Can Washington Football Team overcome USC allure for top recruits?
By Bret Stuter
![Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen speaks at a press conference after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen speaks at a press conference after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/564f5c5444b814e59695bbef690ba65342645a942754a07b0e63814c7a326a9c.jpg)
Subtle Rewards
Ultimately, young athletes must answer the million dollar question: Which college football program is best for me? And there is no right or wrong answer, as it is a matter of personal priority.
But talent only gets you so far in this world. And far too often, that lesson comes to us with a harsh price – the door of opportunity did not open because we failed to apply ourselves. Ultimately, the youthful belief of endless possibilities, second chances, and delaying work to live in the moment results in regrets. As you age, you know the forks in the road where you made the wrong turn. And there are no endless possibilities. There was that one chance. When you arrived, you were not prepared.
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Huge Differences
The difference in terms of the NFL is millions of dollars. Land early, and you are set up financially for life. Fall off the radar, and you have to earn your way back to a big pay day.
But you don’t know where you will end up until you get there. Then, it’s too late. And so, football athletes must gauge their progress in other ways. Playing time, sound fundamentals, good tackling, good blocking, good running. Eyes are always upon the player, and every breather or lax effort in a game time situation makes it into a scouting report.