A common question that we get asked from parents and athletes is if their son/they should reclassify. Essentially repeating the 8th grade so you can get one more extra year of development before high school. It is becoming more and more popular in each state. So below, we will be breaking down the pros and cons.
Also, if you are a QB or WR and would like to get a custom workout plan made for you, checkout the link below! You can send us film and I will give you an audio/video breakdown on your film with feedback on where you need to improve. Then based on that, we will construct a custom 8 week field & gym workout plan for you to follow! Here is the info ⬇️⬇️
Every year we travel out to 15 different states for our QB and WR camps. And every year, I hear more and more stories about how more kids are deciding to repeat the 8th grade before high school. Now me personally, I don’t think it’s a terrible idea. Kids get an extra year to develop, build speed, build skills and put on size. However, you still have to work and nothing will be handed to you. I played my very first college game at 17 years old. Now you have kids who are playing their junior year of high school at 17 years old. So regardless of how old you are, your work ethic and drive is what will take you to the next level. I personally didn’t care how old my competition was. I worked my tail off to be better than them and get my education paid for. Your work ethic is something that nobody can take away from you. If you’re not going to hold back, you have to outwork the kids who do. If you are going to hold back, you still have to outwork everybody. The target on your back gets bigger when you repeat a grade for sports reasons. Everyone will use that as an excuse against you. So the main reason I wanted to write this is to say that it’s really a judgement call. I think it’s a viable option if you are extremely undersized. Like let’s say you want to play wide receiver. But as an 8th grader you are 5’2 and 120lbs- likely haven’t hit puberty yet…. That’s probably a good time to hold back. But let’s say you’re an 8th grader, 5’8 150lbs and want to hold back.. personally don’t think it’s needed.
People hold back for college reasons. They think if my kid develops more, he will start on varsity sooner and then he can get recruited. Now that is usually true, but I’ve gotten the privilege to meet and speak with many college coaches over the last few years, and a major thing that factors into their decision of recruiting someone is potential growth. A 6’0 14 year old freshman is way more appealing than a 6’0 16 year old freshman. They think the 16 year old might be done developing where as the 14 year old still might have a lot of growth left. Now at the end of the day, skills pay the bills. If you’re a great football player, they don’t care how old you are. Just make sure regardless of age, reclassifying etc. You must outwork the room. No excuse to not be the hardest worker in the room.
Also, in 2024 we are coming out to 9 more cities for QB/WR skill camps! We will be coming to Dallas TX(SOLD OUT) Nashville TN(SOLD OUT) Chicago IL(SOLD OUT) Buffalo NY, Atlanta GA, Houston TX (SOLD OUT) Philadelphia PA(SOLD OUT), Detroit MI, Boise ID & Los Angeles CA! Checkout the link below to sign up ⬇️⬇️
