Semi-Target or Non-Target (D1 Football)

Hi all, I am currently going into my sophomore year at my large semi-target (think UVA, UNC) and I am not on the football team and it is too late to walk on here. Note I chose this school over small school d1 football offers solely because I was of the belief that this would better set me up for IB. However, I find myself wanting to play football again and still have the opportunity to do so if I transfer to a decent school but still non-target to play d1 football (think Tulane, SMU) Would it be an upgrade or a downgrade in terms of IB recruiting to transfer and play d1 ball? Any input would be appreciated. Best.

15 Comments
 

I played at a very non-target school and am in a top group at a BB. I’d say go play if you feel the want to. You can only play for so many more years..

 

Honestly I had some opportunities to play football at the D1 level, granted they were smaller than what you mentioned, but I’m very glad I didn’t. I got involved at the school I went to, interned every summer, and networked my way into a good spot. As an athlete the first two pieces are more difficult to accomplish although I knew some athletes that were ‘involved’ on campus. I love college sports, but I struggle with the idea of committing your college years to make a school money unless you are A. Potentially going pro. B. Need the financial support or C. Need to play there so that you could attend a more prestigious school. That’s my contrarian take on it.

 
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I understand the idea of 'working your whole life' to play D1 - my decision not to play wasn't much of a 'decision' due to injuries. You seem to be leaning to football so I'll just play devil's advocate. What I learned from being a non-athlete was that, unless you're likely going pro, the goal should not have been to excel in high school to 'play D1 football,' but to use football to get into the best university possible. There is definitely a strong benefit to having football on your resume, but how far will it carry you i.e when you're looking to jump to your 2nd job I think the wow effect of a sport is mostly gone, and the focus is on your undergrad + first job. Also, how much weight does the sport truly carry if there isn't a resume to back it up? I don't think Goldman is hiring every D1 football player from a non-target with a decent GPA. It's also how you spin your story. You can still get some of the football benefit by using it in your story, "I had an opportunity to pursue college football at the division 1 level, and worked my whole life to do so, but due to my experiences at UVA and after interning in IB I realized (insert BS about your passion for IB) and am now committed to pursuing an internship every summer... stuff like that. I think you should review the potential paths.

UVA -> intern every summer and get involved on campus -> recruit for FT offer easily -> score well on GMAT and place into a strong MBA program -> PE

UVA -> transfer as a sophomore and risk injury/not even playing, one freshman year internship and minimal involvement, potential lower GPA -> recruit for FT and try to spin the football benefit -> Hope football benefit got you to a good shop and pursue MBA/PE if desired

That's my two cents, but I'm also curious.. did you really try to walk-on, did you hound the coach for an opportunity? I would assume that a coach has nothing to lose by giving a walk on spot to someone with the talent to play at SMU. Hope this helps

 

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