The unofficial online home for fans of the Old Dominion University Monarchs. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

(08-03-2018 08:37 AM)ODU Oldtimer Wrote:  

(08-02-2018 08:28 PM)Gilesfan Wrote:  Ratings are pointless and irrelevant. Wins and losses matter. I will never understand why people care what the ratings are of players that arent even warched/scouted.

Ratings by themselves are irrelevant. However for ODU to be competitive and build a perception around the program that will motivate recruits to want to be a part of...well we suck at that. We will lose out on many players that potentially would want to play for ODU if we do not create a better PERCEPTION and vision for the Athletic Department. The best players will always want to be relevant and play for a winner. No matter how good a Coach may present a vision. Perception and reputation will be king. Parents will want the best for their kids and they will also look, listen and make conclusions based on the PUBLIC sentiment about were a program has been and where it is headed. We need the media, all inclusive, the VA Pilot, Daily Press, Regional newspapers and even 247Sport. Every Football recruit looks, compares and makes decisions after evaluating their potential landing place from a multitude of sources, Parents, Friends, Family members influence a recruits decision. Most of that inner circle of Family, friends are not exposed to the Coaches, and players of a program. However, that sphere of people that touch or may be a part of the everyday life of a recruit can influence a players decision, and usually it is based on perception. It is just as important that what they read and hear elevates a Schools perception, because that is a big influences on the overall decision that they will be making.

Why do P5 Schools always get the best players. perception, reputation and the cachet from recruits that they will be a part of a winning program. Perception is what P5 program sell and even the AAC..... "WE are Better". We need to play the game of "PERCEPTION" smarter and we MUST learn how to build and sell ODU to the prospects that we should be winning. WE need for them to believe, feel and we MUST sell that perception "We are Better". The new Stadium will help, the SELL OUT streak has always been a plus. Like it our not the perception is very attractive to a young recruit. Our location, all positives.

In the last few years we lost the moment that was surrounding the program and we suck at elevating our perception to the public that ODU is a GREAT PLACE to go to School. The game of public opinion is one game we are losing at, and especially with recruits.

There is no way we will ever be competitive if we cant get the best recruits to believe in us. if the potential players feel no one cares about the program, why would they want to be a part of that. We MUST recognize through perception and branding that we our a program that will be competitive with other G5 programs and even our Conference mates. The perception from High School Players, HS Coaches and the public in general has not been elevated in the last few years. IMO we have taken a step backwards.

So ratings are not irrelevant to the recruits, and we have been tossed away by 247 as just another program that is irrelevant. We must change that IMO, or we will never be the best or get the best if our perception is not elevated.

I agree with many of your points. I do not think kids make a decision to attend ODU or not based on what the schools 247 recruiting ranking is.