Recruiting is an important part of college football coaching especially when you are starting a program from scratch. That’s the job of John Heavner who was hired to start a football program at Dordt College and he has been on the road a great deal looking for players.
Heavner says he’s spent a majority of his time from June 1st on in recruiting, making phone calls, getting on the road, visiting schools. Heavner says most colleges, even those who are established, are going to sign 40 to 45 kids each year.
Heavner says while the reception has been good being part of a first-year program is not for everyone. He says there’s a misconception you can walk into a high school and tell kids they can play a lot and they’ll sign up. Heavner says he has to talk about his history and his ability to build a solid program that will last a long time.
Dordt will play its first season of varsity football in 2008. This fall they will be a club program and play a junior varsity schedule. Heavner says since it’s a club year, the kids won’t use up any eligibility. He says they still have the 10 semester rule, in which they have 10 semesters to play four seasons.
Experience and years and work in the weight room are needed to build a competitive football team. Because of that, Heavner says it is crucial that he finds young men that are willing to stay in the program.