ESPN dives into the uniform/recruiting debate

[thatsbaseball]

"But as any good advertiser will tell you, it doesn't matter how shiny the package is if you can't get somebody to buy the product. ESPN.com surveyed more than 700 high school recruits from the classes of 2014 and 2015 -- including 90 who self-identified as a member of the ESPN 300 for the Classes of 2014 or 2015 -- and asked them where uniforms ranked in their college decision. Uniforms were the top factor for only 3 percent of players, and uniforms ranked eighth on the list of criteria behind academics, coaching, playing time, school tradition, location, experience sending players to the NFL and television exposure."

These numbers show the absolutely miniscule chance that dressing like a clown will attract a top recruit. The truth is that the uniform manufacturers would love to see college football unis become like women`s fashions and change every year. Wonder why they would want that ?

 

[was21]

In a way that's good. It reinforces the fear that the godawful unis we've been wearing since Crooms and now Mullens have a negative impact on recruiting. Must be something else.

 

[thatsbaseball]

What it tells me is that if a coach or administrator is constantly pushing for perpetual uniform changes because of the "recruiting advantages" they supposedly produce then there is a good chance that coach or administrator is getting some sort of inducement from the manufacturer to promote this bogus premise. Hey, it`s America....when in doubt just follow the money baby.

 

[Lou3000]

"But as any good advertiser will tell you, it doesn't matter how shiny the package is if you can't get somebody to buy the product. ESPN.com surveyed more than 700 high school recruits from the classes of 2014 and 2015 -- including 90 who self-identified as a member of the ESPN 300 for the Classes of 2014 or 2015 -- and asked them where uniforms ranked in their college decision. Uniforms were the top factor for only 3 percent of players, and uniforms ranked eighth on the list of criteria behind academics, coaching, playing time, school tradition, location, experience sending players to the NFL and television exposure."

These numbers show the absolutely miniscule chance that dressing like a clown will attract a top recruit. The truth is that the uniform manufacturers would love to see college football unis become like women`s fashions and change every year. Wonder why they would want that ?

Well, I have two thoughts. One, did anyone really think they were the 'top factor' for anyone? I'm amazed 3% of recruits even put it as number one. But either way, that is still 21 players. 21 of the nations top players may be swayed by uniform design. Do you know what we we'd probably be willing to do for just ONE top player?

Second, it still ranks. You know what also isn't on the list, facilities. We are spending 70+ million on facility improvements and we could get a bigger impact with free jerseys that Adidas gives us.

 

[Hogghoss1]

Well, I have two thoughts. One, did anyone really think they were the 'top factor' for anyone? I'm amazed 3% of recruits even put it as number one. But either way, that is still 21 players. 21 of the nations top players may be swayed by uniform design. Do you know what we we'd probably be willing to do for just ONE top player?

Second, it still ranks. You know what also isn't on the list, facilities. We are spending 70+ million on facility improvements and we could get a bigger impact with free jerseys that Adidas gives us.

THIS! ⬆

 

[thatsbaseball]

So how do you know we`ve selected the right clown suit to please one of these 21 ?

 

[mjh94]

aside from recruiting, the players DO like having new uniforms all the time.

i don't think there's much debate about that.. do they play with more swag? maybe..

 

[Hump4Hoops]

Here's your disconnect:

Having flashy new uniforms on a regular basis isn't done for the sole purpose of recruiting. It's all about marketing, finding exciting ways to get your brand out there, making the current players feel special, selling uniforms, attracting attention from fans, etc.

The (mostly older) crowd that thinks uniform innovation is a series of "clown suits" are in the minority. While there are many of us that are fairly neutral on the subject, the "approve" crowd certainly has to be much bigger than the "disapprove" crowd, or else they wouldn't keep doing it.

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

is this worse than emoticons?

 

[Miss.Stake]

There are at least 500,000 people who have laid eyes on Mississippi State Football today because of these jerseys. Hell Darren Rovell gave the first look and hes got 300k+ followers himself. I think they look good, and its more for the current players and marketing than recruiting, but as another person said if 3% of national recruits put jerseys as a top priority then its worth it just for that.

 

[johnson86-1]

What it tells me is that if a coach or administrator is constantly pushing for perpetual uniform changes because of the "recruiting advantages" they supposedly produce then there is a good chance that coach or administrator is getting some sort of inducement from the manufacturer to promote this bogus premise. Hey, it`s America....when in doubt just follow the money baby.

It's not like the school is buying more uniforms than it otherwise would. If people buy jerseys to keep a "current" one, then that's more money to the schools. But otherwise it's basically free excitement that the program can generate. They're going to be buying new uniforms every year. Might as well use that to their advantage.