“It used to be, you talk to a kid on the phone, then you send him something in the mail,” Whitcomb says. “Now, he can look at the app, at all the updated stuff we have, on his iPad while we’re on the phone” (Schnell). Recruiting letters used to be done on typewriters and customized by hand. Now, they are emailed, sent in the mail, and some coaches even hand deliver them with handouts, pamphlets, and college paraphernalia. In the early 1900’s, cell phones were not around and there was no such thing as email or social media. Nowadays, however, those are three things greatly affect the recruiting game. Coaches can use a variety of apps to stay up to date on athletes. These apps let coaches know where they are playing and can even let coaches communicate with them. Technology has made huge improvements over the years and has truly changed the recruiting game.
Popular Websites:
There are many websites used for recruiting, such as websites to upload highlight videos, watch film, or get in contact with college coaches. Some of those websites include Hudl, Krossover, and CaptainU. Hudl helps analyze video, track stats, manage feedback, and make highlight videos all in one place. This site is a really great way for athletes to advertise themselves and also take their game to the next level. Krossover is a tool used to stream and watch full games, review stats, and help teams improve their game. CaptainU provides tools for athletes and coaches to communicate, promote themselves, build teams, and find schools. Over 2 million athletes and 5,000 coaches use these websites and these are just a few of the most popular sites used for millions of coaches and athletes around the nation.
Highlight Videos:
Highlight videos are a must when looking to be recruited by potential colleges. Technology advancements on laptops, phones, and editing software has made this process so much easier and more simple. A highlight video can have a huge impact on if you are recruited or not. Some factors include: quality of video, duration, music, skill shots, and if the athlete has clearly identified themselves. Who would have thought a college scout would recruit a player online or based on a video, rather than seeing them in person? In today’s world, scouts recruit players from across the world and we are fortunate enough to have the technology to “interview” for a position online.
Social Media:
Social media has exploded and most of it has been within the last several years. Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are some of the most popular sites used in the world. Iowa State director of scouting, John Kuceyeski said, “If you want to be a good recruiter in today’s college football, you have to be on social media.” College coaches are at a disadvantage if they are not as tech savvy. Coaches and scouts can now watch players on social media and follow what they post; not only to watch their videos and skills, but to ensure they are recruiting a reputable, mature athlete with good morals. A popular app athletes can use is the NCSA Sports App. Athletes can search and explore colleges, rosters, open spots on teams, and coaches across the nation. Social media is easily accessible and used to communicate quickly and effectively. Coaches are relating to the athletes and joining their world of social media.
Real World Examples:
There are 8 million students who play high school sports in the U.S., but only 480,000 will have the opportunity to play and compete at the collegiate level and only 2 percent go onto play professionally. A number of famous athletes gained their popularity and became well known from the internet. Some of those include: Tim Tebow, Floyd Mayweather, Lolo Jones, and Chad Johnson. They all gained millions and millions of followers on social media, which helped up their game as well as get their name out in the world. Many athletes will connect with fans via social media by posting photos and keeping followers up to date on their lives. Who knows if they would still be as popular without social media. It is definitely an effective way to stay up to date on the latest news.
Overall Experience:
Technology is everywhere. It is at a new fancy HD movie theater, online where people can order any and everything online, and even to customizing jerseys and gear online. Players can stand out on the field orcourt, elevate their skill, and take their game to the next level. Professional football players get new gear nearly every game and a lot of have customized helmets, gloves, shoes, etc. Nearly every athlete knows the saying “when you look good, you play good.” Even though it may be partially mental, it affects your game and how you play. All students looking to play in college want to be noticed by scouts and their dream college. This may be in person, online, through recruiting website/apps, social media, or because of their sweet gear.
History of Technology in Sports:
“It used to be, you talk to a kid on the phone, then you send him something in the mail,” Whitcomb says. “Now, he can look at the app, at all the updated stuff we have, on his iPad while we’re on the phone” (Schnell). Recruiting letters used to be done on typewriters and customized by hand. Now, they are emailed, sent in the mail, and some coaches even hand deliver them with handouts, pamphlets, and college paraphernalia. In the early 1900’s, cell phones were not around and there was no such thing as email or social media. Nowadays, however, those are three things greatly affect the recruiting game. Coaches can use a variety of apps to stay up to date on athletes. These apps let coaches know where they are playing and can even let coaches communicate with them. Technology has made huge improvements over the years and has truly changed the recruiting game.
