Do SEO kids have a hard time adjusting in D1 P5 locker rooms once they begin the collegiate journey?

[Ironmen98]

I think we're working from the same logic. Those Texas kids for example are in a much deeper talent pool so they are more familiar with competing at that level for a position.

The talent pool is way deeper. Why? Simply more kids.

Playing against that competition is part of it, but it’s mostly about numbers. Plenty of kids in SEO have done well in major p5 football. Also, the SEO area is simply not a big football area. More success in baseball over the decades.

But what’s killing the area in general is population decline, especially Portsmouth. Hard to imagine, but the Portsmouth area put out a disproportionate number of great athletes in the late 60’s early/mid 70’s: Chuck Ealey, Al Oliver, Don Gullet, Larry Hisle, Gene Tenace. Hard to fathom that four MLB players in the 70’s were from the Portsmouth area. Doesn’t include Johnnie Lemaster who was born in Portsmouth and played during the 70’s as well.

Yes. Population decline is the #1 issue. I foresee programs having to take a similar approach per Ironton via the transfers to stay competitive as time goes by and the pop continues to gradually decline.

And even with the transfers Ironton is a non factor.