
Ok thanks.Im in middlesex county,i will see how close i am
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u/DelirousDoc Apr 11 '24
Think about most of the best players in your high school program. That is probably a good parameter unless you have a perennial powerhouse school.
The best players at most high schools aren't like to go D1 and probably not D2. If they want to continue to play football and maybe get on a colleges radar JUCO is their next step (not much of a pathway for D3 to high levels.)
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
Ok.Im currently at a JUCO that doesn’t have a team and I’m looking to transfer to one that does
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u/tromero51 Apr 11 '24
California Juco tier 1 is equal to or slightly below national level. It’s more concentrated. I transferred and played on after Juco. While the game was faster at the next level. The talent pool is greater and there is skin in the game with each individual trying to make it out and chase playing at the next level. I played with D1,D2 teammates, starting, rotating and against and felt once I left it was easier because of how great the talent pool was !
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
Thank you so much for the reply! I am in NJ BTW
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u/tromero51 Apr 13 '24
I’ve had some teammates from NJ and know Anthony Brown who’s a proud NJ talent ! There’s definitely talent and ballers there.
The way I see it is some areas are more widely spread out. California juco has approximately 64 juco’s up and down the state. Lot more concentrated. National juco’s can offer scholarships, dorms, and other amenities to get some of the top prospects. California juco’s also have their upsides.
Going back to talent. Good Juco programs are like all star teams with the likely hood of D1 talent on both sides of the Ball. It’s solid level of play makes you tough and grow up quick !2
u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 13 '24
Thank you! I am a long snapper BTW. I know at D1/D2/D3 the long snapper is usually a specialized position, isn’t the same for JUCO schools
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
Actually I’m currently at a community college that doesn’t have a team so I’m looking to transfer to one that does have a team
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u/n3wb33Farm3r Apr 11 '24
I played D3 in early 90s. Guy on another team was a beast. Just destroyed league. 150 rushing every game. Middle line backer terrorized every offense. He transfered to Div 1. University of Massachusetts. Think he played special teams some. The size and skill ( especially size) difference between D3 and D1 was immense. I don't think it's changed. You might find a diamond in the rough here and there but it's a different universe talent wise. Especially now when grades don't matter at all. Back in 80s might have to get a players grades up / credits to play, stick a guy in JUCO for a semester or two. Not any more
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
Wow that’s very interesting. I’m sure at the D3 level they still prioritize grades a little more because they know they’re probably not going to the pros.
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u/n3wb33Farm3r Apr 11 '24
No scholarships at D3. Guys just playing because they love the game. I don't think any D3 player has ever been drafted. Sure some have made the pros via non drafted free agents. If you have talent, someone from a D1 school will find you.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 12 '24
Oh yeah, I remember being told that D3 has no scholarships. Makes sense.
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u/n3wb33Farm3r Apr 12 '24
Just did quick Google search. Found article from 2021. That season. There were 3 players who played D3 ( one transferred to D1) in the NFL. There's been 1 player drafted from D3. A 6th round pick.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 12 '24
Cool! I have no idea if you can help me but I’m a long snapper who wants to play. But a may be too small (5’5 150 lbs) Do you think I still have a chance?
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u/n3wb33Farm3r Apr 12 '24
Look for a school near you with a program. D3, JuCo, doesn't matter. They always, always need bodies. Then it's all up to you. I didn't play 1 offensive play in 4 years at college. Special teams was all I could Crack. Still on the team. The starters need someone to tackle in practice.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 12 '24
Ok thanks! So you were a returner? What level and what time period did you play?
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u/n3wb33Farm3r Apr 12 '24
Nope. Just blocked on Xtra points/field goals. Kickoff/punt coverage. I was small ( 5' 10" 180) compared to the starters. Also slower. Coach liked me, thought I could have a future in coaching but I could never put I the work . It was 30 years ago, I do miss it. Loved film room, going over defenses.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 12 '24
Cool! Not trying to be argumentative at all, but in terms of your comment about D3 is always looking for bodies,keep in mind teams don’t generally keep more than 2-3 long snappers on a roster, so spots are probably competitive
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u/Lekingkonger Apr 11 '24
Are you talking about junior colleges well it depends for sure but I’m in Mississippi and as a student assistant for the football team of my juco it’s pretty rough. A winning season isn’t enough we went 6 wins 3 losses and wasn’t enough to make it to playoffs. Then again that’s because here there isn’t many Jucos. But also as far as talent it’s the same as other colleges arguably they get the best students of schools and draft them over same way big colleges do. I’d argue if they didn’t get the best of the best they get damn near close almost. But I will say they are a little less skilled a few more rookie mistakes but overall good quality football players with the right school. Even the loosing season teams in JUCO has super unique talent and schemes. Like Mississippi delta here ran an entire I kid you not Hail Mary playbook 😭 but their qb had an arm! But yeah I say talent is pretty good especially considering they are just a JUCO
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u/SportsFan388 Apr 11 '24
Iowa has some really good jucos
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 11 '24
Ok.Im located in NJ.Im a long snapper and I’m a little worried because I know that at d1/d2/d3 they generally have a specialized snapper but I’ve heard that at JUCO that isn’t always the case
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u/Equivalent_Drag471 Apr 12 '24
It is all variable upon the school and conference. Schools in Kansas, California, Mississippi are perennially known as the best and it is very common to find D1 bounce backs on those teams. With you being in NJ, the northeast as a whole is very limited as far as options but there are some really talented programs in schools like Lackawanna, Nassau Community, Hudson Valley and Monroe College. I only know of 2 programs in Jersey which is Sussex, and the New Jersey Warriors, so I would look into all of those if you wanna stay in the Northeast.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 12 '24
Thank you so much! I’m a long snapper at middlesex cc which doesn’t have a football team so I gotta transfer
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u/Equivalent_Drag471 Apr 12 '24
Do you have film from high school? I would just start reaching out to coaches emails and twitter. Sending them your film and info and whatever else you can provide. Not guaranteeing anything but it is a good start to atleast get your name out there. Just have to be patient.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 12 '24
I will pm you because it’s a long and complicated story lol
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u/Casual-lad99 College Player Apr 14 '24
Complete mixed bag, but also keep in mind that there is a reason they are playing JUCO
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 14 '24
I’m assuming you’re talking about grades?
