Tae Williams

[Calinative]

Eh If I was broke and an absolute stud, I'd go to IMG. There everything will be payed for you, you wouldn't have to worry about eating, cause I'd assume they got you on a pretty strict nutrition program. And you're going to be in one of the best settings for a high school student athlete to succeed at becoming a better. Plus it serves as a complete college prep, which is nice. What IMG is supposed to do is allow you to hit the ground running your freshman year.

If I don't got to pay for ****, and they are providing me with all the tools I need to succeed, then yeah I'd go there. The only question is whats the future cost? I doubt they are making much money off the highschool football games to be paying for all this **** unless somehow they get money after you graduate and make the nfl or something. If there is something like that, I probably wouldn't want to go.

 

[TheOriginalCane]

My kids both did something similar so let me comment. The idea is that by going to an "elite" setting you will get better coaching, you will train with better competition at better facilities. Thus, you should get better sooner. If your top end is very high you will get there. Now, I am not saying that every program give the student that but I do know that some do. IMG started as a tennis program. It produced excellent results. Players from all over the world came to train and compete. I think the idea may be better in individual sports because you do not rely on teammates and can advance independent of others. But, in Europe the top professional football clubs all have similar programs..........

You hit the nail on the head. Heck, it might even work for hoops, but football has the largest overall "starting lineup" (24 players, including punter and kicker), and it is **** hard to avoid some overrated stiffs like Sitkowski.

I didn't realize that IMG can't move on to the Florida state playoffs, but it all makes sense now.

If IMG is going to remain relevant, they need to improve the coaching staff and eliminate the politics. Kids talk, and if IMG gets a reputation for poor player development, kids will stop going there.

 

[TheOriginalCane]

Tae will be at Deland High School going forward.

Tweed, how is Deland set up in the way of talent? Are they 4A? Back in the day (yes, I'm old), my Patriots (Lake Brantley) used to play Deland, but I think they are in different divisions now.

 

[Coach Macho]

The whole IMG thing is so wack.

It's not what high school football is supposed to be about. It's a **** academy. It has none of the allure that authentic high school ball gives you. You're not even eligible for the playoffs, so you have zero interest in actually winning anything when you go there.

And if you're good enough to get a scholarship from IMG, then you're good enough to earn a college scholarship while playing at a regular school.

So do you feel the same way about virtually every high school power house? Cause every one of them recruits their players just not on the same stage. Its a tired excuse honestly. Kids dont go to high school to be able to say this is what my team achieved look at me. Thats a bi product. From miami high back in the days,central,west,edison,gables etc. All of em take kids from outside of their region so how is it different from img?

Because at least you can say that you transferred high schools to win. (not just for exposure) And to be a apart of a better program.

And all these kids down here know each other anyway. A kid from Dillard can transfer to STA and likely already know half the team.
You think all the kids at IMG knew each other? They're from all over the country.

And truthfully, I don't approve of what most of the powerhouse programs do either. I think STA is a joke too. They take tons of Senior transfers every year. Kids who were developed by their home school coaches. Meanwhile they **** on the kids who were there since Freshman year.

Teams that are assembled like that tend to lack camaraderie and character, and often fold when they get punched in the mouth.(like STA does)
Why? Cause the team is filled with front-runners.

There's a difference between building a team...and assembling a team. I respect (and prefer) a team that's built. I've never been a fan of taking a bunch of upperclassmen transfers.

 

[Coach Macho]

Who really expects a high school coach to approve of programs like IMG? LOL

They're anti-everything we believe in.

 

[Saviorcane]

How’s the education at IMG ? Does it help prepare these kids for college?

 

[TpaBayFlyFisher]

Eh If I was broke and an absolute stud, I'd go to IMG. There everything will be payed for you, you wouldn't have to worry about eating, cause I'd assume they got you on a pretty strict nutrition program. And you're going to be in one of the best settings for a high school student athlete to succeed at becoming a better. Plus it serves as a complete college prep, which is nice. What IMG is supposed to do is allow you to hit the ground running your freshman year.

If I don't got to pay for ****, and they are providing me with all the tools I need to succeed, then yeah I'd go there. The only question is whats the future cost? I doubt they are making much money off the highschool football games to be paying for all this **** unless somehow they get money after you graduate and make the nfl or something. If there is something like that, I probably wouldn't want to go.

IMG is formerly known as International Management Group, a sports agency. I believe Mark McCormack founded it. So the idea is that you develop a kid, in any sport, and if, or when, they make it, IMG becomes their representation. They get a cut of all deals they land for the player. For tennis, some players pay for attendance. But, the top kids are there for free. My sister trained there before IMG bought out Nick Bollettieri who created the academy.

 

[Coach Macho]

A couple things...



