Recent court decision changes recruiting landscape; Long receives “Citation of Achievement”
Diego Pavia is a big reason why Vanderbilt finished 7-6 and was bowl eligible for the first time since 2018. Pavia led the Commodores to their best start in decades, ranked twice in the AP Top 25, and posted its biggest win ever; beating then-No. 1, Alabama. That snapped a 60-game winless skid over AP top-5 teams. Pavia filed a lawsuit on November 8, 2024 in the USDC, Middle District of Tennessee (Nashville, TN). Vanderbilt coach, Clark Lea, supported his quarterback’s filing and has talked of how much he has meant to the Commodores. The Courts decision, in the injunctive stage, has “shaken” the college football landscape and its recruiting picture; particularly regarding high school players and their “prospects.”
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, KPGFootball; borrowing from the article appearing in The Tennessean, “Vandy QB Diego Pavia now waits as federal judge takes injunction request under advisement,” by Teresa Walker, Associated Press.
We are coming up on 2025. We had to take a few days off; after all, sometimes the batteries have to charge.
The end of the year, with our Big Ass Fans, Small and Large School, All-State Football teams have registered over 50,000 views making the run to end this year sort of a blur. To be exact, our teams have registered 50,648 views and are still climbing.
from Bethel to Wisconsin
The recent court decision not counting Junior College playing time against NCAA eligibility is a real games changer. Most people with whom we have consulted in the HS recruiting game believe this will devastatingly impact a “3-star” getting paid rides to the FBS and will land these players at FCS or even lower.
This will elevate small-school, college play as much as it will impact what we watch from our favorite “Power Fours.” Don’t think your too good to field a call from Union College or Kentucky Wesleyan as there may not be any additional calls forthcoming from anyone at any level.
It is a buyer’s market. That is for sure.
In addition to raising the play of the FCS (D-I), NCAA D-II and D-III, as well as the NAIA, it has transformed JUCO play. These “lower levels” have turned into the most fertile recruiting (and proving) ground for conferences like the SEC and the “Big 10” and its 18-members.
Recruiting (right now) is a “buyer’s market”
Friday Night Fletch
A D-III safety entered the portal little more than a month ago. He fielded offers from Power Fours like Washington State and Wisconsin. The Badgers landed his commitment.
If we are looking for a State of Recruiting address with impact it is simply this: If you get offered, you would be wise to commit before the music stops and the seats are taken.
Long Honored by House of Representatives (KY)
Fletcher Long, whom we affectionately know as Friday Night Fletch, received a tremendous honor from the House of Representatives. The Citation of Achievement was sponsored by representatives Bill Wesley and Myron Dossett, and signed additionally by Speaker David Osborne. The Citation recognizes Long’s tremendous dedication and hard work promoting Kentucky athletes and serving the commonwealth’s vast football communities.
In addition, Long is applauded for the book he co-authored with legendary HS football coach and Dawhares Football Hall of Fame member (2022), Sam Harp, entitled, Football 101 Boo-Boo’s a Quarterback: A Football Primer for Prospects, Coaches, and Parents.
The book is doing fabulously. It is already among Amazon‘s Best Sellers in its category of “sports coaching.”
When reached for comment, Long said, “I am enormously gratified by the impact Coach Harp and my book is manifesting throughout our beloved commonwealth. We hope neighboring states will take the opportunity to read it and learn from its lessons.”
Coach Harp told KPGFootball, “I am as proud to be involved with this book, and as proud of Long, as I am sure the folks at KPGFootball undoubtedly are. I have found Long to be a first-rate ambassador for the sport as well as the entire KHSAA.”
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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