An Insider’s Perspective

Evaluation of Talent
by: Tommy Condell
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Talent evaluation is a primary factor that leads to wins and losses. It can also be the most subjective. The numerous tools and criteria that are being offered today to facilitate this process can lead to paralysis of analysis. It becomes apparent that your organization must have a sound structure in place to defeat this. At the heart of this structure are the questions, “What is important to you? What type of player fits in your scheme? Which do you enjoy coaching?”

Some evaluating tools that are most prominent include: 40 yd dash, vertical jump, broad jump, t-test and bench press. Each has a specific variable that is being tested with hopes that a conglomeration of these scores can predict a quality football player. The important thing is to be able to interpret your findings and put them in perspective. With each test there are pitfalls. For example, the 40 yard dash measures track speed while the game of football consists of functional speed with short bursts. I have seen many great bench pressers with limited football skills. The key is to understand these limitations but know how to interpret the findings. Look for extremes and patterns within the testing structure.

The interview with the player is perhaps the most important tool. In his book, Coaching Matters, Bill Parcells claims that each candidate would be asked, “What are the three most important things in your life?” If one of them does not include football he would have apprehension. Reading the face and body posture of the player as questions are being answered is of extreme value. Another aspect is to talk to various people that are not attached to that specific program.

The magnitude of films that pour into everyone’s office during recruiting time is another tool. Game film can answer the questions that sometimes a highlight film can not. What are the defensive players doing away from the POA? How long do they stay on the ground? What does a quarterback do when a play breaks down or if that particular play is not favorable versus the defense encountered? How fast can a receiver get back into full-stride after being tangled up? Creating a structure for each position is vital.

Each position has specific skills that must be evaluated. However, how to go about building the structure is fundamental and universal to all positions. Being able to accomplish do-diligence on your candidates gives the staff the confidence of making the proper assessment.

Tommy Condell is the Receivers and Quarterbacks Coach of the Ottawa Renegades...you can reach him at tdcondell@earthlink.net.

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