Breaking Down the NFL Labor Situation

No NFL in 2011?  Highly unlikely.  But it's very possible that we see a much more sluggish brand of football being played as a result of a shortened training camp and (possibly) a longer season.  What's the beef about?  We'll give you an abbreviated version so you can throw in your two cents the next time the topic comes up.

• The Key Issue - There is one huge issue here: NFL owners want to take an additional $1 billion piece of the $9 billion dollar NFL "pie".  Currently, the owners get a $1 billion dollar piece of that pie right off the top, leaving $8 billion left over.  Of that $8 billion, players see about 60% of that.  The owners would like to take another piece, bringing their total to $2 billion.  They argue that growing expenses are cause for a larger cut of the revenue.  The players are asking to see the financial records of each team so they can decide whether or not it is in their best interest to allow the owners to claim this extra sum.  Why are players upset about this demand?  Essentially, it will lead to lower overall wages.  To sum it up: the owners are looking for more of a return on their investment, but the players at this point are hesitant to hand over money the owners may or may not need.
• Issue Two - You could throw a number of issues in here, but staying with the theme of financials (which is what it all boils down to), implementing a rookie pay scale is also a hot topic.  The league and its owners argue that unproven players should not be rewarded superstar money.  The players agree, but want to know exactly where the money saved will go.  Which brings us to...
• Issue Three - Retired player compensation has long been a topic that pits owners and both retired and current players head to head.  Players would like to see any additional owner revenue, whether it be by way of a rookie pay scale or an additional piece of the pie, to be devoted towards some kind of financial support for retired players.  Part of the owners argument is that in this day of free agency, what amount of time/service must a player commit to an individual franchise in order for that franchise to continue helping support them and their family when their career ends?
• Issue Four - Perhaps the most widely known topic, yet the one that is least likely to hold up an agreement, is the extension of the regular season from 16 to 18 games.  This touches on money and health.  On the health side, players argue that with all the rule changes and steps taken to ensure players stay healthy, what is the point of adding games?  Despite those concerns, the players have for the most part been open to the extension of the regular season...depending on where the extra revenue ends up going.  Players argue that if they are going to be forced to put themselves at risk an extra two times a year, they should be entitled to keep as close to their current share in revenue as possible.  Owners counter with the argument that more games also equals more costs, so having the extra revenue would lighten the financial blow.

Not much is cut and dry.  Yesterday, the owners walked out of their scheduled seven-hour meeting before lunch due to an offer from the players that did not sit well.  No other negotiations are scheduled, but expect talks to resume next week.

Ranking the Classes

Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football programs.  Schools that can't recruit stay marred in mediocrity, while those that consistently bring in talent find themselves competing year in and year out.  A recruiting class can't be judged purely on how players are ranked, however.  You have to look at how the players fit into the offensive and defensive systems, their ability to make an impact early on, as well as if positions of need were addressed.  Keeping all that in mind, here are our top five for 2011.

1. Boston College - BC again did a great job finding players that fit their style of play.  The Eagles brought in six offensive linemen, two of which, Paul Gaughan and Victor Nelson, show the ability to be able to contribute early.  Quarterback Christain Suntrup is a top quarterback prospect who could find his way onto the field by year two, and Mehdi Abdesmad has the potential to develop into a terror along the defensive line. Add in stud defensive back Albert Louis-Jean, and the Eagles have the makings of a very deep class.
2. UMass - The Minutemen continued their success in Florida, with standouts Jamal Wilson and Quayshun Smith headlining a talented group of Sunshine State transplants.  This was a skill heavy class for UMass and rightfully so, as they have recently shown struggles breaking off big plays.  Keep an eye on Mike Wegzyn, a quarterback from Tennessee with a strong arm and a surprising amount of running ability for a player his size.
3. Harvard - Surprised to see the Crimson so high on the list? We are too.  But Harvard did an excellent job securing some of the state's best talent.  The headliners of this class are defensive linemen Obum Obukwelu and offensive lineman Anthony Fabiano.  Both players had offers from a number of different FBS and FCS schools, yet picked Harvard for the reason that should take precedent: the education.  Expect both these players to see time early on and be major contributors throughout their careers.  
4. Maine - One of the more consistent recruiting programs in the area, Maine again brought in a class that included plenty of talent and improved depth.  Aamad Black is a big, punishing safety who excels at stopping the run and can adequately defend the pass.  Mahar Regional (MA) running back Isaiah Jones will bring big play ability to the backfield, and massive offensive lineman Benedict Wezel should develop into a mainstay at either offensive tackle position.  
5. UConn - A late coaching change threw a wrench in what looked like a promising class.  Nonetheless, new coach Paul Pasqualoni was able to bring in a solid bunch that should plug the major holes in the Huskies depth chart.  Max DeLorenzo and Deshon Foxx will be charged with the task of helping the Huskies rushing attack stay potent after the departure of Dartmouth native Jordan Todman to the NFL.  Linebacker Jefferson Ashiru is a gifted athlete who moves well laterally and should give UConn a boost right away.  Local product Paul Nwokeji has the size and skill set to develop into a dominating offensive linemen.  

