Development Zone®

   

PCA Resource Center

Make Your College Decision Based On Fit, Not Promises And Expectations

Share This Resource

Brandon Whiting is the Partnership Manager for Positive Coaching Alliance in Philadelphia (@PCA_Philly). He attended the University of California, Berkeley where he was a four-year starter on the defensive line for the Golden Bears. After his senior year, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) as a 4th round pick of the 1998 NFL draft. He remained a valued member of the Eagles’ starting defensive line for six years before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2004, where he remained until the end of the season.

Whiting explains that during the recruiting process coaches will often times promise a high school athlete a starting spot, or that they will be a star. However, there are just as many times when this does not happen. Whiting states that in these cases the athletes immediate reaction may be to transfer, and find a school where the promises can be fulfilled. Furthermore, he states that in this situation, student-athletes need to take ownership of their college experience, "it really is what you make of it". His best advice to an athlete in this predicament is to talk to your coach, ask why you might be in this situation despite the promises made. From there you, the athlete, can make a more educated decision on staying and reaching your full potential or going somewhere and starting over.