Student-Athlete Spotlight: Taylor Jones – Football Recruit, Class of 2013

Taylor Jones, Football Recruit, Class of 2013

Today, we’re welcoming Taylor Jones, Offensive and Defensive Lineman from Princeton, Texas (Princeton HS). Among the rising senior’s most notable awards and honors includes having been named to the All-Academic District Team. Taylor was also invited to the National Underclassmen Ultimate 100 Camp in 2010 where he won the Strongest Man award, and he was invited again in 2012. In addition to football, he also competes in power lifting, golf and track & field.

Having been named to the All-Academic District Team, it’s clear that Taylor is a high achiever on and off the field. Ranking 24 in his class with a 3.8 GPA, he has his goals and priorities set. “Education is very important to me,” says Taylor. “I understand that you can’t play football forever, so I hit the books just as hard if not harder than the people I hit on the field. I want to graduate in the top ten percent of my class.”Taylor is a goal-setter, hard worker and team player. His goal for the Panthers: Win the state championship and for his teammates to continue their football careers in college as well. And of his many goals, Taylor’s biggest individual goal is to play at the next level.

Football is my first love and I would do anything to get to the next level, which is playing in college. – Taylor Jones on what playing football in college would mean to him

Currently, Taylor plans to major in Biomedical Engineering in college.

To watch game highlights or to learn more about Taylor Jones, check out his complete profile.

How To: Create a Winning Student-Athlete Profile

Your student-athlete profile is a great tool for getting your name out to college coaches. Because if they don’t know you, how can they recruit you, right?

Building a student-athlete profile is one of the first steps in the recruiting process, and it is essential that all student-athletes interested in playing at the next level have one. So to make this important step more user-friendly, we’ve designed a highly functional dashboard where you’ll be able to update your profile, upload photos, order student-athlete cards and more…We call it “My Locker Room.”

With My Locker Room, you’ll be able to easily create, edit and update your profile. So, by section, here are our tips for putting together a winning profile:

• Profile Picture: Your profile picture is the first thing college coaches will see when viewing your profile. Make sure it is a good one, where your face is clearly visible, like in a headshot. Next to your picture will be important initial information for college coaches, such as your sport, position and graduating class. You’ll also be able to add a hyperlink to your high school’s home page and list NCAA Eligibility Center ID Number.
• Photo Album: You’ll be able to upload up to five photos of yourself in action. The best pictures to include are ones of you competing or making a great play. Others could be practice pictures, pictures improving and building your strength in the weight room, pictures of you serving your community during a fundraiser or an event. It’s your opportunity to show coaches who you are.
• Academic Information: Out of all the section of your profile, this is the tab that will be viewed the most. Your strength, size and speed won’t matter if you don’t have the grades. There is nothing a coaches loves more than a student-athlete who makes school a priority as well. When it comes down to choosing between two student-athletes with the same athletic ability, the one with the grades always gets the scholarship.
• Personal Information: This tab gives college coaches a chance to get to know a little more about you outside of school and sports. It’s a great chance to share something coaches wouldn’t know, like extra-curricular activities or volunteer work.
• Student-Athlete Interview: To give college coaches a better insight into you and your goals, we’ve included the Student-Athlete Interview tab. Coaches love student-athletes that are driven and goal-oriented. Be sure to answer each of these five important questions thoroughly. Really take time in answering each of these questions with complete and detailed responses. And, of course, be sure to double-check your spelling and grammar. Here’s a great example: What is one of your classroom goals? Poor answer: Make straight A’s. Good answer: I am taking a lot of difficult classes this semester, but with hard work and determination, my goal is to make straight A’s!
• References: The References tab will give you the opportunity to highlight what others have to say about you, and it’s another great way for college coaches to learn more about you. You’ll have the ability to add up to three references, which can be changed or updated at any time. Reach out to your head coach, teacher, or someone in the community who knows you outside of sports who can provide a character reference. Although this section is optional, it’s another way to stand out to college coaches.
• Sport Specific Skills Tape: Having a Sport Specific Skills Tape is essential for all student-athletes looking to play at the next level. With a Sport Specific Skills Tape, you’ll have validated measurables, which will give college coaches an accurate method to evaluate you and your ability. Plus, it’ll give a college coach a chance to see you in action for themselves. A Sport Specific Skills Tape is filmed at one of our trusted training facilities located in the U.S. and Europe. You will be put through a series of sport specific testing and drills, using fully automatic timing devices (lasers) to ensure your times are accurate. We will capture your Sport Specific Skills Tape with high-definition cameras and have access to other pro-style amenities to make sure you have first class film to send off to college coaches.
• Embedded Video: The embedded video feature is a tool allowing you to showcase a highlight reel, game film or even a personal workout. College coaches watch film to rank and recruit student-athletes, and, in order to have a complete profile, it is strongly recommended that one be included.

