I am about to start watching film. I do so for my youngest from time to time–especially when I think I can offer some knowledge or suggestion to help him gain an edge in the game. He needs every edge he can get, because his team is flat out terrible. The problem is getting worse. The star freshman player making plays at the varsity level has seen enough. He’s headed to another school in the spring in order to make sure he is eligible to play for them in the fall. This means that for yet another year in a row we watch talent leave the school and become a big name somewhere else. I don’t know what to do at this point to help his team be successful, so I focus on helping him be successful and being the best player in the state at his specific position. What position is that? He wants to be a cornerback, but presently his DB coach wants him to play safety. He can do it. He has the physical form for the job, but at the corner position he could blossom into an NFL talent. I don’t know that the same can be said at safety. Perhaps he can, after all, his brother who is also a natural corner is playing safety this season and making plays –big ones–in every single game. It is hard to change direction when you have your heart set on one thing.
It is hard to find personal success in an organization with little fan support and a growing history of losing. So for now I am focused on one game at a time. Perhaps this is the big time lockdown CB game and WR breakout game he needs to establish himself as someone coach can put in at the next level this season. While that remains to be seen, he only has two games to show it. Both appear winnable. This one more than the other. I’m looking forward to helping him sort it all out.