ANDREW'S RECRUITING SUMMER CHAPTER 13: THE AT-HOME VISITS BY THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACHES (* IN PROGRESS*)
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Mike came downstairs the next morning for breakfast. He was wearing his ODCVI Football T-shirt and his dark Levis 505 jeans. On a normal sized guy, they would have been just straight leg, not even slim, but on a huge muscular guy like Mike, they fit very snugly.

 

Martin frowned in disapproval, but he realized that Mike had to make his own decisions from now on. 

 

"I hope you know what you're doing Mike: dressing in those tight clothes for the College Football Coaches," Martin said.

 

"Good morning to you too Dad!" Mike snapped sarcastically. "You seem to have forgotten that I've dressed like this for the past three years of high school and neither the teachers nor my coaches have complained! And the College Football Coaches that I visited with Andrew last week didn't complain either. So I'd appreciate it if you'd get off my back about it!"

 

"Fine Mike," Martin muttered in frustration. "Is there something else that's bothering you? You don't usually snap at me like this, even though you've been bigger than me for years."

 

"Just nervous about meeting the College Football Coaches this morning Dad," Mike replied. "It's one thing to go down to see them, but to have them come up here to see me is another thing entirely."

 

"You should be proud of yourself Mike; it's a great testament to your athletic ability on the football field," Martin commended him. "And these At-Home Visits will determine which schools you visit starting next week for more Unofficial Visits. Which school visits you first this morning?"

 

"West Virginia," Mike replied with a big grin. "Then I meet the Penn State Coach at the Sundial Restaurant at 10 am. Then it's lunch at Webers with the Clemson Coach at noon and back here with the Virginia Tech Coach at 2 pm."

 

"Just make sure you pay for your own meals Mike; the College Football Coaches aren't allowed to pay for anything until your Official Visits in the fall," Martin reminded him. "Coach Everson researched the NCAA Recruiting Regulations very thoroughly and he wanted me to remind you of that."

 

"So they can't pay for my meal or even a drink of water?" Mike asked, looking shocked. 

 

"No they can't," Martin confirmed, looking at the email. "They can't buy you anything when they're visiting you, or even on an UnOfficial Visit to their schools."

 

"So they can't even give me one dinner mint?" Mike shouted in frustration.

 

"You mean if it's free?" Martin asked. Mike nodded, and Martin checked the email again. "It's a bit fuzzy on that, but if it isn't something they brought with them, and it's already at the restaurant, that should be okay. Just make sure you bring each school's Recruiting Letters to the proper coach. You wouldn't want them to get mixed up."

 

"Okay Dad, you've lectured me on everything," Mike said, looking exasperated.  "Now, are you going to congratulate me for getting this far in my College Football Recruiting Journey?"

 

"Sorry about that son," Martin apologized. "Congratulations. I'm sure you'll make me proud as a College Football Player, just like Mark will."

 

"Thanks Dad," Mike said gratefully. "Don't think I don't know what's going on here."

 

"And what's that?" Martin asked, dishing the eggs out of the frying pan.

 

"I'm the last kid at home and you're having trouble letting go," Mike said bluntly. "Once I'm off to college next year, you're going to be all alone for the first time in over 25 years."

 

"That's true Mike, but I hope you and Mark will come back and visit during the holidays," Martin said.

 

"Yes we will," Mike replied. He glared at his dad and added, "This was supposed to be a happy day for me Dad; you certainly know how to ruin my good mood, don't you?"

 

"I'm sorry about that son; I'm just worried about you that's all," Martin said.

 

"There's nothing to worry about Dad," Mike assured him. "I can take care of myself and once I secure my football scholarship, college will be paid for." He grinned as his dad put the food on the table and added, "Unless you think I'm going to drop out of college and declare for the NFL Draft early!"

 

"Don't you dare son!" Martin admonished him. "It's taken three years of high school football for the NCAA to recruit you and it will probably take at least that long for you to become NFL Material!"

 

"I was just kidding Dad," Mike assured him. "Knowing how smart I am, I'll probably get an Academic Scholarship as well. And I do want to get a Sports Degree of some type: that will keep me involved with football long after my playing days are over."

 

"Good for you Mike; it's good to see that your Genius Intellect is still intact," Martin commended him, as they sat down to start eating.

 

"It didn't vanish just because I became a High School Football Player Dad," Mike reminded him. "I just re-directed my academic pursuits to coincide with my College Football Recruiting." He grinned at his dad to let him know that he was showing off his mind a little bit.

 

"I always knew you could run circles around me with that mind of yours," Martin laughed.

