I think the rise of CT football, not only UConn but HS, and even some of the smaller colleges and universities in CT to some extent (i.e., SCSU, UNH, Trinity), is due to a number of things. First, the kids are involved in one way or another year round. The kids that have aspirations are committed to getting better by training, going to camps, and participating in combines. They are bigger, faster, and stronger coming out of HS then ever before. Size and speed, alone can earn you a scholarship. It doesn't matter where you go to school or what your statistics are, if your big and you can run, someone will notice. Statistics help, but if you stand out at a camp or combine against equal competition, what you do during the your season may be irrelevant, especially if your team's not very good or the quality of the league your in is poor (i.e., Boeing Brown). Social media has changed the recruiting game. Kids know that and everybody has a highlight video on the internet medium in order to be noticed. Coaching has evolved, especially on the HS level. Coaching HS football has become a full-time job (less the full-time salary, unless your at a national power, like Don Bosco.) at many schools and the duties extend far beyond the regular season. The opportunities to become a better coach have increased, through seminars, camps, and clinics. HS coaches have taken advantage, by forming connections with NCAA, and in some cases NFL coaches (i.e., Jack Cochran), benefits themselves and their athletes. Having kids, and coaches, from CT and CT schools on national TV has played a role. JC has done that better then anyone that I can recall. He's helped place over 60 kids in D1 schools and had 10 play in the NFL over a 16 year coaching period. He'll be able to add a HOF'er to his resume once Dwight Freeney decides to hang the cleats up. CT kids are recognizing and taking full advantage of many ,if not all, of these avenues and FBS schools are starting to notice. Hopefully, our state university will continue to as well. The future looks bright.