1. This issue (transferring, front-running, etc) is a huge issue in SOUTH Florida. It is not as big of an issue in other parts of the state. Where I'm at now it's not that big of an issue. A lot of it stems from all these leaches that hang-out among the 7-on-7 camps. We don't have that over here. I don't know if people understand, but that's the main place you lose your kids. When the kid's high school coach is not around, the leaches come out. And the camps are a perfect setting for that. I mean, kids transfer over here but it's not as rampant as it is in South Florida. If you're winning, you'll keep your kids. In SOUTH Florida, you can be winning and STILL lose your kids to STA or Heritage. My buddy at WHS just lost their D1 Offensive Tackle yesterday to STA after having the best season in school history!

2. This isn't the 1990's anymore. If you're good, you're getting offers. Especially if you're located in South Florida. There's just way too many ways to be discovered today. Transferring schools might help kids who are on the fringe, borderline kids, but it ain't doing jack **** for the elite players. We've had plenty of players leave us, go to STA/AH and not receive any better offers. In all my years of coaching, the only kid I've ever seen benefit from a transfer is Juwan Dowels. Him playing beside a 5-star CB...and also adding 3 more games to his tape via the playoffs...helped him earn offers that he likely wouldn't have received at Western.
But I've coached at 2 unheralded high schools that weren't known to produce D1 recruits, and I've still seen coaches from almost every program in America. (The couple times we've actually had a legit prospect) No matter what school you're at, the coaches come around if you've got a legit player.

 

[Brooklyndee]

The whole IMG thing is so wack.

It's not what high school football is supposed to be about. It's a **** academy. It has none of the allure that authentic high school ball gives you. You're not even eligible for the playoffs, so you have zero interest in actually winning anything when you go there.

And if you're good enough to get a scholarship from IMG, then you're good enough to earn a college scholarship while playing at a regular school.

So do you feel the same way about virtually every high school power house? Cause every one of them recruits their players just not on the same stage. Its a tired excuse honestly. Kids dont go to high school to be able to say this is what my team achieved look at me. Thats a bi product. From miami high back in the days,central,west,edison,gables etc. All of em take kids from outside of their region so how is it different from img?

Because at least you can say that you transferred high schools to win. (not just for exposure) And to be a apart of a better program.

And all these kids down here know each other anyway. A kid from Dillard can transfer to STA and likely already know half the team.
You think all the kids at IMG knew each other? They're from all over the country.

And truthfully, I don't approve of what most of the powerhouse programs do either. I think STA is a joke too. They take tons of Senior transfers every year. Kids who were developed by their home school coaches. Meanwhile they **** on the kids who were there since Freshman year.

Teams that are assembled like that tend to lack camaraderie and character, and often fold when they get punched in the mouth.(like STA does)
Why? Cause the team is filled with front-runners.

There's a difference between building a team...and assembling a team. I respect (and prefer) a team that's built. I've never been a fan of taking a bunch of upperclassmen transfers.

Kids go to these schools for all sorts of reasons and not all teams like that simply fold. Img has won 40 + games in a row against by far the toughest schedule in the country annually. You realize obviously that my nephew went there. When he went he was already the #2 reciever in the country & top 20 period. He gave up all of that to ensure he was ready for this level of competition & prepped for the college workload (mentally & physically). He didnt sacrifice anywhere except on the field as he averaged a 4.0 accumatively & was offered by several ivey schools as well. We brought 5 kids with us that weve known since pee wee. I can agree with the principal reason for dissaproving but reali ty y is img isnt unique in that.neither is gorman,sta,colombus,etc etc. Its life now.

 

[Brooklyndee]

Eh If I was broke and an absolute stud, I'd go to IMG. There everything will be payed for you, you wouldn't have to worry about eating, cause I'd assume they got you on a pretty strict nutrition program. And you're going to be in one of the best settings for a high school student athlete to succeed at becoming a better. Plus it serves as a complete college prep, which is nice. What IMG is supposed to do is allow you to hit the ground running your freshman year.

If I don't got to pay for ****, and they are providing me with all the tools I need to succeed, then yeah I'd go there. The only question is whats the future cost? I doubt they are making much money off the highschool football games to be paying for all this **** unless somehow they get money after you graduate and make the nfl or something. If there is something like that, I probably wouldn't want to go.

IMG is formerly known as International Management Group, a sports agency. I believe Mark McCormack founded it. So the idea is that you develop a kid, in any sport, and if, or when, they make it, IMG becomes their representation. They get a cut of all deals they land for the player. For tennis, some players pay for attendance. But, the top kids are there for free. My sister trained there before IMG bought out Nick Bollettieri who created the academy.

Thats not true. Now img is completely independent of the agency. If you know nick than you probably know nancy. Nancy is the owner of the school & very transparent in that facet. When it was a tennis school the agency was involved now its nothing to do with the other.

