The More Exposure these guys have, the...
the more they become interested.
Many of the guys in the DFW do not appreciate the power of the stadium as well. That's how most or all were recruited. Somehow, the root of the tree goes back to the stadium and it is often looked upon as an unnecessary evil (or in some instance a necessary one).
But I know there would not have been a DFW League if I had not shown this in the media. I could probably start up another league if I went and did this again. But the point is, this mechanism is used to WOW the audience. It's a common marketing strategy known as the WOW effect. When they come over to see the stadium, you've got to give them SUBSTANCE.
In a day and age where everything is "hurry, hurry", "rush, rush", these guys were wanting to see thing develop quickly. We showed them all the nuances of the fast paced style and they were simply shaking their head in astonishment.
When Curtis and I scrimmaged, I asked them about the Texas Tech spread. Most knew the spread was being used and did not think it could be used on the miniature scale. I remember one guy asking "Why don't you angle your runner after he breaks the first wave". I told him, "Because I've had minicamps, training camps, OTAs, and this player knows how to get home on his on.". I told them the player would make a loop around end. About the 50 he would start to straighten up and then curve towards the right corner of the endzone.
It amazed them when he did exactly that. That alone sold 3 of the recruits to get more information about playing in the league. Then I showed them the art of passing in heavy traffic. I hit a couple of 40 yarders with heavy coverage. I threw a pick and they started laughing and an incompletion. One guy ask me about my percentage in the league. I told him I was about a 65% completion passer (which in the DFW in championship level). I told him that passing is not automatic and if we hit every pass, there was no need to pass the ball. They then wanted to see a kick.
Since we kick with the board on, I lined up for a 63 yarder and hit it. Then I tried a 40 something and missed. I told them, it's not fool proof. You don't hit everything. But I let them know the fun and excitement that I have when I play such a magnificent game and that like anyone else in my league, I can lose too. That's the thing that keeps you playing is the competition, the paegentry of the stadiums, and the hype that I provide for myself and my league.
We won some hearts that day. The WOW effect brought them over but the substance put it over the top.
Reg
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