Football Fridays in Georgia: Evolution of National Signing Day

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Caitlyn Soroka, Brookwood Kicker, signs with Andrew College Football

Credit: instagram.com/caitlynsoroka

This episode delves into the complexities of National Signing Day, exploring its evolution and impact on both athletes and coaches. Jon and Hannah kick off the discussion with a lighthearted, albeit slightly dated, analogy to "New Coke," highlighting the shift from the traditional signing day to the relatively new early signing period in December. They emphasize, however, that the traditional signing day, now dubbed "Signing Day Classic" by Jon Nelson remains significant, particularly for schools outside of Division I football.

The episode then shifts its focus to the experiences of coaches navigating this changing landscape. First, Travis Roland, head coach of Camden County High School discusses the challenges of managing recruiting for his players, emphasizing the importance of clear communication among his staff and the difficulty of finding the right fit for each athlete, considering both their athletic and academic abilities. He highlights the "flowchart" of recruiting, where Division I schools pluck talent from lower divisions, creating a ripple effect that impacts everyone down the line. 

The conversation with Coach Roland also touches on the recruitment of his star player, Elyiss Williams, by the University of Georgia. Coach Roland describes the constant attention from Georgia coaches and their diligence in maintaining relationships with recruits, even after commitments are secured.  

Next, the podcast features an interview with James Miller, head coach at Reinhardt University. Coach Miller sheds light on the staggering number of recruits Reinhardt signed (52 on National Signing Day) emphasizing the hard work of his staff and their focus on in-state talent. He explains how staying in Georgia helps their recruiting budget go further and allows for more personalized interaction with recruit and how the early signing day has actually helped them by clarifying the landscape of available players. He also notes that the second signing day window is where they compete against other NAIA schools, Division IIs, and junior colleges.

Finally, the episode concludes with an inspiring interview with high school kicker, Caitlyn Soroka, who recently committed to Andrew College. Caitlyn shares her experiences as a female athlete navigating the recruiting process, discussing the logistical challenges she faced and the importance of finding a school that was willing to accommodate her needs. She also speaks to the roadblocks she faced because of her gender and how Andrew College was able to overcome these. She offers advice to other female football players, encouraging them to be relentless and surround themselves with supportive people. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in athletics, and the importance of creating opportunities for all athletes, regardless of gender.