 

"And with my legs too!" Mike reminded him, getting up from his seat and running around the table.

 

"Sit down son!" Martin chuckled. "Or we won't be done breakfast by the time the first College Football Coach arrives!"

 

Mike grinned and sat down again.

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Meanwhile, at Andrew's house, he and his parents, as well as JP and Matt, were getting ready for the visits by the College Football Coaches.

 

"Matt will be with us in another room while you and JP are with the College Football Coaches," Derrick informed Andrew.

 

"Okay Dad," Andrew said, looking a bit nervous.

 

"It's okay son; none of the coaches are asking you to commit to their school this week," Derrick assured him. "They just want you to commit to a Unofficial Visit later this month and you and JP have already planned a good schedule for that. So you have nothing to worry about. This week is the culmination of your hard work and dedication on the football field over the past three years. I'm very proud of you Andrew."

 

"Thanks Dad," Andrew said gratefully, noticing his mom and his friends grinning with pride as well. "Now, let's have breakfast before the first College Football Coach arrives."

 

"And which coach is that Andrew?" Derrick asked, as they all sat down at the table.

 

"Penn State," Andrew replied with a big grin.

 

"That's a good one Andrew," JP said. "Tyler Backton wants to go there!"

 

"Yeah I know JP, but don't drop his name this morning, or any time this week for that matter!" Andrew ordered him. "This is my At Home Recruiting Week, not his!"

 

"I understand that Andrew," JP assured him. "I just want to let you know that he might be angling for the Freshman Center position as well."

 

"Penn State is only one football school JP," Andrew reminded him with a frown. "As we saw last night when we sorted through the Recruiting Letters, at least 20 coaches are going to visit me this week: from Division 1 Football Schools all across the eastern half of your country!"

 

"Calm down Andrew," Derrick urged him. "I know that you're nervous and excited about this week, but don't take it out on your guest!"

 

"Sorry about that JP," Andrew apologized. "Can we talk about something else until 8 o'clock?"

 

"Sure Andrew," Derrick agreed. "What do you want to talk about?"

 

"The usual stuff: cars, the weather and working out," Andrew teased him.

 

"Speaking of vehicles Andrew, I have an idea," Derrick said.

 

"And what's that?" Andrew asked.

 

"Your truck is getting a little old, but your payments to your mom for it are done by Christmas," Derrick realized.

 

"Yeah they are Dad. So what?" Andrew asked.

 

"Well, once you decide on your College Football School, how would you like to trade your old truck in for a new Dodge Ram Quad Cab in that school's colour?" Derrick asked. "Usually Birthday Presents stay a surprise, but since this is such a big one, I thought I would ask for your opinion first."

 

"I'll think about it Dad," Andrew hedged. "For now, let's finish breakfast and then meet the first College Football Coach."

 

Everyone did that, washed their dishes, and soon it was 8 am and the first coach knocked on Andrew's door. It was the Recruiting Coach from the Penn State Nittany Lions.

 

"Hello Coach," Andrew said, shaking his hand at the front door. The Penn State Recruiter winced and Andrew quickly released his hand. "Sorry about that; I guess I don't know my own strength these days."

 

"Don't worry about it Andrew," the PS Recruiter assured him. "May I come in now?"

 

"Sure thing Coach," Andrew said, leading him inside. "Come on into the Living Room and we'll talk."

 

The PSR followed Andrew into the Living Room, where they sat down and he began telling Andrew all about their football program.

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Meanwhile, at Mike's house, the West Virginia Mountaineers Recruiter was busy telling Mike about all the perks of their football program. He was astonished at how big and muscular Mike was, especially in his skintight clothes, and he wasn't sure how to broach the subject and urge Mike to wear looser clothes.

 

"You're certainly big and strong enough to Start for us on the Offensive Line Mike," the West Virginia Recruiter said. He looked Mike up and down as they stood up and added, "I'm not sure how we'll find a uniform big enough for you though; what we do have will probably be as skintight on you as your clothes are right now."

 

"Yeah, I'm a real Big Man Coach!" Mike bragged, flexing his massive biceps. "That's why my clothes are skintight!" He looked over at WVR to see if he looked upset and was pleased to see that he looked awed instead. "I could change into some looser clothes if you really want me to; I just thought it was best to wear clothes that showed off every muscle I have. Because you're not just showing me why your program would be a good fit for me; I have to show you why I would be a good fit for your program!"

 

"That's a very good explanation Mike," WVR said, checking his watch. "We have about an hour left before my next appointment: at Andrew Harrington's house." Mike grinned with pride at the mention of his best friend. "What did you want to do until then?"