To learn more about My Locker Room, click here.

Dear Coach Quinn – What are college coaches looking for when recruiting prospective student-athletes?

Dear Coach Quinn - What are college coaches looking for when recruiting prospective student-athletes?

Coaches are looking for 3 things: Character, Academics and Athletic Ability & Effort.

• Whether you’re on the field, in the classroom or out in your community, representing yourself well and as a person of character goes a long way. Coaches want to know that you’ll be reliable when it comes to attending practices and meetings, and that you’ll put 110% into all that you do. They’ll want to know that you’re a person of integrity, someone they can count on to represent the team well and someone who will bring good light to their program. Basically, they’ll be looking for a leader – someone who is accountable, reliable, dependable and responsible.
• Receiving an education is the reason you’re going to college, and earning a degree should be your priority. And when it comes to deciding between players of equal ability, academics can be a determining factor. Your transcript will tell coaches several things – your level of dedication, diligence and work ethic. Besides what you’re grades will show about your character, they’ll also open or close doors when it comes to eligibility. Academic standards for becoming and remaining eligible will vary by division, so if you want any playing time, you’ll have to make it a priority to meet these requirements.
• And, of course, your athletic ability will be evaluated. Along with your skills and abilities, your heart and effort are something coaches will want to see as well. Coaches want someone who will bring their A-game to every play, each practice and every game. They’ll want to know that you’re someone who is motivated, dedicated and determined to be successful. An athlete who puts in the time and effort is worth more than a talented player without that same drive.

To sum it all up, a student-athlete of character, who makes the grades and puts in the time and effort is the total package that college coaches are looking to find.

Do you have recruiting questions? Email your questions to Coach Quinn at JohnnyQuinn@TheAthleteWatch.com.

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Lizzy Harrison – Basketball Recruit, Class of 2012

This Saturday, we’re shining the spotlight on Lizzy Harrison a basketball recruit from St Albans, UK (Oaklands College Basketball Academy).

Lizzy not only plays for both the Academy and the Hertfordshire Warriors as a wing and small forward, she also competes in Track & Field and Swimming.

Over her years in basketball, Lizzy has earned some significant honors and awards, including the 2008/9 – Coaches Player of the Season Ipswich Bobcats U18’s National League and the 2010/11 – MVP Herts Warriors Senior Women’s Division 2 National League. She has also received several awards in Track & Field too: 2007/8 – U17’s Suffolk County Champion, High Jump, 2007/8 – U17’s English School’s National Competition, 10th High Jump, 2007/8 – U17’s National Indoor’s AAA, 7th High Jump, 2008/9 – Senior Women’s Suffolk County Champion, High Jump and 2008/9 – Senior Women’s National Indoor’s AAA, High Jump. And that’s not all, she’s competed in several tournaments as well. Those of note include: 2008/9 – UK Regional Tournament, 2010/11 – English School’s Final Fours, 3rd, 2010/11 – British College Final Fours, 1st (High School level), Top scored in these two tournaments – 20 PPG, 2011 – AASE (Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence) Tour to Germany and 2011 – Bluestar Europe Tournament, Crystal Palace, London. With a season high of 35 points, she is the leading scorer at Academy with an average of about 19.7 points per game.

Lizzy is just as dedicated and determined off the court – Her main goal is to earn good grades and strive to be in the top percentile of her class. In addition to sports and basketball, Lizzy has a love for painting and drawing, and currently plans to major in Fine Arts & Design in college.

I have been passionate about sport from a young age…I am committed, determined and hard-working and I have always been prepared to give what it takes to become a performance athlete. – Lizzy Harrison on what she would like for college coaches to know about her

Whether it’s sports or school, Lizzy is always pushing herself to improve and reach her highest potential.

Learn more about Lizzy – Check out her complete profile to view her basketball, academic and personal info, full student-athlete interview, references and skills tape.

Nominate a student-athlete to be featured by sending an email to info@theathletewatch.com.

