Patton Is One of the Best Athletes in Texas

Robert's doing his radio show until 1, then he's got some things to take care of after that, but he just texted me and said he'll answer your questions later this afternoon when he can jump on. Can I interest you all in a Marshall take while you wait?

Completely understand that.

CaliforniaCowboy said:

---

Thanks Robert. Nice write-up.

I noticed he was listed as 2A, which may be a reason why many other recruiting services have not mentioned him.

When I see the level of competition I always look at the kid(s) with an eye of suspicion too.... as in, can he really be that good, or does he just look so much better because of the competition?

My question is about your evaluation approach. What do you look for (or look at) when evaluating kids from lower levels (even 8-man football) that impresses you, especially when compared to the larger backdrop of other talented kids at more competitive levels?

What is it (to you) that makes the a kid like this stand out and impresses upon you that what you are observing could translate into success against better competition?

My question is sincere, I have no clue how to look at a tape of a 2A kid and translate that into 6A competition.

---

Okay this is a great question and is one that I, along with Robert, can answer!

So, yes overall 2A talent is not as superior as those in 5A and 6A. But at the same time, there are certain things that can be seen or understood about a prospect that makes it not so hard to evaluate lower divisions...

Some examples:

If a kid runs a 4.5 at 2A, he is also running a 4.5 at 6A. Speed is speed. If a kid is 6'2 at 2A, he is 6'2 at 6A. Size is size. This is what I refer to as definitives. Numbers that would remain the same no matter where. This comes into play with athleticism measurables.

Same goes for weight lifting numbers, vertical jumps, combine type workouts, etc. This helps you understand their bodies and their overall athleticism. Those numbers would be the same anywhere.

On the field, it can be tougher as they go against lesser talent at times.

Let's take a cornerback for example. If that CB runs a 4.5, shows the ability to track balls in the air, has good feet, and has balls skills, they already have the base skills/attributes and most of that is natural, not necessarily just because they are in 2A.

It is also expected that guys like that will dominate the competition at that level which is where your question stems from of how legit is this guy. There is typically a learning curve at the next level but that is expected with any prospect really. If you take someone with the right measurables and athleticism for a certain position and you teach them the correct schemes and ways to play, you would never know they came from a small school.

Guys like this will also show out at camps, 7v7, and scouting combines.

Big media wants to make it seem like there are certain limits on talent, which is why the star ranking system is a thing but stars aren't everything.

CanadianCowboy said:

---

Outstanding explanation, Marshall - I'm impressed

---

Thank you! Any time you have a question just let me know!

California ....You take the level of competition into account. Watch the tape and in Class 2A you won't see kids as big, as developed. You also account that there will not be as many athletes with above average speed. Those athletes, like Patton stand out and generally stand out even more than a top prospect playing in Class 6A or 5A. After watching games in person or video over years, you get a decent feel on caliber of competition. The thing about a good player, a player with speed, those guys stand out period.

The other aspect that you can take into account most of the time with the varying classes is that the larger classes, especially the football powerhouse schools have better weight rooms, better strength programs. In some cases, you will find players have access to personal trainers. I take all those into account because often a player from an advanced situation is going to be more fully developed. His arrival into a college program and working with a situation like Rob Glass at Oklahoma State won't have an much impact. In other words, what you get initially is not going to be much different throughout his college career. A player from Tenaha is going to develop more once he arrives on a college campus and begins working in an advanced strength and conditioning program.

Generally, good is good, fast is fast. The trick is being able to gauge or evaluate how good, how fast, and how much room to develop.

I should say that I feel Patton is really good, has excellent speed, but also has a ceiling to develop further.