Interesting read about current state of Pahokee football
I didn't see this posted amongst the coaching/HARBAUGH! threads, but I thought it was an interesting article about the current state of Pahokee, Florida football and the struggles the town has had in recent years as more and more people leave the area and those that remain deal with grinding poverty. I don't believe there are any more athletes from the area on the team (certainly none on the roster I chekced), but given how integral those kids were on the team recently, I thought some might find it a nice read.
December 8th, 2014 at 4:55 PM ^
#Eating (Last)
December 8th, 2014 at 5:00 PM ^
I'd recruit out of Pahokee. I'd recruit every area in Florida actually. Tons of great athletes/students.
December 8th, 2014 at 6:15 PM ^
As Florida, New Orleans,California and texas.
December 8th, 2014 at 5:03 PM ^
Does V Smith still post here?
December 8th, 2014 at 6:09 PM ^
December 8th, 2014 at 6:16 PM ^
Just got in from a busy day.
December 8th, 2014 at 6:31 PM ^
December 8th, 2014 at 5:39 PM ^
I hope the new coach will re-open the Pahokee pipeline. It was good for us, and I believe that it was good for Pahokee as well.
December 8th, 2014 at 5:42 PM ^
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December 8th, 2014 at 5:53 PM ^
I will take as many kids from Pahokee that are as tough as Vincent Smith as we can get.
Pound for pound, I would argue he's the toughest son-of-a-bitch to play at Michigan in a very long time.
December 8th, 2014 at 6:28 PM ^
December 8th, 2014 at 7:09 PM ^
Apopka, FL ...who happens to be playing in it's third state final game in 3 years.
December 8th, 2014 at 8:33 PM ^
That high school is crazy nice. I play golf often at a course that the high school pretty much towers over.
December 8th, 2014 at 6:43 PM ^
and his best friend Rashaun Croney. They are both good kids and are very talented on the football field. I keep in contact with them to make sure there are adjusting well to the new stupping grounds. Im proud of them both for using there talents and creating a opportunity making it out. Im like a big brother to them they know if its anthing they need or have questions about they can call. I cant wait to see them play on the big stage.
December 9th, 2014 at 12:23 AM ^
(post-graduate).
No lie, a poster I knew back at rivals, his son was a good kid, lots of talent, kept his nose clean and got good grades. He just wasn't in a place where scouts were going to see him. I'd played against PG kids in basketball, so I knew it was pretty prevalent in New Jersey and Pennsylvania high schools. I set him up with some coaches from teams I'd played against - it's a great exchange - if you're a good kid, you bring the talent and you get to attend some of the best high schools in the country (they gave him a full ride).
It worked out really well. The kid starred at this prestigious prep school, it was a great introduction to what college life was going to be like, and he got lots of press and some D1 offers.
PG years are a very underrated option - it's not going to work for everyone, but for some kids, it's a great opportunity.
December 8th, 2014 at 7:51 PM ^
Why there isn't more to help a kid like that pay for transportation costs.
Kid trying to find his way to a better life, I know I'm not alone in wishing I could do something to contribute to paying for a plane ticket for a kid like that.
December 8th, 2014 at 9:23 PM ^
If you find yourself in West Palm Beach for a visit, I'd suggest taking a drive out SR 80 to the western part of Palm Beach County for a drive through Belle Glade, South Bay, and Pahokee. The dichotomy between this general area and the wealthy eastern part of the County is eye-opening.
I hope Tay Odoms, Vincent Smith, and Richard Ash took advantage of their opportunities to get a quality education at Michigan. THAT's the way up and out. So few make it to the level of professional sports.
I, too, hope that our next coach goes back to recruit that area. They traditionally have great athletes and it would be nice to find some academically qualified athletes from the area to experience Ann Arbor and get the chance for a quality education.
December 9th, 2014 at 2:27 AM ^
"Most of the Blue Devils didn't own a tie. Even those who did didn't have anyone at home to show them how to tie it. Some of the guys' dads came to games to cheer and brag about their boys. But of the 49 players, only eight had full-time fathers."
God that is just so unbelievably sad.
December 9th, 2014 at 3:41 AM ^