How To: Prepare for the Recruitment Process – The Top 5 Things You Must Know

Whether you’re new to the recruitment process, or you’ve already begun, as you probably already know, the recruitment process is a long one. And before all of the many important steps you’ll take and decisions you’ll make, one of the biggest keys to success is in your approach and preparation.

So, here are our top 5 tips on how to prepare for recruitment success:

1. Be pro-active & Be committed. This one tops the list because this mentality is simply a must. The road to getting recruited is long, and you’ll have to work hard all throughout the journey. And, ultimately, it’s up to you to actively contact and connect with college coaches, get their attention and gain exposure.  So, no matter where you are in the process, be sure to stay committed from start to finish.
2. Start early, Start now. This goes hand in hand with being pro-active. Although college visits typically won’t begin until your junior year, there are still lots of steps to take in the years beforehand. It’s never too early to start working towards your dreams. In fact, several college athletes get ahead by beginning as early as junior high. In the end, you only go through the process once, so use any time left to your advantage and make the most out of it.
3. Do your research & Learn the rules of the game. The NCAA enforces several rules and regulations that you must follow to become and remain eligible. Be sure to study up!
4. Continue your development on the field. Learn where your strengths and weaknesses lie, then use that knowledge to improve and build on your skills and abilities. Another great way to build your skills is by going to camps and combines. By going, you’ll get evaluated and receive direct coaching from the staff. Plus, they’ll also be great resources for helping you understand your strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll know what areas you need to  work on when you head back home.
5. Focus on the student-side of being a student-athlete. It’s critical to work just as hard off the field as you do on it. Develop good study habits, time management and organizational skills as early as possible. College-bound student-athletes must be academically certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center to compete for Division I and II programs. However, college and university admissions requirements are usually more restrictive. It’s important to do your best all throughout high school, and it’s never too late to improve your grades. Plus, earning a high GPA and scoring well on the SAT/ACT will open doors to more colleges and to academic scholarships too. Your diligence, dedication and determination will show through too.

So, to put it simply, by taking a pro-active approach by starting early, doing your research and working to better yourself as both a student and as an athlete, you’ve learned the most important keys to recruitment prep and success.

Get started today with The Athlete Watch. And for more information, feel free to call us at 972.439.5829 or email us at info@theathletewatch.com.

Hopeful, North Texas Hall of Famer To Assist With 5th Annual Combine

By Warren McCarty, Published March 5th, 2012

MPIF announced on Monday that Johnny Quinn has been added to the staff for the 5th Annual MPIF Combine, which will take place on Sunday, May 20th at Falcon Stadium on the campus of Bushland High School. Coach Quinn will assist with athlete testing and will coach receivers at the camp. Quinn is the University of North Texas’ All-Time Leading Receiver, and was inducted into the University of North Texas Hall of Fame in 2011. He also was a track walk-on, and anchored the UNT 4 x 100 relay team to the fastest time in school history (39.92). He went on to play in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL before a knee injury ended his career. Quinn is a member of the U.S. National Bobsled Team and is an Olympic hopeful for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

“After many discussions with Warren McCarty and learning of his passion for helping student-athletes in the panhandle, it made sense to work together,” said Quinn. “As a former pro football player and a guy that was not recruited coming out of McKinney High School, I look forward to sharing my knowledge as well as helping these student-athletes who are looking to play at the next level. I did not receive a scholarship until two days before National Signing Day, which in turn gave me a great understanding of what it takes to achieve that goal when you don’t have college coaches knocking on your door and burning up your phone. I launched TheAthleteWatch.com to assist the student-athletes who have the hopes, dreams, and desire of playing at the next level.”

The Athlete Watch is a web-based platform for student-athletes to market their skills to colleges and universities around the nation. We are not a college recruiting service. 

Each student-athlete at The Athlete Watch will have a functional and visually appealing “Student-Athlete Profile” containing their up-to-date academic, athletic, personal information, sport action photos, and the option for video content.

The Athlete Watch has locations in Texas, Wisconsin, Kentucky, The United Kingdom, and is rapidly expanding. The company utilizes HD cameras, Dartfish Software, and various pro-style amenities to ensure that each student-athlete receives first-class film to send off to colleges and universities.

For more information on the 5th Annual MPIF Combine, direct inquiries to warren@mypassionisfootball.com or feel free to call (303) 809-7896.

This post originally appeared on My Passion Is Football. Republished with permission.

