!: Why Isn't Michael Phillips of Bayside High School Getting Any BIG Offers?

I have been involved or associated with all levels of football for many years as a Player, Coach and Fan. There is just one question that puzzles me and it is a confusing one. Why isn't Michael Phillips of Bayside High School located in Virginia Beach, Virginia getting any football offers from major colleges? You the reader may ask yourself, "What does it matter if he gets any Big Offers"?

It matters a whole heck of a lot. Every year around this time, a countless number of High School Seniors receive offers to play football at major colleges. When I mention major colleges, I am talking about schools like the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and the University of Maryland to name a few. These young athletes are supposed to be at the top of their craft, the best, the cream of the crop. Many are and some will definitely slip through the cracks. So why doesn't 6ft 2in 270 lbs Michael Phillips II not have any offers. This kid is a dual player at the top of his game as an offensive and defensive lineman. As a junior, Michael was selected 2ND Team All-State (OT), 1st Team All Region (OT), 1st Team All District (OT), 2nd Team All District (DT), and Virginia Preps Underclassmen All State Team. His senior year production has been even better than his junior year.

If college football programs are recruiting players to make their programs better, then Michael should be on everybody's list. One college coach called Michael "the best fundamentally sound lineman in South Hampton Roads." WHAT GIVES COACH?

Why aren't you guys beating his door down? Oh, I almost forgot, they say he is undersized. 6 ft front pipes 270 lbs coming from High School is now undersized. There are many successful lineman in college and professional football that were labeled "Undersized". Here is a list of a few players that did well for their size. -Matt Lehr (OL) played at Virginia Tech then NFL-Zack Thomas (LB) played for Texas Tech then NFL-Wes Welker (R) played for Texas Tech then NFL-Denver Broncos Offensive Line Size isn't what really matters in this case. It's a players ' tenacity, dedication, strength and mental fortitude. Michael has it all and some. I know, I know, coaches want to see some big burly 6 ft 6in 320 lbs guy amass their sideline. It makes the game day photos look better. Development of a successful program takes special players who can beconsistent and dominating at their play. All I'm saying is don't recruit somebody, just because of their height and weight. How you play the game should be the major deciding factor in offering prospective recruits.

I asked Michael," How does it make you feel that you put all that hard work in trying to be the best you can be in school and on the field and nobody seems to be paying attention? His only response was,"Feels like I need to keep working to get better." What more can a kid do to turn the heads of major college scouts, when he has already proven that he can dominate on offense and defense while maintaining his class work. Nothing, because coaches would rather recruit inadequate players that look like adequate ones. Michael is going to continue his dedication and that one smart team that does offer him is going to get a gem.