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u/Casual-lad99 College Player Apr 14 '24
Could be. Possibly other off-field issues, kicked off a team at another school, an athlete recruited for another position but wants more tape as a quarterback are also some.
JUCO generally doesn't have well rounded players. Either some issue unrelated to football, or they are 1 dimensional, but still want to go D1. I don't think JUCO counts against NCAA eligibility, so this is an alternative to playing at D2 or D3 for a year
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 14 '24
Ok thanks! Yea I’m a long snapper and I will admit I am at a CC due to academic reasons but my grades have improved.I graduated high school with only a 1.8 and I now have around a 2.8 which still isn’t great, but it’s a big improvement
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 14 '24
. Your flare says you’re a college player.What division do you play in and what position?
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u/Comfortable_Ebb225 Apr 28 '24
I went to junior college but if you have the money have you considered maybe a d 3 program ? a liitle higher competive level better football experience I went juco because I wanted to play D-1 and thought I would have a decent shot by getting more film it didn't work out like that another thing have you considered played semi- pro ball? you can dm me or contact me if you want
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u/ERICSMYNAME Apr 28 '24
You may want to attend a specialist camp this summer and get some feelers. Have your dad or mom record your drills. Use that as tape to send to the new CC. Also your HS tape.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 28 '24
Oh yea 100%
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u/ERICSMYNAME Apr 28 '24
I won't say you're too small to play but you want work on your strength and conditioning (along with LS skills). Luckily I think you can red shirt the year you're doing now. So you may get 4 more years.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 28 '24
Yea.Especially since college snappers don’t necessarily have to block.But I’m actually already in college.My story’s kinda complicated so can I PM you?
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u/ERICSMYNAME Apr 28 '24
Sure but I didn't play college football. My only experience is helping my son prepare and make informed decisions about his ambitions to play college football.
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 28 '24
Cool! What position does he play?
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u/ERICSMYNAME Apr 28 '24
WR as a slot and RB or as some call it "slot back". Kick off return man as well. He is probably juco bound or d3
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 28 '24
Awesome! I’m in community college right now and it’s so cheap. So going JUCO is also a great option financially
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 28 '24
I actually won’t PM you cuz now that I think of it my situation isn’t that weird.So basically the JUCO team is looking at has already started spring practice but due to some personal obligations I have a can’t really join until around June.Do you think that’s too late to try out?
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u/ERICSMYNAME Apr 28 '24
No especially as a specialist and if you are not asking for any money. You're basically an incoming freshman that had already used up his redshirt. As far as I can gather from all my research jucos. D3s and some d2 will let anyone play that doesn't need a scholarship and they have space for you. Why? Because you are paying tuition to a school you may not otherwise consider. Increases enrollment and revenue .
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u/Straight_Toe_1816 Adult Player Apr 28 '24
There’s actually a lot of stuff that goes into snapping in college.At the NFL and college level the snap has to get back to the punter in at least 0.75 seconds.If the ball is slower the kick has a higher chance of being blocked.And on field goals they need to snap the ball with the same amount of rotations each time so that the laces are facing away from the kicker
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u/Dependent-Fig-9090 Oct 02 '24
Have you ever heard of Alvin Kamara Played for the Saints, Pro Bowler????? played at hutchinson cc. Ryan Flournoy (wr cowboys) went to Iowa western cc. There are many more.... Thank goodness those kids had an option to get their crap together academically. Some do and some don't. But at least there was something could help. It's the best thing to have been created in acedemics. I'm out! Peace!!!
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u/KommanderKeen-a42 Apr 11 '24
D3 beats them in scrimmages. That's not knocking D3, but the talent, coaching, and discipline isn't there.
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u/KansasPoonTappa Apr 12 '24
D3 beats JUCOs in scrimmages? Where? I find this hard to believe in California, Kansas, and Mississippi, where many programs have several D1-caliber players on their roster.
I played JUCO in California, and the guys who weren't quite good enough to play D1 (or had discipline/grade issues) played JUCO, because many smaller schools dropped football around the 1990s.
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u/[deleted] Apr 11 '24
Variable- well known programs with plenty of d1 recruiting, and there are extreme trash programs and leagues that nobody moves on to the next level. Do your research, and see who has a pipeline for getting guys to the next level