HS FOOTBALL: College Combine coming to NEPA this spring

Area football players will have an opportunity to show off their skills, get an evaluation and meet with college coaches this spring.

Valley View High School coach George Howanitz has teamed with getrecruitedconsulting.com for a combine that resembles that held by the National Football League for prospective collegiate players.

The event is scheduled for May 26 at John Henzes/Veterans Memorial Stadium with registration from 3:15 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Testing and meeting run until 8 p.m. It is open to athletes from the Classes of 2022 through 2024. There will be skill tests and position specific drill work. Test numbers recorded will be sent to colleges across the country.

More than 40 NCAA coaches from Division II and III schools will attend in person to watch and evaluate the student-athletes. There will also be a College Fair afterward where players can meet with coaches and collect information about their programs.

The number of athletes able to participate in the combine will be capped. Interested athletes can register at getrecruitedconsulting.com at 2021 Showcase Valley View. Cost is $100.

“The big thing for us is that recruiting is way behind because college coaches are usually able to go to the schools and meet kids, but this year they aren’t able to do that,” Howanitz said. “This is a one-stop shop. We will time them in the 40, do the shuttle drill, the broad jump and position specific drills. Then, they will have the opportunity to meet the coaches with them afterward which is very important. We even tell them to bring a transcript because coaches are always interested in where you are academically.”