Popular Websites:
There are many websites used for recruiting, such as websites to upload highlight videos, watch film, or get in contact with college coaches. Some of those websites include Hudl, Krossover, and CaptainU. Hudl helps analyze video, track stats, manage feedback, and make highlight videos all in one place. This site is a really great way for athletes to advertise themselves and also take their game to the next level. Krossover is a tool used to stream and watch full games, review stats, and help teams improve their game. CaptainU provides tools for athletes and coaches to communicate, promote themselves, build teams, and find schools. Over 2 million athletes and 5,000 coaches use these websites and these are just a few of the most popular sites used for millions of coaches and athletes around the nation.
Highlight Videos:
Highlight videos are a must when looking to be recruited by potential colleges. Technology advancements on laptops, phones, and editing software has made this process so much easier and more simple. A highlight video can have a huge impact on if you are recruited or not. Some factors include: quality of video, duration, music, skill shots, and if the athlete has clearly identified themselves. Who would have thought a college scout would recruit a player online or based on a video, rather than seeing them in person? In today’s world, scouts recruit players from across the world and we are fortunate enough to have the technology to “interview” for a position online.
Social Media:
Social media has exploded and most of it has been within the last several years. Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are some of the most popular sites used in the world. Iowa State director of scouting, John Kuceyeski said, “If you want to be a good recruiter in today’s college football, you have to be on social media.” College coaches are at a disadvantage if they are not as tech savvy. Coaches and scouts can now watch players on social media and follow what they post; not only to watch their videos and skills, but to ensure they are recruiting a reputable, mature athlete with good morals. A popular app athletes can use is the NCSA Sports App. Athletes can search and explore colleges, rosters, open spots on teams, and coaches across the nation. Social media is easily accessible and used to communicate quickly and effectively. Coaches are relating to the athletes and joining their world of social media.
Real World Examples:
There are 8 million students who play high school sports in the U.S., but only 480,000 will have the opportunity to play and compete at the collegiate level and only 2 percent go onto play professionally. A number of famous athletes gained their popularity and became well known from the internet. Some of those include: Tim Tebow, Floyd Mayweather, Lolo Jones, and Chad Johnson. They all gained millions and millions of followers on social media, which helped up their game as well as get their name out in the world. Many athletes will connect with fans via social media by posting photos and keeping followers up to date on their lives. Who knows if they would still be as popular without social media. It is definitely an effective way to stay up to date on the latest news.
Overall Experience:
Technology is everywhere. It is at a new fancy HD movie theater, online where people can order any and everything online, and even to customizing jerseys and gear online. Players can stand out on the field orcourt, elevate their skill, and take their game to the next level. Professional football players get new gear nearly every game and a lot of have customized helmets, gloves, shoes, etc. Nearly every athlete knows the saying “when you look good, you play good.” Even though it may be partially mental, it affects your game and how you play. All students looking to play in college want to be noticed by scouts and their dream college. This may be in person, online, through recruiting website/apps, social media, or because of their sweet gear.
References:
Agrawal AJ. December 21, 2015. "3 Ways Technology Has Changed the Sports Industry". Inc. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/aj-agrawal/3-ways-technology-has-changed-the-sports-industry.html
CaptainU. 2016. "We are CaptainU." Retrieved from https://www.captainu.com/about
Depta, Laura. April 16, 2015. "Athletes Made Super Famous by Social Media." Sports Lists. Retrieved from http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2433008-athletes-made-super-famous-by-social-media
Rockovich, Ingrid. N.d. "How Technology Has Changed College Recruiting For Coaches." NCSA. Retrieved from http://www.ncsasports.org/blog/2015/03/28/how-technology-has-changed-college-recruiting-for-coaches/
Schnell, Lindsay. June 22, 2015. "Technology in college football: How can mobile apps impact recruiting?" Sports Illustrated. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/college-football/2015/06/22/college-football-technology-recruiting-apps