New Union Bears head coach Jamie Harless let’s hear your thoughts

[Tigerman10]

1 hour ago, redtiger said:

Attention, yes. Top D1 attention? Doubtful.

Lebanon was weak up front, that doesnt negate his limited touches. Idk what Reeses numbers were but he probably had more carries than Jessee and isn't a D1 recruit, although he was a Senior.

The film just isn't great. Lebanon probably wont make the playoffs next season and a Sr season beating up on 1A teams wont help either.

As where a program like Graham, Union, etc will play several playoffs games and likely face other REALLY good talent.

Look at Stephen Peoples from Galax several years ago, a walk on at VT because he played 1A ball. If hes at a better program his film is better and he probably gets a ton of offers(he may have and chose VT, idk). 

Trivett is a good example, she was dominant all season in a outstanding district and was the best player on the floor in the 3A title game. Shes signed to NC State and had before all of that. You think if she would have been with a program making that type of run 2 years ago that her offers wouldnt have been better?

A friend of mines daughter played mid-major D1 basketball and he was told straight out by the coach that signed her if she had played 1A ball they wouldnt have signed her. Playing 2A ball, winning state titles, and high level travel ball got her noticed.

Im not a proponent of transferring in general, but being underutilized and that limiting his recruitment is a valid reason imo.

And ive derailed the conversation 🤦

Trivette was already getting interest from big time schools when she was at Richlands, just like Jessee is now.  That invalidates your entire argument. 

 

The idea that transferring within Region 2D is going to change his future outcome is just not logical at all. Your argument should be for him to transfer to DB or Science Hill, not a school whose former coach is on the lam and whose current new coach has a strong reputation for illegally recruiting that will be under heavy scrutiny at his new home.  

[Oopsie]

What kid wouldn’t want to participate in one of the best ever Friday night football game atmosphere anywhere ? Bullitt Park football capital of Virginia !

[Gridiron60]

22 minutes ago, Oopsie said:

What kid wouldn’t want to participate in one of the best ever Friday night football game atmosphere anywhere ? Bullitt Park football capital of Virginia !

 It is a great atmosphere. 

[tornado99]

10 hours ago, Union_Fan said:

What drives a person? Money, power, status, etc...? Different for everyone, right?

Lots of different reasons listed on this page, and all are just as valid as they are different. For every player that we've seen over the past 15 -20 years that has transferred, each one could have had a different reason for doing so. Hard to say.

Players come and go, but what has always stood out to me has been the stories about the character of the ones that excelled. QBs that spend off season and time after designated practices to throw more, get timing down, study film, etc... Basketball is full of guys that shoot a 1000 or so free throws every week(or more often) beyond practice.

I remember Thomas Jones talking about his dad challenging him to do 25 pushups each night before bed no matter how sore, sleepy or tired he was. And if he forgot or just didn't do them, he'd feel guilty and do them as soon as he woke up. His dad told him that if he was mentally strong enough to do those each night, he could accomplish anything.

That's the type of drive, motivation and ambition I'm talking about. Even if they have the physical talent, they need those mental skills to take advantage of it. Name any sport and any player. I don't think they'd be what they were without that extra something beyond what everyone else did.

I agree with you. I do think, especially now with the year-round training and the most successful do both. 
You guys probably know more personally. Things are just different now with the frequency of transfers. Likely, most that I see don’t really fall into the D1 category. 
I think the ones that truly succeed in their careers are those that have both size/talent and ambition. Thomas Jones is a very special case who obviously had both and it’s proven by lengthy careers, much like Mike Compton, Heath Miller, and hopefully, Jordan Stout.

I hear of so many that seemingly disappear after great high school careers. (I don’t know if they reach their potential or that lack of effort, discipline, and ambition catches up with them.)

Those names mentioned earlier, the most successful, never transferred. They had both talent and effort. I’m sure that my observational bias likely skews my perception more in-line with Real Sasquatch. In the early days when transferring for athletes became more prevalent, I routinely observed the average athletes putting in more time and work than the gifted ones that transferred into the program. I can think of one truly exceptional hard worker that may not have had a college career, but tried to maximize his talent and made others better.

