Why The Best Football Recruits Are From the South

As the 2009 college football season begins to wind down, new coaches and teams across America will begin to restock their teams with top talent in February 2010. As the stories and dramas begin to unfold over the next few months, there is little doubt that the top players once again will come out of southern high schools. These are the theories as to why that may be the case. 

Number 1: Florida, Florida, Florida —There is no doubt that Florida produces more top talent than any other state. Football is a 12-month game in the sunshine state. Chances are good that there is a playmaker from Florida on most college football rosters.

Number 2: Football is Top Priority —Football is the dominant sport in the South. Yes, there is some basketball and baseball, however, it is football that draws the largest crowds from Texas to Virginia each year. Other sports like hockey and lacrosse are almost non-existent and draw very little interest.

Number 3: Early Development —Kids are developing for the game at an early age. Maybe the weather down here has granted more time for kids to develop, but wow, watching some of youth leagues down here running the spread offense at the age of ten is incredible.

Number 4: The Changing Midwest and Prep Football —Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State are traditional programs and the Midwest has produced some top-notch football players. Unfortunately, this has changed over the last twenty years because of a changing economy. The steel mill kids are no longer around because the factory system is no longer around. Many of these families have moved to other parts of the country for survival. Yes, Ohio State is great program and Penn State is having a great year, however, the bowl records of these schools against the likes of the SEC and PAC-10 cannot be disputed. Midwestern schools are heavily recruiting from the south as much as possible. 

Number 5: Dominant Prep Football —Nationally, prep football teams throughout the south are much better than the rest of the country. Just look at the rankings among public schools down here. Also, beyond Florida, high school football is excellent throughout Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Carolinas.

Credit and Respect for California and Ohio - There is no doubt that credit and respect must be given to prep football in California and Ohio that definitely produces the talent. Even though they can't seem to win the big game, Jim Tressel has done an outstanding job at keeping the top Ohio talent in the Buckeye state. It would be nice to see them beat a PAC-10 team this year, however, that Oregon squad looks awfully fast.