Does Position Specialization Increase Your College Recruiting Potential?

This month kicks off with a webinar hosted by Rugby New Jersey on Feb 7 designed to help student athletes and parents know how to best prepare for the annual College Rugby Fair & Combine on February 25, 2018. Everyone is welcome to join us! During the coaches’ panel last month, I proposed this question to the esteemed group and they all had the same answer: specialization in one position in the high school years will NOT increase increase your college recruiting potential and value.

As most pointed out, the position you play in high school. It will often not be the position you play in college. Often what we see of the high school game is that many of the most talented and athletic players on a team tend to be placed in positions where they have more touches in a game (e.g. 8-man, scrumhalf, flyhalf).

Kutztown University Rugby Photo Credit: D1aRugby.com

These players must be flexible, coachable and able to move to a variety of positions. Such as moving a High School flyhalf to wing or fullback.

Increase Your Value Exponentially

One of the coaches shared that the more coachable you are, and able to slot in anywhere on the field, your value goes up exponentially.

Additionally, the coach pointed out in a recent national playoff match, they were hit with some unfortunate injuries.

A new player who had spent most of their time in the backs was asked to step up as a flanker. Also, without a moment’s hesitation. This player went into the game and was a critical reason why they won that match.

That type of player is the kind every coach said they need.

I recommend that if you are currently spending most of your time only training in one position to talk to your club or high school coach about trying out other positions.

Furthermore, a good time to approach your coach is after practice.

Simply ask, “Do you think if we have a game where we are up by a lot. I could try Flanker? I would love to learn more about other positions on the field.”

Also, most recruit questionnaires ask prospects for your primary position and alternate positions.

You are a much more valuable recruit if you can say Primary: Flanker, Alternate: Hooker, Flyhalf and Inside Center.

Especially, for teams that value both 15’s and 7s skilled players. Lastly, being able to simply be athletic and take coaching are the top skills they are all looking for.

By SportStars Insider, Karen Fong Donoghue, The Ruggers Edge