[redtiger]

17 hours ago, Tigerman10 said:

Trivette was already getting interest from big time schools when she was at Richlands, just like Jessee is now.  That invalidates your entire argument. 

 

The idea that transferring within Region 2D is going to change his future outcome is just not logical at all. Your argument should be for him to transfer to DB or Science Hill, not a school whose former coach is on the lam and whose current new coach has a strong reputation for illegally recruiting that will be under heavy scrutiny at his new home.  

She had the advantage of travel ball to get her exposure, but better runs in high school would have helped. Nothing is invalidated. 

DB or SH would be better. 

Regional play isnt the consideration, its the potential of playoff games vs really good competition that matters, as well as being better utilized. Hes not going to see state level competition at Lebanon over the next 2 years. 

To further support this argument, how much more attention would Reece have gotten if he was at a better program?  We all(more or less) agree Reece is a outstanding QB that should have went to a better program than UVA-Wise and that they got a steal. If he would have played at Graham would he have gotten more exposure? Without a doubt he would have. Theres no denying that, and its the same for Jesse. 

[Stelley]

3 hours ago, redtiger said:

She had the advantage of travel ball to get her exposure, but better runs in high school would have helped. Nothing is invalidated. 

DB or SH would be better. 

Regional play isnt the consideration, its the potential of playoff games vs really good competition that matters, as well as being better utilized. Hes not going to see state level competition at Lebanon over the next 2 years. 

To further support this argument, how much more attention would Reece have gotten if he was at a better program?  We all(more or less) agree Reece is a outstanding QB that should have went to a better program than UVA-Wise and that they got a steal, if he would have played at Graham would he have gotten more exposure? Without a doubt he would have. Theres no denying that, and its the same for Jessee. 

You’ve got valid arguments but I do believe Reece in this scenario is the one outlier. A QB is only as good as his targets and line. QB is the most skilled position on the field so it’s a little harder to determine what level they are as a prospect, the only thing they can is arm strength. Versus Jessee’s scenario they only care about how fast/strong/big he is. Whether he gets 20 tackles or 200 next year he will still be recruited just because of his physical traits, not because of his skill even though the two are kind of intertwined. And for Trivette she gets all the attention she does from her AAU performances not from what she does in HS, same thing with McAmis. Also similar situation on how SWVA churns out so many college baseball players, they’re not getting recruited because of how well they perform at the HS level, they are because they’re playing against super high level competition in the summer 

[Union_Fan]

Tons of valid arguments and examples of the transfer/being discovered issue. Think it just further proves that each situation is unique.

By all accounts Keith Chandler is not a prototypical college RB, but I would be pressed to find anyone in the area that has worked harder than he has the last 4 years. He didn't have a single collegiate offer until UVAWise's coach came to a game...to see a different kid....THIS season. Crazy to think that as many times as he's been on TV and in newspaper articles.

It took seeing him in person for him to get an offer. I still shake my head at that.

[Stelley]

31 minutes ago, Union_Fan said:

Tons of valid arguments and examples of the transfer/being discovered issue. Think it just further proves that each situation is unique.

By all accounts Keith Chandler is not a prototypical college RB, but I would be pressed to find anyone in the area that has worked harder than he has the last 4 years. He didn't have a single collegiate offer until UVAWise's coach came to a game...to see a different kid....THIS season. Crazy to think that as many times as he's been on TV and in newspaper articles.

It took seeing him in person for him to get an offer. I still shake my head at that.

That’s the biggest problem for our area with trying to play collegiate football and basketball. It hardly ever matters how good you actually are at the sport, just how big you are

[Gridiron60]

12 minutes ago, Stelley said:

That’s the biggest problem for our area with trying to play collegiate football and basketball. It hardly ever matters how good you actually are at the sport, just how big you are

That’s the crux of the matter for the SWVA’s best football and basketball players. Many are small in comparison to what coaches at D1 schools are looking for these days. If a kid wants to play, go wherever will get your education paid for and you’ll get to play for four years because chances are that’s all you have left to play, a very low percentage will play past college. 

[tornado99]

1 hour ago, Gridiron60 said:

That’s the crux of the matter for the SWVA’s best football and basketball players. Many are small in comparison to what coaches at D1 schools are looking for these days. If a kid wants to play, go wherever will get your education paid for and you’ll get to play for four years because chances are that’s all you have left to play, a very low percentage will play past college. 

