The great thing about the recruiting process – especially when it comes to football – the opportunities to attain a scholarship are now endless.
While there are “small college recruiting fairs” held throughout the state of Florida, it is simply not enough for many of these young men who have achieved on the football field as well as the classroom.
As we all know by now, the world of college football recruiting is complex and never easy to figure out, but in south Florida, things are indeed changing – with more colleges having programs and providing opportunities for these young men who have gotten it done in the classroom as well as on the athletic field.
Thanks to the Orange Bowl Showcase, the playing field has indeed been leveled off – and getting high school senior football prospects recognized is better than it has been.
For the past three years, some very hard-working people made a difference - with the Orange Bowl Showcase that truly received some very positive results, and assisted in the process. Last year alone, 69 student athletes received scholarships from the event – with 41 Colleges present. Nearly 30% of those who participated were recruited. In end, an estimated total aid provided at the Orange Bowl Florida High School Football Showcase was an impressive $1,218,944
As they move toward the fourth year, this coming Saturday, the Orange Bowl, in association with the National Football Foundation (NFF), and its local chapters, will host this year’s annual showcase presented by Cleveland Clinic Florida. The free one-day event will take place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens (16401 NW 37th Ave).
Academically qualified high school senior student-athletes from Florida are invited to participate in the showcase, and will partake in a series of tests and drill highlighting their athletic ability in front of top college coaches from across the country, including 7-on-7, bench press, 40-yard dash, and more.
Participating coaches and university representatives in attendance will evaluate student-athletes and discuss their respective football programs as well as scholarship opportunities with the participating student-athletes during the daylong event providing student-athletes an unprecedented opportunity to earn collegiate scholarships, and ultimately, a college degree.
Among the schools expected to be on hand includes: ASA Miami, Ava Maria, Keiser University, host St. Thomas University, Florida Memorial University, Webber International, Ohio Northern, Wesley College, Southwestern University, Saint Vincent College, Avila University, Nichols College, Muskingum University, Methodist University, Lawrence University, Concordia University Chicago, Lincoln University Missouri, Coe College, Manchester University, North Park, Beloit College, Monmouth College, Florida Tech, Heidelberg University, Allegheny College, Graceland College, Dakota State and Aurora University to name a few.
Among those instructing this year are Brady Quinn, Quadtrine Hill, Jonathan Vilma, Tony Coley, and Henri Crockett among others.
“This is a great event that has proven to get results for the colleges and the student/athletes,” said Chairman Matthew Morrall. “We are very proud to host this and give these young men an opportunity to further their education and play football at the next level.”
To be eligible to participate in the 2020 Showcase, students-athletes must be a graduating high school senior who has not accepted a scholarship offer from an NCAA Division I (Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision) football program. In addition, they must meet the following academic qualifications:
• Earn a 2.5 GPA or higher in 16 Core Courses (please visit http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/core-courses for a description of NCAA Eligible Core Courses).
• Earn an SAT score of 920 (math and verbal only) or higher on new format (SAT exams taken after March 2016).
• Have a composite ACT score of 18 or higher or a sum score of 68 or higher.
An information session will take place during the showcase activites from 10:00
am - 12:30 pm, to educate parents on financial aid, NCAA eligibility requirements and much more. We encourage you to attend this session to learn more about putting your student-athlete in the best position to be successful.
SCHEDULE
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Registration
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. - Student-Athlete Welcome
9:15 a.m. - 9:25 a.m. - College Coaches Welcome
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Linemen Drills / Skill Players Testing
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Skill Players Drills / Linemen Testing
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - 7 on 7 Games / Student-Athletes Meet with College Coaches
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
During showcase activities the only persons permitted on-site are event staff, participants, high school coaches and participating colleges.
Parents will be allowed to join after all football activities have concluded.
Scouts and recruiters are NOT permitted at the Showcase.
Students must provide their own transportation to and from the venue.
Students are encouraged to bring two pairs of shoes (football shoes and running shoes).
Students are encouraged to bring extra copies of transcripts and test scores.
Water will be provided.
Register for the event: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07egou3ezhce121e39&oseq=&c=&ch=