--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The following preview is exclusive to members of the media covering local high school players as well as those considering a piece focusing on the rise in college scholarships being offered well before student/athletes ever step into a high school. Alan Popadines, Youth1’s football National Scouting Director/Football Editor, is available for interviews/email inquiries at APopadines@Youth1.com.
Who: Youth1 Media, the nationwide resource for year-long youth sports coverage and content focusing on athletes in grades six through eight
What: is debuting its highly anticipated Class of 2020 Freshman450 and 700 player Watch List on Youth1.com tomorrow. The lists represent an in-depth examination of developing talent nationwide observed by attending events, viewing highlight videos, speaking with coaches and interviewing players.
Significance: As the Freshman450 marks its fourth year, Youth1 reports a five-times-over surge in college-scholarship offers to this age group
Commentary: “College football programs are actively and aggressively pursuing middle-school-aged youth football standouts, causing a firestorm on both sides of the discussion for and against such practices. Some argue youth football is catching up, so to speak, with youth basketball, hockey and soccer – where the signing of 13-year-olds is commonplace in the latter two. And, at a time when we have teens representing our country on the world’s biggest sports stage – the Olympics – the question of ‘How old is too young?’ could not be more relevant,” said Popadines.
Breakdown: The following is a breakdown of the number of players to watch by state followed by the number of scholarship-offer athletes in parentheses. For a complete list of names/hometowns/high schools, email carin@cmmstrategic.com:
Alabama: | 8 | ||
Arizona: | 8 (1) | ||
Arkansas: | 1 | ||
California: | 55 (7) | ||
Connecticut: | 8 (1) | ||
Delaware: | 2 | ||
Florida: | 67 (7) | ||
Georgia: | 55 (10) | ||
Hawaii: | 5 (2) | ||
Illinois: | 5 | ||
Indiana: | 5 | ||
Iowa: | 1 | ||
Kansas: | 2 | ||
Kentucky: | 8 | ||
Louisiana: | 12 (1) | ||
Maryland: | 15 | ||
Massachusetts: | 5 (1) | ||
Michigan: | 10 (5) | ||
Minnesota: | 3 | ||
Mississippi: | 6 | ||
Missouri: | 5 | ||
Nevada: | 10 | ||
NJ: | 17 | ||
North Carolina: | 12 (1) | ||
NY: | 3 | ||
Ohio: | 8 (1) | ||
Oklahoma: | 3 | ||
Oregon: | 7 | ||
Pennsylvania: | 2 | ||
South Carolina | 4 (1) | ||
South Dakota: | 5 | ||
Tennessee: | 19 (2) | ||
Texas: | 50 (1) | ||
Utah: | 4 | ||
Virginia: | 15 (7) | ||
Washington: | 7 | ||
Wisconsin: | 1 |