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I posted this on the CR board but thought it deserved some discussion here.
Contrary to reputation, Connecticut and the northeast do surprisingly well as a producer of NFL talent:
http://Post original url/1edQH3K
Maxpreps data (http://www.maxpreps.com/news/J_G3Ol...ery-active-nfl-player-went-to-high-school.htm) is also telling:
Connecticut high schools produced 24 current NFL players. That ties Indiana and beats Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska -- most of which have a larger population than Connecticut. On a per capita basis, Connecticut is nearly as good as New Jersey and beats Pennsylvania and Michigan and Maryland as a producer of NFL talent. Ohio is the only B1G state that is distinctly better on a per capita basis.
It's true that the other New England states and New York don't produce many high level football players per capita. But I think the entry of the B1G to the region will have a big impact on regional football interest. Also, Connecticut, though doing well already (~10 BCS level players and ~2 NFL players per year) can do better, and will. High school and UConn football are rapidly rising in importance here.
I think this is evidence that UConn can compete readily with most of the B1G in football, and would not bring down the quality of B1G football if we were invited. We are essentially at the B1G state average as a source of high-level football players; and if UConn in the B1G brings a greater emphasis on football regionally, in NY and NE, then we may even help the B1G recruit.
Contrary to reputation, Connecticut and the northeast do surprisingly well as a producer of NFL talent:
http://Post original url/1edQH3K
Maxpreps data (http://www.maxpreps.com/news/J_G3Ol...ery-active-nfl-player-went-to-high-school.htm) is also telling:
Connecticut high schools produced 24 current NFL players. That ties Indiana and beats Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska -- most of which have a larger population than Connecticut. On a per capita basis, Connecticut is nearly as good as New Jersey and beats Pennsylvania and Michigan and Maryland as a producer of NFL talent. Ohio is the only B1G state that is distinctly better on a per capita basis.
It's true that the other New England states and New York don't produce many high level football players per capita. But I think the entry of the B1G to the region will have a big impact on regional football interest. Also, Connecticut, though doing well already (~10 BCS level players and ~2 NFL players per year) can do better, and will. High school and UConn football are rapidly rising in importance here.
I think this is evidence that UConn can compete readily with most of the B1G in football, and would not bring down the quality of B1G football if we were invited. We are essentially at the B1G state average as a source of high-level football players; and if UConn in the B1G brings a greater emphasis on football regionally, in NY and NE, then we may even help the B1G recruit.
