Will D1 football coaches stop recruiting JC prospects?

SDSU's Rocky Long

Junior College football recruits should not expect a phone call anytime soon from the staff San Diego State.

In an article by San Diego Union Tribune sports writer Brent Schrotenboer (@Schrotenboer), the Aztecs are stocking their rosters with high school recruits and will no longer recruit junior college players unless there’s an urgent need for it.

“We’re not going to recruit JC guys unless there’s a void,” said Long, San Diego State’s new head coach.

According to Schrotenboer, 77% of the JC players signed by SDSU since 2002 failed to make any significant impact on the program.

Is this a rising trend in Division I football recruiting or merely an isolated case? Proponents of JC recruiting will argue that bringing in JC players - even if they have only 2 years of remaining eligibility - is a vital component to Division I recruiting strategies. After all, household names like Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton both excelled at the JC level before shining at their alma maters, Cal and Auburn, respectively. 

On the other side of the argument, opponents will point out that Juco players can be risky investments for D1 coaches. It's no secret that Juco transfers often struggle to make the academic transition when they transfer to 4-year schools. Such was the case for many of the JC players recruited by SDSU in past years.

What are your thoughts on this? Please post your comments below.

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Rex Grayner
Student-Athlete Showcase (SAS)