 

[Calinative]

Eh If I was broke and an absolute stud, I'd go to IMG. There everything will be payed for you, you wouldn't have to worry about eating, cause I'd assume they got you on a pretty strict nutrition program. And you're going to be in one of the best settings for a high school student athlete to succeed at becoming a better. Plus it serves as a complete college prep, which is nice. What IMG is supposed to do is allow you to hit the ground running your freshman year.

If I don't got to pay for ****, and they are providing me with all the tools I need to succeed, then yeah I'd go there. The only question is whats the future cost? I doubt they are making much money off the highschool football games to be paying for all this **** unless somehow they get money after you graduate and make the nfl or something. If there is something like that, I probably wouldn't want to go.

IMG is formerly known as International Management Group, a sports agency. I believe Mark McCormack founded it. So the idea is that you develop a kid, in any sport, and if, or when, they make it, IMG becomes their representation. They get a cut of all deals they land for the player. For tennis, some players pay for attendance. But, the top kids are there for free. My sister trained there before IMG bought out Nick Bollettieri who created the academy.

Thats not true. Now img is completely independent of the agency. If you know nick than you probably know nancy. Nancy is the owner of the school & very transparent in that facet. When it was a tennis school the agency was involved now its nothing to do with the other.

okay so my question is, are there any strings attached?
I have a hard time believing the cost of these kids to go to this school and get all these benefits is completely payed for by the money they make with their football program. I mean I guess there really is no actual cost, but there is an opportunity cost involved. Or maybe the press that having this elite program brings to the school is all they really care about. They're able to say that in Football, the most popular sport in the US, they cultivate the most talent or whatever.

 

[Brooklyndee]

Eh If I was broke and an absolute stud, I'd go to IMG. There everything will be payed for you, you wouldn't have to worry about eating, cause I'd assume they got you on a pretty strict nutrition program. And you're going to be in one of the best settings for a high school student athlete to succeed at becoming a better. Plus it serves as a complete college prep, which is nice. What IMG is supposed to do is allow you to hit the ground running your freshman year.

If I don't got to pay for ****, and they are providing me with all the tools I need to succeed, then yeah I'd go there. The only question is whats the future cost? I doubt they are making much money off the highschool football games to be paying for all this **** unless somehow they get money after you graduate and make the nfl or something. If there is something like that, I probably wouldn't want to go.

IMG is formerly known as International Management Group, a sports agency. I believe Mark McCormack founded it. So the idea is that you develop a kid, in any sport, and if, or when, they make it, IMG becomes their representation. They get a cut of all deals they land for the player. For tennis, some players pay for attendance. But, the top kids are there for free. My sister trained there before IMG bought out Nick Bollettieri who created the academy.

Thats not true. Now img is completely independent of the agency. If you know nick than you probably know nancy. Nancy is the owner of the school & very transparent in that facet. When it was a tennis school the agency was involved now its nothing to do with the other.

okay so my question is, are there any strings attached?
I have a hard time believing the cost of these kids to go to this school and get all these benefits is completely payed for by the money they make with their football program. I mean I guess there really is no actual cost, but there is an opportunity cost involved. Or maybe the press that having this elite program brings to the school is all they really care about. They're able to say that in Football, the most popular sport in the US, they cultivate the most talent or whatever.

Its zero strings attached. Honestly from everything ive seen the cost of bringing maybe 30 kids and having them full scholarship (75k a year)is greatly offset because of how the school is marketed. Nancy is a genius in that for taking on the cost she brands the school as this powerhouse (in all sports)towards the upperclass people of the world. Being honest with ourselves how many people have kids who are legit players in their sport who will be ready to shine in college from day 1 thus that much sooner to go pro? Not many,yet as parents how many of us wanna believe our kid is so much better or has the potential to be so much better than everyone else? How bout everyone. Now tie in those same parents with an abundance of cash to burn & you have a flawless plan. 70% of that school pays their own way. Without the success of the sports teams that just wouldnt be possible. For our children & for our pets well spend anything...

 

[redcane]

IMG has built a strong brand in youth sports. I know a few people who have shelled out big bucks to send their kids their for baseball and soccer camps. I think it is like 2k for a week of camp. The world has changed a lot since I went to red berry's baseball camp every summer.

 

[Pete]

The whole IMG thing is so wack.

It's not what high school football is supposed to be about. It's a **** academy. It has none of the allure that authentic high school ball gives you. You're not even eligible for the playoffs, so you have zero interest in actually winning anything when you go there.

And if you're good enough to get a scholarship from IMG, then you're good enough to earn a college scholarship while playing at a regular school.

Let's see if one can supply some answers to why IMG.
1.Chance to play against best schools across the country.
2.If your playing for your local school,one week against 1-8 club,
next week 8-1.Very uneven competition.
3.Most of my class at IMG will be on scholarship.

 

[Bk1]

****.. quite the shade being thrown at a school where we have a handful of commits in the next couple classes.

This board never ceases to amaze.

