Meet Robert Snead.
The 6-foot-2, 202-pound linebacker from Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, New Jersey, recorded a team-high 46 tackles, 29 tackles for a loss and eight sacks four games last season, he's never been in trouble and has good grades.
In spite of all that, Snead finds himself unranked by any of the four major recruiting sites and without a single scholarship offer. Why? With tape that impressive, it shouldn't matter if he missed time with a fractured foot that is now fully healed.
"I had no exposure," Snead told Eleven Warriors, noting how he's about to play for his third head coach in three seasons. "No one was seeing how good I was."
So Snead took it upon himself to jumpstart his recruitment. He tweeted college coaches his highlights and workout videos, hoping to at least capture the attention of a small school.
got that outside work turf sled some one on ones grind dont stop
— Robert snead (@Robertsnead4) February 19, 2017
Beastmode sackmachine@DMFootball258 @QPFB_LIVE #brickcitylions4life pic.twitter.com/TbccDFsKdL
"I enjoy training and I see colleges post their workouts, so I'm showing them I'm ready for it," Snead said. "Nothing is given to you. You got to work for it."
But much to his surprise, Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Rutgers all reached out.
"What stands out is my first step. I'm in the backfield sometimes before the quarterback hands the ball off," he said. "I pride myself on backfield disruption, whether it's for a sack or tackle for a loss. I'm relentless. Who ever has the ball, even if it's 20 yards away, I'm coming to stop him. I take no plays off."
Among those who have taken an interest in Snead's playmaking ability, none other than Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano. Snead said the Buckeyes have been the most persistent.
"It's mostly small talk, but I appreciate his support. I know he's a busy coach, so him reaching out is great. I got mail from coach [Tim] Hinton, too. I'm hoping an offer will be next."
Snead's work ethic has earned him quite the fanfare, too. Every time he sends a tweet, there's at least a dozen responses with the phrases "Go Bucks" or "Roll Tide" attached.
Ohio state keep showing love
— Robert snead (@Robertsnead4) February 19, 2017
sackmachine and ohio@savageedits15 @OSUCoachMeyer @OSUCoachSchiano @11W @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/1X5StzvQS0
"Fans telling me to keep grinding or showing support and telling me they want me to play for their team means a lot," Snead said. "It motivates me to be the best I can be. I never expected to build a fan base.
"I feel like I've already visited these schools with fans filling me in on the history and what they offer."
The distance hasn't made it easy for Snead to visit any of the interested schools and the recruiting dead period means coaches can't come see him, so he's excited to show off his skills at next month's The Opening Regional.
"[I'm looking forward] to going against the best and prove to everyone I'm for real," Snead said.
Until then, he'll continue to post his highlights and workouts to Twitter. And even if it doesn't end with a scholarship offer from Alabama or Ohio State, Snead wouldn't change his approach.
"It helped me focus and learn so much from the fans," he said, "So many [people] supported me and gave me great advice, so that was worth it alone."
