Anela Willis found that the there were more positives to the recruiting process than negatives. Her son Reuben is a Sophomore linebacker at Utah State University. Before moving to his new home in Logan, UT Willis spent a year at El Camino Junior College where he earned All-Central Conference honors.
Before Reuben enrolled at Utah State, Anela traveled the country, met with coaches, toured facilities on campus and explored every possible alternative before deciding on the Aggies.
"Upon learning all the perks of college football...lifestyle, seeing what all these amazing schools had to offer and also meeting some of the most amazing men (coaches) some who were very sincere and others who it was just a job and going through the motions...I was able to see what coaches have to go through," Anela said about her experience.
"To be honest every school we visited with him from oregon, arizona, byu, utah, cal, san diego st, utah state - all the schools had something great to offer."
Although each athlete has their own unique experiences, portions of Anela's story are similar to the experiences of other parents. It is a difficult and ultimately life altering experience.
Alema Te'o who coaches high school athletes at Bountiful High School and is the President of All Poly Sports, a full contact football camp held every year in Salt Lake City, gives us a sample of what parents should expect.
"Coaches look at the Big Three: Size, Speed and Agility.'
"Recruits must keep the following things in mind, their academic status (clearing house, test scores etc..), [whether or not] they want to stay close to home or go out of state, what school fits their major and if the program and the football program's scheme fits their abilities."
Perhaps the most important advice Te'o can give to young athletes and their parents is, make sure you develop good study habits and maintain good grades throughout high school.
"Start by developing good study habits, be on time, be responsible with your studies, practice making good choices."
Recently appointed Utah State running backs coach Ilaisa Tuiaki adds, "If someone is behind in school, their chances of being recruited go way down."
Tuiaki also suggests that all athletes prepare a highlight video to send out to potential colleges and coaches.
Most coaches are looking for a specific quality in their players and Tuiaki is no different.
"I look for the high intensity, high motor player. That means I am looking for the kid that is running everywhere. I want the kid that is chasing guys down from the back and running to the ball when the play goes away from him. This is a learned habit. Your high school coach might not be used to teaching this and that is why we think it is more of a personality trait more than a trained habit."
Finally, Tuiaki says that when shopping around for colleges, "Don’t be picky. Sometimes you are a good player but you just don't fit into the numbers that certain schools are looking for. Recruiting is a numbers and needs game. One college can't take every kid they love. You need to be up front and precise about what you want and ask what the college wants."
Bottom line, although there are more and more Polynesian athletes moving on to fulfill athletic and academic obligations across the nation, there are a lot of things to keep in mind.
Before you go shopping:
1) Know what you want - Decide which colleges are best for you and provide what you need to succeed.
2) Prepare now - Have good study habits and be prepared to workout harder than you ever have before.
3) Do your own scouting - Learn about the schools you are interested in, talk to former players.
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