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Scouts travel far for accurate info
By Greg Gulas
AUSTINTOWN
This past weekend, Mark Porter traveled 1,403 miles to and from the Cincinnati area where he witnessed five high school football games and 10 teams over a three-day period.
The founder and executive director of scoutingohio.com walked away with countless statistics and photos on a variety of players that he soon will feature on his recruiting website.
At the same time, his wife, Stephanie spent her time in the Cleveland area where she took in nine games and 18 teams. Porter calls her the most valuable assistant any husband or business owner could ever have.
Why do this? Porter says it’s to ensure they provide accurate information to the 90-plus colleges that subscribe to their service.
Speaking Monday to the Curbstone Coaches at Luciano’s Restaurant, Porter said the life of a scout means being constantly on the go and updating new technology in order to properly showcase deserving players.
“In the past, I would just go to the games, watch and then digest what I had just seen before posting information and photos of players,” Porter said. “After watching my wife, I felt like I was the lazy one so I branched out and started taking photos as well.”
In addition to statistics and photos, video on each player also is posted so colleges can get an up-close look at the prospects they are pursuing.
“Our website is currently uploaded with information on those that we feel are the top 200 players from around the state,” Porter said. “That list over the next month or so will swell to 500 so coaches can get a real good look at who is featured.”
Porter is scouting the state for underclassmen that he will feature in his 2015, 2016 and 2017 classes.
He added that while many top Division I programs have remained subscribers, their website’s growth in popularity over the years has come from schools on the Division II and III levels.
“Every team is looking for that diamond in the rough and while some programs are a great fit for one player, that same program might not be a good fit for another player,” Porter said. “Following players early in their scholastic careers is beneficial and an added plus in the recruiting process.”
Porter said Youngstown State University already has two early commits from in-state players. While others might find that unusual, to him it is a very impressive statistic.
“The Penguins’ coaching staff has quietly been working very hard over the last three years and at 7-1 this year, they are now seeing results from their efforts,” Porter said.
“They’ve been building a team with a mix of Big 10, Big East and [Mid-American Conference] talent,” Porter said. “I think FCS playoff teams are very comparable to MAC teams or better.
“While FCS teams don’t have the depth of typical Division I programs, their product on the field is still a very good product.”
The two early YSU commitments are: Hunter Wells, a quarterback from Navarre Fairless; and Jaylon Brown, a running back from St. Clairsville.
“Wells is Stark County’s all-time leading passer, a player with a very accurate arm and someone who loves to compete,” Porter said. “Brown led his team to the state title game last year, is extremely quick and has great vision and balance.
“He runs with good power for his size.“