I do think it is both size related, but also the comparison with athletes at the same level. You can be the fastest person on your team or on local high schools and stand out much more. Kind of like a big fish and a small pond scenario. As long as you’re the biggest (or fastest), how much doesn’t matter as much. When you’re with other bigger or faster kids, you don’t stand out.

This is the paradox between those looking for exposure by playing better competition (Abingdon for example)such as transferring up a level, and those transferring down a level to stand out (Honaker).

(I know there’s lots of reasons and different situations. I’m just using general examples. No offense or shade intended with the numbers.)

[Gridiron60]

4 hours ago, tornado99 said:

I do think it is both size related, but also the comparison with athletes at the same level. You can be the fastest person on your team or on local high schools and stand out much more. Kind of like a big fish and a small pond scenario. As long as you’re the biggest (or fastest), how much doesn’t matter as much. When you’re with other bigger or faster kids, you don’t stand out.

This is the paradox between those looking for exposure by playing better competition (Abingdon for example)such as transferring up a level, and those transferring down a level to stand out (Honaker).

(I know there’s lots of reasons and different situations. I’m just using general examples. No offense or shade intended with the numbers.)

I agree , there’s more to than just size but I think a lot of athletes who are seemingly stars in SWVA get focused on going D1 when they’re probably better going the other direction if they want to see substantial playing time and get a free education. 

[cityofRaven]

Folks still focused on the 'D1 or Bust' mentality in the current college athletic landscape are leaving a lot on the table. 

1. D1 schools are not focusing their attention on high school athletes right now unless they are a slam-dunk, 5-star type of specimen. 

2. D2, D3, NAIA, and even the Juco route is not the end of an athletic career. Some folks would be surprised by what it takes to compete at those levels.

3. Not going pro but getting an affordable education close to home is still a great option. 

[S10SQUAREBODY4LIFE]

Very high probability that all these young athletes are going to be professional at anything other than football. Let them enjoy their ride, no matter where it ends.  We've all been there but until reality kicks them in the gut, it's their ride.  Dreams of playing ball as long as they can are enough to keep most of them straight so it's a win regardless of D1-NAIA or flag football in community college. 

[Elder statesman]

19 hours ago, Stelley said:

You’ve got valid arguments but I do believe Reece in this scenario is the one outlier. A QB is only as good as his targets and line. QB is the most skilled position on the field so it’s a little harder to determine what level they are as a prospect, the only thing they can is arm strength. Versus Jessee’s scenario they only care about how fast/strong/big he is. Whether he gets 20 tackles or 200 next year he will still be recruited just because of his physical traits, not because of his skill even though the two are kind of intertwined. And for Trivette she gets all the attention she does from her AAU performances not from what she does in HS, same thing with McAmis. Also similar situation on how SWVA churns out so many college baseball players, they’re not getting recruited because of how well they perform at the HS level, they are because they’re playing against super high level competition in the summer 

If you think the performances of Trivette and McCamis at the state level of high school ball didn't play a big part in their top recruiting, you are delusional.  I personally saw the D1 scouts at the regional championship games and at the state finals.  They get noticed at AAU tournaments because of the bulk recruiting that goes on, but these coaches want to see how they perform in big games with more on the line than just another tournament medal.  I would say the state game that McCamis played on a severely sprained ankle alone played a part in her recruiting because it showed the heart she had for the game.  

[Stelley]

1 hour ago, Elder statesman said:

If you think the performances of Trivette and McCamis at the state level of high school ball didn't play a big part in their top recruiting, you are delusional.  I personally saw the D1 scouts at the regional championship games and at the state finals.  They get noticed at AAU tournaments because of the bulk recruiting that goes on, but these coaches want to see how they perform in big games with more on the line than just another tournament medal.  I would say the state game that McCamis played on a severely sprained ankle alone played a part in her recruiting because it showed the heart she had for the game.  

I’m not saying they don’t influence anything just not as much as you’d expect. And McAmis is at ETSU which is great for her but that’s not the top end of schools, while all of Trivettes big offers came in the AAU season. But when the coaches do come to the highschool games 90% of time they don’t usually care how the players perform, just how they carry themselves, they already know that they can play and would almost rather see them struggle to see how they handle adversity.