 

"Well Sir, I have bunch of NCAA Footballs up in my room, including one from West Virginia," Mike replied. "All the West Virginia Recruiting Letters are up there too. Why don't I get them, drive us to the High School and then we can throw my West Virginia Football around on the High School Football Field. Then you can also meet my football coach, since he's at the high school all week. And it's right across the street from Andrew's house, so you'll certainly be on time for your appointment with him."

 

"Before we do that, do you have a Home Gym?" WVR asked. Mike nodded in excitement. "Let's go there and you can show me how much you can bench."

 

Mike grinned with excitement and eagerly led the way down to his basement gym: wondering how shocked the West Virginia Recruiter would be to see how strong he truly was.

 

Once they got down there, Mike advised the WVR: "I don't usually work out in street clothes, but we'll see how it goes." He started loading the 100 pound weight plates onto the bench-press bar and WVR's eyes bugged out in astonishment. "Pretty impressive, isn't it Coach?" Mike asked, bragging a little bit. "Once I was able to bench more than 500 pounds, Harrington's Sports Suppliers made me some 100 pound weight plates for the bench-press. Otherwise, there would be about eight 45 pound weight plates on each end of the bar and they would have fallen off."

 

"That's incredible Mike!" WVR shouted in astonishment, as Mike attached the clips to the ends of the bar. He counted the plates on each end of the bar, four, and realized that the bar itself weighed 45 pounds. "You have 845 pounds on here!"

 

"Yeah Coach, last night 800 pounds felt a bit light, so I'm upping the weight this morning," Mike humble-bragged. "I hope you'll give me a spot if I need it." 

 

"I certainly will Mike: and not just because I want you to stay healthy so that you can join our football team," WVR teased him with a laugh.

 

Mike chuckled and predicted, "You won't be laughing after I complete this bench set Coach; you'll be too shocked to do anything!"

 

WVR nodded and soon realized that Mike had been predicting the future. He got his Digital Camera ready and then watched in awe and more than a little fear when Mike managed to bench 845 pounds for three reps: not even needing a spot on the last one.

 

Mike sat up on the weight bench, wiped his forehead with a towel and looked over at WVR. "So, what did you think of that Coach?" WVR just gazed at him in awe and then lifted his hands helplessly above his shoulders. "That's what I thought; too shocked to speak," Mike bragged. "I'll give you a few minutes to calm down, and then I want an answer. I'll just be over there curling 100 pounds in each hand! Let me know when you want me to stop: it'll take a few minutes for even those weights to become too heavy for me!"

 

WVR made sure he was still recording and stood silently in awe once again: as Mike curled 100 pounds in each hand for ten reps.

 

Mike stood up, shook out his sore arms, and then replaced the dumbbells on their rack. He looked over at WVR to see if he was ready to talk, but realized that he was still stunned. So Mike decided to put away his Bench-Press Weights: carrying 100 pound plates in each hand, for four trips total, right in front of the West Virginia Recruiter. Mike did the latter bit for the very subtle reason of freaking out his Recruiter so that he would be in awe and immediately offer Mike a Full Football Scholarship.

 

Mike was very proud that he was such a Genius for thinking up such a Fool-Proof Recruiting Strategy. "Now to see if the plan is Smart-Proof," Mike said to himself.  He walked slowly up to the West Virginia Recruiter and said, "Are you ready to discuss my great strength yet Sir?"

 

The WVR(Mr Magee) looked up and responded with, "I'm also the Offensive Coordinator for the West Virginia Mountaineers Mike, so you might as well call me Coach." 

 

"For just this week or starting next summer Coach?" Mike teased him.

 

Inwardly, he cheered when Coach Magee replied, "Next summer Mike, if your Unofficial Visit goes well this summer. Because once you get offered an Official Visit, you're practically guaranteed a Football Scholarship!"

 

"So, what are you saying Coach?" Mike asked him.

 

"I'm saying that I look forward to hosting you for an Unofficial Visit this summer," Coach Magee replied with a big grin. Mike grinned proudly and Coach M stepped forward to shake his hand. "Congratulations Mike: your great strength is going to guarantee you a Starting Sport on our Offensive Line: even as a Freshman! And thanks to your Coach Everson emailing me the blood test results, we know that your great size and strength is All Natural, even if it is Exceptionally Gifted."

 

"That could apply to my IQ as well Coach, though the Layman's Term is Genius," Mike bragged subtly. 

 

"Which means that you'll get an Academic Scholarship Offer as well, when I offer you an Official Visit for the fall," Coach Magee informed him. He thought about what he had just said and grinned. 

