You're a recruit: Which school do you pick?

Michigan

Michigan

The chance to play for a solid team, and get a good education.  Those two schools are the best combo of the 2 in my opinion.  I wouldn't be that worried about playing as an underclassmen.  That usually means the team is terrible and won't get any better (obviously there are exceptions).

I'd pick a team that has the most dynamic QB in the country, a solid and young O-line, and beaucoup receivers with lots of talent..

But this is because I'm Ed Reed reincarnate and I want to play early and often.

I would like to think I have the long-term vision to weigh academics heavily as such a small group of NCAA players actually make it to the NFL.  That said, I would probably choose a school that looks to be on the up with top notch academics.  For example, Michigan, Notre Dame or Stanford.  Ultimately both Michigan and Stanford are great academic schools that are showing improvement. Since I can't technically pick Michigan, and schools like Vandy, Duke, USC and UCLA are underperforming or in trouble, I would probably choose a school like Stanford.  It also depends on what position I am and what type of HS ratings I received.

EDIT: Schools like Texas and Wisconsin also fit the good programs with good academics idea.  If I were OL, I would choose UW I think.  Any sort of skill player and I would lean toward Stanford or Texas.  If I'm a recruit and saw Brian Kelly roll his eyes and demean his players in the halftime interview, I would cross them off my list.

I have had this convo multiple times with one of my good buddies and I seem to be torn. If I am a 4* I have aspirations of the NFL. But, I also want to go somewhere with great facilities where I can play in front of an unbelieveable atmosphere. I've always thought other than Michigan I would attend Alabama (for the atmosphere) and Oregon for the ungodly facilities ( minus the uniforms).  I will really enjoy seeing what everybody else comes up with... Ill be watching this thread develop on this friday.... See me below

it all hinges on the individual kid and what his abilities and priorities are.  What I would do is completely irrelevant.

Some kids want to be a part of a tradition.  Some kids want immediate playing time.  Some kids realize they're not pro material and go for the academics.  Some kids want to be part of a championship more than anything else.

I don't think there's any blanket rule covering this.  Recruiters get to know the kids individually and stress the aspects of their program they think will appeal most to the particular athlete.

You can't ignore things like depth charts or positions.  These are criticial factors. 

In looking just  at overall experience, there are so many schools that offer so much, that there is just no way to pick. 

Food.  Makes sure every recruit goes to Blimpy Burger.

I am going to a place like oregon with all the sweet Nike stuff and amazing facilities. Or a place like Miami where the weather is amazing and there is so much stuff to do, women to look at. Plus it is the U.

I refuse to exclude Michigan.  So, Michigan.

Nowhere in the south because those people are crazy and I'd hate it.



The east coast sucks for football.



So that leaves the left coast and the Midwest.



I'd want a place with good academics and a place that get lots of coverage.



In the end I think I'd be down to Stanford, Michigan, and notre dame. Since I can't pick Michigan and Stanford isn't exactly a historical power I'd go with the fighting Irish.



Also on my short list would be Wisconsin and osu (it would also depend on scheme/position). IE if I'm a tight end,oline,rb wisco and osu look great. If I'm a qb I'd never go to those schools and would choose nd or Stanford.

The MIT Engineers FTW!

I mean seriously, how can you say no to this fight song? -

(aka the Tech Cheer)
E to the U du dx, E to the X dx!
Cosine! Secant! Tangent! Sine!
3 point 1 4 1 5 9!
Integral, radical ??dv
Slipstick, slide rule, M.I.T.!
WE ARE HAPPY - TECH IS HELL
T-E-C-H-N-O-L
O-G-Y!
M.I.T. RAH! RAH! RAH!
M.I.T. RAH! RAH! RAH!
M.I.T. RAH! RAH! RAH!
Technology! Technology! Technology!

Do you choose a school because of religion?

Notre Dame, B.C., BYU

Do you choose a school for Country?

Navy, Air Force, Army

Or maybe the helmets, maybe you just pick the school with the most amazing helmets ever.... They Got Wings

I can name several reasons, but I will leave it short and sweet

If not Michigan, then Oregon, Stanford, Texas, Florida State, Alabama or Penn State for many various reasons...

I would choose The University of Chicago, because they're the Maroons, and because Hyde Park is close to the Checkerboard Lounge.