- April 25, 2024
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The recruiting cycle can be one of the most stressful periods for a young high school athlete.
It can be fun, yes. I mean, who wouldn't love to entertain the idea of playing a sport in college, all while receiving a free education? For many, it's a dream come true. But regardless, the stress is there: from the schools, the coaches, the players, the parents and even the pressure an athlete puts on him or herself.
But, potentially, the most degrading form of stress can come from the fans.
I don't believe there ever was a more interesting dichotomy than the college football fan. At one moment — the moment a top high school prospect commits to their school — they can be the most warm, welcoming people in the world. They shower the athlete's Twitter profile with congratulatory messages and words of praise. But in the next moment — when an athlete decommits from or spurns their school — they can be rabid. Like the zombies from "World War Z," one moment, they are nice and happy humans. The next, they're chasing you down in packs trying to bite you.
Well, not really. But you see my point, right?
When an athlete decides to pursue another school, another option, fans can be outright horrible.
Thankfully, I haven't seen anything too horrible while scanning the Twitter feeds of the area's athletes (death threats, while not common, do occasionally occur for high-ranked players). Most of the negative comments question an athlete's character or decision-making abilities.
For example, when Mainland safety and four-star prospect John Huggins announced his commitment to the Florida Gators via Twitter on Dec. 17, one comment from an unhappy fan read "#dumpsterfire18", while others responded with "Bad decision."
Before I go further, the majority of fans aren't completely horrible. Even fans of rival schools will sometimes offer up their gratitude or praise for a decommited player.
But, still. There's always that one person. That one person who just couldn't help but write something nasty on the social media of a teenager.
My point to you, readers: Don't be that one person.
Deciding what you want to do with your future is already a tough decision. The kids who are fortunate enough to be in the position to receive a free education worked hard to get there. Don't make it harder for them.
