PLSA showcases where true Diamonds are found
The NFL Combine showcases raw talent and the rare forms of skill a lot of players, on bigger stages showcase. What about those prospects that you go “HUH?!” “Who are they?” when their names are called up to the next level, often, from colleges you’ve never heard of. Players like Jerry Rice, (Mississippi Valley State), Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State), Jared Allen (Idaho State), Future Hall of Famer Joe Flacco (Delaware), came from smaller schools not often seen on Saturdays, or in Bowl games.
I had the Pleasure of joining PLSA (Pro Level Sports Agency) on April 6th to scout some players in Rochester, New York. I was there representing the NAL (National Arena League) as part of the Sioux City Bandits, and there are some great talent there! Players like Blake Hester, RB, from Valdosta State won the best offensive player award given away by Buddy Walters, Founder of PLSA. Winning the defensive award was Michael Arceneaux II, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, who showcased greatly, running a 4.4 40 yard dash and great, quick, agility tests. Some other top caliber players were Trenton Lane (RB, Coe College), Kyle Thomas (DL, Valdosta State), and Aaron Baker (WR, Mount Union).
Any one of these players could produce for any team in any league and PLSA gives them the chance to showcase that. Just because the school does not get much recognition due to its size, location, or just the fact that they do not play in a power 4 conference, does not necessarily mean the talent isn’t there. A lot of these players were just born in areas with limited schooling options, families that could not afford many camps and off-season opportunities, or just outright flew under the radar. Evaluating players like this does not have to be any different than those at bigger, more competitive schools. These players have the same size, same speed, and same determination to make it, and I would love for these players to get the recognition they deserve and worked their whole lives to get to.
Evan Kunkel from Marcus, Iowa. Currently enrolled in the GM and Scouting course with Sports Management Worldwide. Car Sales Professional by day, father of 3 and husband of 1. Sports lover, played football and drove demolition derby cars for 13 years.