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Commentary: Non-‘factory’ football players can make it, too

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By Marc Katz, Staff Writer 12:32 AM Friday, February 10, 2012

Coaches say it all the time: Don’t give up.

You can rest when it’s over.

Talent will be found if you have it.

What you were or what you did 10 years ago doesn’t make a difference if you can perform now.

Don’t ever give up.

That’s how a player from Hofstra (cornerback Kyle Arrington) made it into the starting lineup for the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

On the New York Giants’ side, guard Kevin Boothe is listed from Cornell.

The most amazing thing about last Sunday’s Super Bowl?

Not the halftime show, not the commercials.

Not even most of the game, although it was good.

It was the number of non-“football-factory” schools that provided players.

Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame and Alabama were represented, for sure. But so were Southeast Missouri State, North Texas, Montana State, Howard, Massachusetts, South Florida and Akron.

And, of course, Hofstra and Cornell.

It shows you don’t have to go to a football factory to make it in the NFL. Overwhelmingly, it helps. However, the smaller schools have had major participants over the years, and will produce more.

The pros are even finding gems after they’re already passed on them. Eight starting Patriots and seven Giants weren’t even drafted, and they go seven rounds, you know.

Don’t give up. Of course not.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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