What does throwing shade at the school have to do with our recruits? And it's not the school I hate, it's the concept.

I consider high school football a beautiful thing. Kids grinding together for years to pursue an ultimate goal. Watching them all grow together as young men. Then you add in the feeling of being at a big rivalry game, that "Friday night lights" feelings, the whole town shutting down to come watch the game, etc. Winning that big game and walking through the hallways on Monday with all your peers giving you props. Walking into local businesses and having people congratulate you. Watching a kid physically and mentally grow up from his Freshman year, blossoming into a young man and earning a scholarship.

The whole process is just amazing to me.
That's what HS football is all about. You don't get that with IMG.

Except winning....you spend all that time and effort woth NO trophy for a state title in the end....

 

[Coach Macho]

The whole IMG thing is so wack.

It's not what high school football is supposed to be about. It's a **** academy. It has none of the allure that authentic high school ball gives you. You're not even eligible for the playoffs, so you have zero interest in actually winning anything when you go there.

And if you're good enough to get a scholarship from IMG, then you're good enough to earn a college scholarship while playing at a regular school.

So do you feel the same way about virtually every high school power house? Cause every one of them recruits their players just not on the same stage. Its a tired excuse honestly. Kids dont go to high school to be able to say this is what my team achieved look at me. Thats a bi product. From miami high back in the days,central,west,edison,gables etc. All of em take kids from outside of their region so how is it different from img?

Because at least you can say that you transferred high schools to win. (not just for exposure) And to be a apart of a better program.

And all these kids down here know each other anyway. A kid from Dillard can transfer to STA and likely already know half the team.
You think all the kids at IMG knew each other? They're from all over the country.

And truthfully, I don't approve of what most of the powerhouse programs do either. I think STA is a joke too. They take tons of Senior transfers every year. Kids who were developed by their home school coaches. Meanwhile they **** on the kids who were there since Freshman year.

Teams that are assembled like that tend to lack camaraderie and character, and often fold when they get punched in the mouth.(like STA does)
Why? Cause the team is filled with front-runners.

There's a difference between building a team...and assembling a team. I respect (and prefer) a team that's built. I've never been a fan of taking a bunch of upperclassmen transfers.

Kids go to these schools for all sorts of reasons and not all teams like that simply fold. Img has won 40 + games in a row against by far the toughest schedule in the country annually. You realize obviously that my nephew went there. When he went he was already the #2 reciever in the country & top 20 period. He gave up all of that to ensure he was ready for this level of competition & prepped for the college workload (mentally & physically). He didnt sacrifice anywhere except on the field as he averaged a 4.0 accumatively & was offered by several ivey schools as well. We brought 5 kids with us that weve known since pee wee. I can agree with the principal reason for dissaproving but reali ty y is img isnt unique in that.neither is gorman,sta,colombus,etc etc. Its life now.

You make very valid points.

I'm just not with it, bro. Never will be.
I just don't think that's what HS football should be about. I understand times have changed though. It's big business now. Maybe I'm having a hard time coming to grips with that.

 

[MizCane]

The problem I see with S. Fl and most of the country is the attitude of most kids.

Its all about "gotta eat" "secure the bag" blah blah. Maybe I am just getting old but that **** is annoying.

 

[Canesfan3234]

some of you need to think about this from the point of view of a HS kid.

There is a place that wants to give you a full scholarship to go to a football school. At this football school, you will supposedly receive the best of everything. Training, coaching, equipment, nutrition, etc. I know I would have jumped at the opportunity to go to a prep school for hockey when I was their age.

Except they're not getting the best coaching, and I'd be ****ed if I moved all the way to IMG to have a kid like Pickowski passing me the ball

that's why I said supposedly. they sell themselves as the best of everything and unless you are there to know the difference, you buy it,

 

[Brooklyndee]

The problem I see with S. Fl and most of the country is the attitude of most kids.

Its all about "gotta eat" "secure the bag" blah blah. Maybe I am just getting old but that **** is annoying.

Its a bi product of what our youth has become (in large part due to social media)kids now are self entitled and scared to work for theirs. Its a real rarity to find a kid who turns away from handouts and simply grinds from day 1.

 

[Zanecane]

The problem I see with S. Fl and most of the country is the attitude of most kids.

Its all about "gotta eat" "secure the bag" blah blah. Maybe I am just getting old but that **** is annoying.

Its a bi product of what our youth has become (in large part due to social media)kids now are self entitled and scared to work for theirs. Its a real rarity to find a kid who turns away from handouts and simply grinds from day 1.

Glad we had you in BH's ear. If he didn't end up with Miami, who do you think he would have signed with? Was there a staff/coach he really connected with else where? School that refused to give up on him? Did IMG favour the kids choosing certain schools? Just curious for more insight on recruiting. Thanks