Opinion: This ain’t Moneyball

Last week, I was out in the ocean one day during vacation when someone asked what I did for a living. When I mentioned that I was the Midwest Scout for Catapult and also work for the Hula Bowl, they asked me a question I have heard frequently over the past 10 years: “Is it like Moneyball?”
I saw the 2011 movie starring Brad Pitt for the first time a couple of months ago (yes, I do live a sheltered life). The film, based on the true story of Billy Beane, is about the Oakland As acquiring baseball players using statistical models while operating on a tight budget.
There are some statistics in football that are valuable to have. Things like height, weight, speed metrics, arm length, hand size, and other factors are all pieces to the puzzle. But strictly speaking, what I do has little to do with statistics.
What we are looking for in football evaluations are player traits and characteristics as the game is happening. We’re pausing and rewinding the film and taking notes on a player’s athletic ability. We’re looking at hand placement, strike timing, explosiveness, burst, feet, and hips. We’re evaluating the quarterback’s release, throwing motion, and decision-making. We’re studying a running back’s pad level and vision. We’re looking at a wide receiver’s route-running ability, and a corner’s ability to close on the ball.
That’s what we’re looking for. So, nope, this ain’t Moneyball.