with Greg Powers
Recruiting Insider
Scout.com Network
Scout.com Network
Installment #2 of the Insiders Series brings an old friend back to Buckeye Planet. In 2005, the BPRT started receiving a flurry of inside information tips from a poster named "HighStreet." While the information was always reliable, HighStreet's greatest talent came in the talent evaluation area of recruiting as he was constantly starting new threads for prospects that had not even made it into the national recruiting databases. However, within a few weeks, most of the prospects discussed were major recruiting targets for big time D-1 schools. Of course, we all know HighStreet as Greg Powers now. Greg has quickly moved through the ranks at Scout.com and we have full confidence that he will continue that meteoric rise. The BPRT caught up with GP for a swing at the "Straight Six."
BPRT: How did you get started in this business?
GP: I actually got my recruiting start at THE BuckeyePlanet.com. My very first interview was with current Buckeye walk-on Eric Schwartz from Clyde, Ohio. I started just for fun and it went from there. I got my break with Scout.com when Bob Lichtenfels took me under his wing and showed me the ropes of the business. It has all been good from there. I owe a lot to my friends at BP and Big Bob.
BPRT: When evaluating recruits, what are some of the key attributes for which you look? Do you prefer combines or game film?
GP: I think you start with film. It is always better when you can use both, though. You want to have a good idea of what they are like in and out of pads. I think a big thing that goes overlooked at camps or combines is the ability to see how the guys interact with other rceruits or their coaches. Game film is the biggest. There are plenty of workout warriors, who do not amount to much on the field.
BPRT: Who has been your most memorable prospect?
GP: It would be hard to pick one of the group from Stoneburner, Adams, Posey, Brewster and Shugarts. All of these guys are very good to me, and have let me get a virtual inside look at the process from their vantage point. It has been a fun year in that regard. That being said I have to give some special props to my boy, Stoney. He came in to San Antonio without a single schollie, and basically kept me in the loop on a day-to-day basis. It was a great day when the Buckeyes stepped up with an offer.
Kurt Coleman was also pretty memorable for me. He was one of the most overlooked prospects in Ohio and then exploded on the scene after his film hit BP (via SunshinePreps). It was pretty cool when Coleman and Northmont's Coach Schneider called me basically right after they left Coach Tressel's office.
Lee Tilley would be another one....This list could go on and on...
BPRT: As technology and the internet grow, what changes do you see coming in recruiting?
GP: Boy it would be hard to think it could get more advanced than it is now. I think the new rule that banned text messaging will open the door to some more changes. We just may not know what they all are quite yet.
BPRT: Who are a few guys who "fooled" you - "sleepers" who had very successful college careers, or "blue chippers" who were busts?
GP: I think the guy who fooled me the most so far is Mike D'Andrea. I thought he was going to be the best linebacker to ever suit up for OSU. It just goes to show you how prescious it is. He had a ton of injuries to deal with and could never got the chance to even show what he could do. So in that sense he was not a bust, but certainly did not achieve anywhere near the amount of success of an A.J. Hawk.
Hawk would have to be the sleeper as well....Maybe Troy Smith.
BPRT: If your son was a major recruit, what advice would you give him about the process?
GP: Try to stay balanced. Always be honest with what you are feeling, or what you may tell a coach. It pays to be humble and show appreciation for all of the schools that offer you opportunities in life.
Oh, and get a separate cell phone for recruiting calls only. That way when you need to have personal time you can put it in a drawer. There are a lot of responsibilities for these guys at an early age, and they need to still be kids.
I would also urge them to not be hesitant to include a trusted family member or coach to help them field calls, plan their schedule, and help evaluate their decisions.
The BPRT would like to thank Greg Powers for taking the time to complete the "Straight Six." You can find more of Greg's articles and perspective at Scout.com.
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