Big Welcome to Our 4 Newest Recruits!

We had an exciting week here at The Athlete Watch, and we’re happy to welcome our 4 newest student-athletes: Chandler Allen, Macy Schulte, Ian Dretzka and Andrew Fuller.

From Flower Mound, Texas (Marcus HS), welcome Chandler Allen, baseball recruit, class of 2012. He not only excels on the field as a pitcher, catcher and outfielder, but in the classroom as well as he currently holds a 3.6 GPA. During his years playing for both his high school and club teams, he’s made 2 notable tournament appearances: The USA 16U West Palm Beach in 2010 and WWBA South Qualifier Tournament in 2011. Chandler was also named to the 2011 Top 25 Prospect List (11) by the Perfect Game South Showcase and voted MVP at the December 2010 Ole Miss Senior Prep Division Hitting Camp. And looking ahead towards college, Chandler plans to major in Business & Sports Management, and hopes to continue his development as an athlete as well.

Be sure to check out Chandler’s profile and his skills tape: Chandler Allen

One of my individual goals is to improve in at least one aspect of my game everyday. No matter how small or big the improvement is, every little improvement counts towards going to the next level. – Chandler Allen on his individual goals

Our next big welcome is to our newest track & field recruit (who is probably smoking past everyone on the track as we speak), Macy Schulte, recruiting class of 2013 from Comanche, Texas (Comanche HS). Running for both her high school and the Comanche County Summer Track Club, she has earned several honors and awards, including: Regional Qualifier 400 m/800m/4X400 2010-2011, State Qualifier 4X400 2010-2011, Texas Relay Invitational Qualifier 4X400 and DMR 2010-2011, and Regional Qualifier 800m /400m/4X400 Relay 2009-2010. And those were just for track. Her cross country honors and awards include: District Champion, All Region 2011-2012, State Qualifier 2011 Cross Country MVP 2009-2010 and Cross Country MVP 2010-2011. Some of her most noticeable meets and races have been: 6-2A District Meet, UIL Region I, McNeil Inv. and the Abilene Turkey Trot 5K. Macy is just as dedicated off the track as she is on it – She currently holds a 3.7 GPA and is taking a few honors classes as well. We’re so excited to welcome such a phenomenal student-athlete!

I am determined to excel. I am willing to work hard and will “go the extra mile” to accomplish greater things. I dream of going to the Olympics! – Macy Schulte on what she would like college coaches to know about her

Playing at left tackle, welcome Ian Dretka, football recruit, class of 2015 from Wales, Wisconsin (Kettle Moraine HS). As a freshman, his immediate goal is to start on the varsity offensive line next year as a sophomore. And, ultimately, his goal is to be recognized for outstanding performance on the field at both the state and conference division level. Ian has set a high academic goal for himself as well – To earn an honors diploma. Having made the Honor Roll 1st Semester for the 2011-2012 school year, started his track record with a strong 3.2 GPA, and already enrolled himself in an honors course for this upcoming year, Ian has taken some great strides towards that goal. Self-described as determined, it’s clear that description fits. Because for this Kettle Moraine freshman, he doesn’t just set goals, he sets out to achieve them and takes every step necessary on to road to reaching them.

I am determined to go the extra mile, to finish the job and to do the job to the best of my ability. – Ian Dretka on what he would like college coaches to know about him

Also from Wales, Wisconsin (Kettle Moraine HS), welcome Andrew Fuller, football recruit, class of 2013. Playing both wide receiver and safety, Andrew is constantly pushing himself to improve, and not for individual gain, but for that of the team. This Kettle Moraine Laser’s team-oriented attitude and spirit really shine through in several of his goals, and especially his team goal – To perform at an even greater level together, maximize their shared athletic ability and, ultimately, win the state title together. Self-described as a hard-working, respectful go-getter, he aspires to become the best that he can be as both a student and as an athlete. Taking AP and Honors classes and maintaining a solid 3.16, Andrew is definitely on-track to reaching his dreams. And looking towards the future, he plans to major in Law.

It would mean more than anything for me to play football in college. It has been a lifelong goal of mine that I work every day for. – Andrew Fuller on what it would mean to play football in college

We’re so happy to welcome these four great recruits to The Athlete Watch! To learn more about each of these student-athletes, be sure to check out their complete profiles. Just click on a student-athlete’s hyperlinked name to head over to their profile!