Pitt FB Recruiting
Parent’s Feel Pressure Too
Many people underestimate the pressure that’s on a high school football players when he’s getting recruited.
Keep in mind, these are 17-18 year old kids that are getting pushed and pulled in a million directions from college coaches. Then if that athlete is on social media, fans from all over the country are constantly sending them messages (both good and bad).
As a parent myself, I can only imagine what’s going through the minds of the parents of some of these highly recruited kids.
Central Catholic 4-star cornerback Damar Hamlin is one of the most highly recruited athletes in the country. Every major school in the country has offered him. As of today, Hamlin has narrowed his list to Ohio State, Penn State and Pitt.
I had a chance to talk with Hamlin’s father, Mario, about the whole recruiting process as it pertains to his son.
“My mindset and emotions with my sons big decision weeks away are that I’m glad he decided to wait this long. You get a chance to see this recruiting process and coaches for who they really are”, said Mario Hamlin.
“As a parent, it’s hard to watch/listen to anyone say or do something negative about my son, I’m very protective. But Damar knows this comes with all the attention, people are going to say crazy stuff and you can’t please everyone.”
With this whole thing wrapping up, I asked Mario Hamlin if this whole process was more than they expected?
“We always expected to be in this situation, it’s what he’s worked 12 years for. But the level this process has grown to certainly exceeded anything we prayed for”, said Hamlin.
What type of advice have the Hamlin’s given their son, who’s about to make the biggest decision of his life?
“Damar has received a lot of advice. My wife wants him to be comfortable and happy. I tell him to make a life decision. These schools are gonna max your potential and use your for their gain, likewise find a school to max their potential for his gain on/off the field”, said Mario Hamlin.
Unlike some recruits, Hamlin hasn’t made any crazy statements on Twitter. He’s been fairly quiet and kept his thoughts to himself. In a situation like his, I think that’s the smart way to be. This approach has allowed him to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.
“Damar is going good. He’s definitely enjoying process. It’s taken him all over the country, he’s had a chance to play with the best talent and an opportunity to earn a degree. Truly blessed.”
And without a doubt, the school that lands Damar Hamlin will also be truly blessed.