[redtiger]

AAU spotlights their skills, high school shows how they play the game. The two are not the same.

In football its the same with camps and 7 on 7 vs playing games.  

[Sixcat Adjacent]

35 minutes ago, Stelley said:

when the coaches do come to the high school games 90% of time they don’t usually care how the players perform, just how they carry themselves, they already know that they can play and would almost rather see them struggle to see how they handle adversity.

I can't speak for other sports, but this is 100% fact for golf. I'm friends with multiple college golf coaches at varying divisions of the NCAA and NAIA. Every single one have told me on multiple occasions, if they attend a junior event to see a particular player, they already now his ability. They are far more interested in how the kid conducts himself, interacts with other players, tournament staff, and gallery. They even keep a keen eye on how the player interacts with his family. 

There's an interesting YouTube video where a golf "influencer" goes through a mock tryout with the Auburn coaching and training staff. The head golf coach doesn't mince words when he says, "I'll take attitude over ability every single time." Auburn is currently ranked #1 in the country, has the #1 ranked amateur in the world on the roster (Jackson Koivun), and won the NCAA National Championship in 2024.

[Stelley]

1 hour ago, Sixcat Adjacent said:

I can't speak for other sports, but this is 100% fact for golf. I'm friends with multiple college golf coaches at varying divisions of the NCAA and NAIA. Every single one have told me on multiple occasions, if they attend a junior event to see a particular player, they already now his ability. They are far more interested in how the kid conducts himself, interacts with other players, tournament staff, and gallery. They even keep a keen eye on how the player interacts with his family. 

There's an interesting YouTube video where a golf "influencer" goes through a mock tryout with the Auburn coaching and training staff. The head golf coach doesn't mince words when he says, "I'll take attitude over ability every single time." Auburn is currently ranked #1 in the country, has the #1 ranked amateur in the world on the roster (Jackson Koivun), and won the NCAA National Championship in 2024.

I know it’s also the exact same way for baseball. 

[Oopsie]

Love what the young men are saying about coach Harless ! Looking forward to the team he puts on the field this fall ! He’s already hard at work putting his stamp on the program ! Gonna be good !

[Unchained]

18 hours ago, Oopsie said:

Love what the young men are saying about coach Harless ! Looking forward to the team he puts on the field this fall ! He’s already hard at work putting his stamp on the program ! Gonna be good !

He's already got them ready to run through a brick wall for him:). We have lost a ton to graduation, but a plethora of talent is returning. Harless is the X factor. This team will be very dangerous sooner than later.

[Gridiron60]

1 hour ago, Unchained said:

He's already got them ready to run through a brick wall for him:). We have lost a ton to graduation, but a plethora of talent is returning. Harless is the X factor. This team will be very dangerous sooner than later.

That’s a great way to start off . Hopefully, grown ups stay out of the way and let him do his thing. 

[Unchained]

8 minutes ago, Gridiron60 said:

That’s a great way to start off . Hopefully, grown ups stay out of the way and let him do his thing. 

So far, he's been overwhelmed by the support. He said it was like receiving 100 gold keys-whatever he needs he's going to have. I think most adults in BSG have figured out he is going to do great things here. He's got thick enough skin to handle the rest:)

[BigWinners]

BSG will take care of him up until he loses a game the daddies think they should win, then he’s gonna hear the noise. But he’s gonna have all the resources and time he needs, he will be given every opportunity to succeed. 

[Unchained]

4 minutes ago, BigWinners said:

BSG will take care of him up until he loses a game the daddies think they should win, then he’s gonna hear the noise. But he’s gonna have all the resources and time he needs, he will be given every opportunity to succeed. 

Being brutally honest, we have seen so much vanilla over the years from the one who shall not be named, I think as long as folks see an open playbook, they will be ok with a loss here and there:)

[Union_Fan]

1 hour ago, Unchained said:

Being brutally honest, we have seen so much vanilla over the years from the one who shall not be named, I think as long as folks see an open playbook, they will be ok with a loss here and there:)

Agreed!

Because more of those games were lost due to a coaching gap than a talent gap.