Over 700 unsigned senior football players from throughout the region attended the 17th Annual Senior Football Showcase last Saturday at NRG. Two athletes in particular stood out: Setonji Adebodun, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound cornerback from Willowridge High School, and Daniel Peoples, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound offensive guard from Atascocita High School.
In an effort to gain collegiate prospects, both athletes displayed their skills in the hopes of impressing NAIA, Division III, and Division II coaches.
I played harder than the typical player because I wanted to demonstrate that I had heart. Peoples stated, “I wanted to show a level of physicality that was unmatched, even though they had a lot of players competing.”
As a three-year varsity starter, first-team all-district player, and two-time honorable mention, Peoples demonstrated his remarkable physicality and served as an example of how high school recruitment is changing.
There are fewer roster places available as a result of the transfer portal’s influence and the latest regulation that permits junior college players to compete for two years without it counting against their four years of eligibility. It is increasingly more difficult for many high school athletes, like Peoples and Adebodun, to go to bigger Division I institutions. More experienced, game-ready athletes are being given preference by college coaches over freshmen.
As an athlete, it was difficult, but I understand; it just makes me work harder to develop. Peoples added, “I had a few Division I schools looking at me my senior year, but the feedback was always the same, wanting more of an already developed Division I level player.”
As a three-year varsity starter, Adebodun, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound cornerback, recorded one pick-six, three interceptions, twelve pass breakups, forty-four tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and two blocked kicks in his senior year. He had a big influence during the showcase as well.
Taking part in the morning practice alongside his partner Tylon Rydolph, Adebodun attracted attention with his outstanding defensive skills in one-on-one drills, routinely stopping receivers.
Many coaches brought up my technique. “I attribute my technique improvement to my defensive coordinator, coach Michael Adams, and my position coach, coach Nicholas Harwell,” Adebodun remarked.
According to Brett Stewart, a showcase representative, this event was created for children who needed more chances to be noticed. More than thirty-five colleges are present today, seeking children who wish to demonstrate their ability to play. Opening our facilities and giving them the chance to flourish and follow their aspirations of playing at the highest level excites us.
More than 700 people attended the two sessions of the Senior Football Showcase. School districts closer to the building were served by the morning session, while districts farther away were served by the afternoon session.
Adebodun encountered difficulties with exposure, in contrast to Peoples, whose hiring process concentrated on preparedness for the next level. He had trouble getting college coaches to notice him despite his talent.
Adebodun added, “I didn’t take advantage of earlier camp opportunities and I didn’t put myself out there enough.”
At the Senior Football Showcase, Andrew Sorenson, assistant football coach at Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota, highlighted that an athlete’s social media presence, coach approachability, and effective communication are important elements that can increase their chances of being recruited.
Post on Twitter to get your name out there, Sorenson advised. Film is necessary, as are clips to support everything, but game film is most crucial. Athletes should be approachable to coaches because, regardless of their skill level, you never want to ruin a relationship with someone who wants you to play for them, even if you don’t like their school. You never know where that coach might end up in the future.
People with offers from Avila University, William Penn University, and William Woods University entered the showcase. The occasion gave him a great chance to meet coaches face-to-face, inquire about possible positions in their programs, and fortify his collegiate prospects.
In McPherson, Kansas, Adebodun entered with an offer from McPherson College and left after receiving interest from Wayland Baptist University, William Penn University, and William Woods University.
The showcase demonstrated how college football recruiting is changing and how important it is for these kinds of events to give underappreciated but gifted athletes like Peoples and Adebodun the recognition they require to advance.