5 Things You Should Know About...

From time to time, we'll post on a topic we feel will benefit you.  Keeping up with the spirit of National Signing Day, here are 5 things you should know about getting recruited.

5. Make a list - Setting goals is a big step in reaching new heights.  Every player with aspirations of playing at the next level should make three lists, with five schools in each: one that includes your dream schools; one that includes a list of schools you have a better shot of attending given your skill set; and one that includes those you view as "slam dunks."  Put this list in highly visible places.  Print off a few smaller copies and put them in your notebooks.  The more you see it, the more likely you are to go the extra mile.

4. Create a Video - This should show your strengths and highlight your big play potential.  What that entails differs from position to position.  Offensive skill positions obviously want to show long scores, but it's important to also show your willingness to dish out and take hits.  Offensive linemen should include battles with other highly regarded recruits, which will show your level of play.  Linebackers and d-linemen should mix in plays where their pursuit skills and motor is shown.  Defensive backs need to remember to highlight their willingness to defend the run.  The point of your film isn't to make you look like the next Gatorade Player of the Year; it's to show schools why you are a guy they should be spending their time on.

3. Be Proactive - An extremely small amount of players  are lucky enough to sit back and have the schools of their choice come to them.  Being aggressive and making your interest known are the best ways to put yourself on the radar.  This includes reaching out to the coach of the position you would like to play, making the school aware of what camps and clinics you will be apart of, and (when ready) attending that schools' off-season offerings. 

2. Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse - This one is simple: if you do not register, you can not be offered any form of athletic financial aid.  Here is the link for registration: http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.html.  

1. Handle Business in the Classroom - The importance of grades can not be stressed enough.  There is no player, no matter how freakishly gifted, that will be able to play at the next level without having the proper grades and SAT scores.  Scoring well in Physical Education and electives won't cut it, however; you need to make sure you are excelling in your core classes (math, language arts, science, etc.).  Your best chance of catching the eye of the schools on your "Dream List" is to make the focus of your free time two things: getting better, and getting smarter.

Signing Day 2012 Forecast

With the biggest recruiting day of the year over and (mostly) done, we look ahead to 2012, a year where Massachusetts will have more players grabbing headlines than ever before.  Here is a look at the 3 players who will most likely take the headlines by storm.

• Nick LeSpada, QB, Billerica - What hasn't been said about the Indians dynamic signal caller?  LeSpada has already racked up back to back Globe All-Scholastic honors, was named Massachusetts' Gatorade Player of the Year in 2009, and was the first ever ADFCRedzone Player of the Year.  There aren't very many schools who haven't showed interest in LeSpada, and the number will continue to grow as he moves through the combine and camp circuit.  Look for LeSpada to land on the ESPNU 150 in the 100-150 range; he's that good.
• Armani Reeves, ATH, Catholic Memorial - What Reeves lacks in size he makes up for in instincts and play making ability.  Arguably the most versatile player in the state, Reeves has been getting a heavy dose of interest from BC and Penn State, but the number of potential suitors goes much further than the Nittany Lions and Eagles.  Good showings on the off-season circuits could land Reeves right on the cusp of an ESPNU 150 ranking.
• Canaan Severin, WR, Worcester Academy - The fact that this young man was issued a scholarship by the hometown Eagles should say enough about his ability.  Severin is a well built wide out who shows good ball skills and the ability to strike from anywhere on the field.  He is still a bit rough around the edges, but once his abilities are honed in, he'll settle in as one of the top play makers in the region. 

2011 Preview

Our return has been long overdue.  Our gift to you? We'll give you insights into what makes a great recruit, tips on how to become a better player, interviews with top players and coaches, as well as player rankings and breakdowns.  Have tips or advice?  Send us an e-mail: adfcphantom@gmail.com.