 

"Does that mean that I don't have to go on an Unofficial Visit at your school next week?" Mike asked, looking excited either way. "Because I'll be getting an Official Visit from you in the fall?"

 

"Unofficial Visits serve a very important purpose Mike, so you need to take one," Coach Magee replied. "It is the best chance for a school to give a Recruit individual attention and answer all their questions. The Official Visit is held on a Home Game Day, so most of our team, except for your Student Guide, will be busy with preparations."

 

"I see," Mike said, looking excited about his Recruiting Journey. "So what do we do now?"

 

"Why don't I ride with you to your high school and meet your football coach," Coach Magee suggested. "Then I can meet Andrew at his house across the street for the 10 am meeting and you can talk to the Penn State Recruiter, who will be done with Andrew by then."

 

"Then Andrew can give you a ride anywhere you want to go," Mike realized. "There are no restrictions on the football recruit providing the Recruiter with stuff, just the other way around."

 

"And he can take me back to my Rental Car and I can follow him to the Sundial Restaurant," Coach Magee realized. "Good plan Mike."

 

"Thanks Coach," Mike said gratefully, leading the way upstairs. "Let's go say goodbye to my dad and then head over to the OD Football Field. I have a special football trick I want to show you."

 

"That's a good idea Mike; part of this visit involves me evaluatiing your football skills to make sure you'll be a good fit for our team," Coach Magee agreed.

 

Mike grinned with anticipation: pleased that he was on the same page as his Recruiter. They went upstairs to say goodbye to Mike's dad.

 

"I had a great visit with your son Mr Stevenson; West Virginia will be honoured to host him for an Unofficial Visit next week," Coach Magee said, smiling with pride.

 

Martin returned his smile with one of his own and said, "Thank you very much Coach: that's good to hear. Do you mind waiting outside for a minute; I'd like to talk to Mike alone."

 

"Sure thing," Coach Magee said. He turned to Mike and said, "I'll wait for you outside Mike; I look forward to seeing what you can do on your High School Football Field."

 

"See you in a few minutes Coach, and then you'll be amazed again," Mike promised him with a cocky smirk.

 

Coach Magee laughed at Mike's cocky attitude and waved as he headed outside. 

 

"Good job Mike," Martin said, patting his huge son on the shoulder. "You kept your Cocky Jock Side hidden: mostly. By doing so, you made a great First Impression on the West Virginia Coach. I'm very proud of you."

 

"Thanks Dad," Mike said, smiling with pride. He put on his Football Jacket, since he'd be driving in an Air-Conditioned Truck and eating in an Air-Conditioned Restaurant. "See you at 2 pm when I meet the Virginia Tech Coach here."

 

"See you then son," Martin said, smiling with pride as Mike headed outside. 

 

Once Mike was in the driveway, he stood beside his truck and looked over at Coach Magee. "How do I look Coach?" he asked, flexing his huge arms in his tight football jacket.

 

"You truly look like a High School Jock Mike," Coach Magee replied, grinning with amusement at Mike's cocky attitude. "It's good to see that your high school has Football Jackets; I know that High School Football in Canada isn't the phenomenon that it is in America."

 

"No it's not Coach, but all the starters on our team have Football Jackets and we wear them with pride," Mike informed him, crossing his arms over his massive chest.

 

"Even in the summer?" Coach Magee asked, looking surprised. "It's really hot out!"

 

"Air Conditioned truck," Mike said, pointing to his with one massive arm.

 

"I didn't think of that Mike, and I'm surprised you did," Coach Magee admitted, looking embarassed.

 

"Why you so surprised Coach; you don't think I'm just a Dumb Jock, do you?" Mike asked, looking offended at the thought.

 

"No, I didn't mean to imply that Mike," Coach Magee assured him. "It's just that you're so big and strong that I forget how smart you are. Is it true that you have a Genius Level IQ?"

 

"Yeah I do Coach; that's why I've made the Honour Roll every year," Mike bragged. "And I hope that I've been smart enough during this visit with you: staying humble and not bragging about myself too much."

 

"You did very well on this visit Mike; you've made a great First Impression with me," Coach Magee assured him.

 

"Thanks a lot Coach," Mike said, sighing with relief and giving him a grateful smile. "I must say, I'm really enjoying these visits with the College Football Coaches: both here at home and at the College Campuses."

 

"You're doing pretty well so far Mike, especially by matching your accessories to the College Football Coach who is visiting you," Coach Magee said, pointing to the West Virginia Football Mike was holding.

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