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First Meeting Set for Super Bowl Sunday! 12 NOON
By Spartan Staff • Jan 26th, 2009 • Category: HEADLINE NEWS
The road back to the Biz-Hub Bowl will ironically start on Super Sunday. All players that are returning for the spring tournament and players that have submitted an application online will be in attendance. If you have not submitted an application you are still more than welcome to attend to get a feel for the organization. The meeting will begin promptly at noon and will include many exciting announcements for the 2009 campaign, Included in the meeting…
Wrap up of the 2008 season including All Star Game info
2009 Elite Classic Info
Fees
Team bylaws
Practice Schedule/ Workout Sessions
Many players that come to us for help, are often faced with this dilemma. They have no clue as to the process of being recruited, or getting recognized by college coaches. Below is a link from the National Collegiac Scouting Association, on the process of being recruited. National signing day is February 6th. Is Michigan knocking at your door? How about USC, or even Boston College? If not, both players and parents need to read this blog. Those that are seeking to get into Prep Schools, this advise is also great for you. Here is the link, to view the article from the NSCA site – the article is also copied below.
What to do without a NLI >> [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102429073428&e=001iQamUAuq9Es0CyKqkvitiaPvvUzpKuwuD-nF4zB8ABkbDMS78jHgBb3gwwGqYz4_cJcjBjNoQE5WUsnaa3jKYPxu5rYEYzxIaOV9K8J4CAcW1ZhBLWHbIAEgZToRKzm3t048a5N0ts-cMu4QsNLYo2AY1FE-QIQuRag8DKjxlv4A3tdn0zrTHywSVs347JHB]
Here is the article in its entirety -
ACT/SAT Tip of the Week!
January 27th, 2009 – by Chris Krause
The lack of a National Letter of Intent to sign as a second semester senior can be a source of frustration and worry for student-athletes around the country.
My first piece of advice: Take a deep breath, relax, and refocus. There is still time.
Now, let’s talk strategy on how to approach the remainder of the recruiting process.
The increased media coverage regarding NLI signing day has led to the expectation that if a student-athlete is not signing 
a scholarship offer on the first day of the period then they are not going to receive an athletic scholarship.
Fortunately, that is far from the truth.
NLI signing is a PERIOD not a DAY!
NLI signing period lasts months in most sports which means at any point during that period, a student-athlete can officially accept an athletic scholarship offer from a DI or DII college. Make sure to become familiar with the sport specific periods that I outlined last week. Student-athletes who sign on the first day of the period typically are confident they have found the best fit and would like to finalize their recruiting process and college choice. Most student-athletes do not fall into this category and when you consider the number of DIII, NAIA, and Junior colleges, a lot of opportunities to play at the next level do not fall into this category either.
In some situations, student-athletes wait because they are unprepared to officially accept an athletic scholarship offer from a particular school in the hopes that they will receive a more attractive offer from a preferred school.
In other instances, a student athlete has not been offered an athletic scholarship as of the first day of the signing period and thus has nothing to officially accept. If this is the case, then it is time to seriously analyze your recruiting options.
If I have not been offered an athletic scholarship by the beginning of the signing period, do I still have a chance?
Sure! Every year student athletes receive scholarship offers during the signing period despite not having a verbal offer before that time. Keep in mind that recruiting is constantly changing, especially when it comes time to making the commitment official between the student-athlete and the college coach. College coaches are choosing between a large number of student-athletes and vice versa. Not everyone can have their first choice!
College coaches, like student-athletes, must adapt to the current recruiting situation based on who has accepted their offers and who has decided to go elsewhere. This changing environment opens up opportunities for other student-athletes who may have not been offered as of yet.
As a general rule of thumb, lower level DI and DII colleges will finalize their recruiting boards later in the cycle than the top tier DI schools. These coaches will typically wait to see which student-athletes are still available to pursue and then make a push towards signing them.
What should I do if I haven’t received an offer yet?
The best advice is to become proactive. Find out where you stack up on the priority list of all the college coaches who have expressed interest in you. This might require emailing, calling, or even visiting college coaches in an effort to garner that coveted athletic scholarship offer. The majority of college coaches still have roster spots and scholarships to offer…make sure your name is at the top of their list.
As Brandon Liles, Head Recruiting Coach with NCSA, says, “The best way to receive interest is to show interest.”
What if I never receive a NLI?
Again, this does not mean you cannot play collegiate athletics!
This most likely means you will need to refocus your expectations. The NLI only encompasses DI and DII colleges which does not include hundreds of opportunities at some wonderful DIII, NAIA, and Junior Colleges around the country which 
might still be looking for prospects. Over 65% of all collegiate programs are at the DIII, NAIA, and Junior College level!
If you are not receiving serious interest from any DI and DII coaches by the beginning of the signing period, then you should accept that as an indication that DIII, NAIA, or Junior College might be the most realistic option. Serious interest includes regular communication via email, phone calls, or letters.
By the time the signing periods have arrived, the recruiting process for most student-athletes and college coaches has been going on for years. Evaluations have been made, relationships have been established, and regular admissions deadlines are approaching. Hopefully by this point in the process, student-athletes have taken the 5 steps needed, beginning with an objective evaluation, and are analyzing their options to find the perfect fit.
However, if you are a senior and feel like you got a late start getting involved in the process and are still open to exploring what opportunities that might still be available, make sure to get an objective athletic and academic evaluation which will focus your search on the right schools. There is still time!
Rebel Football has always been about getting players to the next level, whether Prep or College. However, there are many misconceptions about the process of playing either College or Prep ball. Bronxrebels.org will present a series of information on the recruiting process. It actually begins in the Freshman year of high school, not the junior year, as many believe. Take a look at the Rebelvision video, and take notes.
Rebel football has been successful for over 20 years due to the strength of our adult volunteers. Their effort and commitment to the program have proven invaluable. Our program grows every year with new teams, and new responsibility. We need your help to continue to provide our student athletes the very best in football instruction, and ammenities.
We have the following positions available. Or, if you do not see something here and wish to make a suggestion, please do so. Speak with Coach Ray Baxter @ 347-968-8420.
Head Coach – Jr. Pee Wee Division ages 8-10 (experience required)
Assistant Football Coaches – all levels ages 8 – 18
Director of Football Operations / General Manager
Director of Community Relations/Marketing/Media
Registration Personnel for each level – Jr. Pee Wees, Pee Wees, Intermedites, Prep
Game Day Announcer
Director of Player Development
Gate / Team Security
Concession Help
Please note that all volunteers will be required to submit to a background investigation.
Below is the roster submitted by Coach Blake and his staff for 2008. There are comments next to each name, as each player was evaluated for his play this past season. The playoff game vs the Brooklyn Renegades will be broadcast on Rebelvision in the next several days.
Bronx Rebels Pee Wee Roster – 2008
Brandon Allende – Running Back / Defensive Back – a smart gifted team player.
Teavon Ashmeade – Running Back / Defensive End – most touchdowns on the team.
Dondre Campbell – Offensive Guard /Tight End – smart team leader.
Stephon Campbell – Linebacker – Defensive Back – smart strong team player.
Darren Denham – Fullback / Linebacker - solid player.
David Delacruz – Tackle / Guard - one word “beast”
Sean Gambrell – Defensive End / Tight End – Captain, heavyweight hitter.
Tahjini Gonzalez - Defensive Tackle / Offensive Guard – solid lineman team player.
Jordan Harley – Defensive Back – had 2 big tackles this season.
Andrew Lawrence – Offensive Guard / Defensive Tackle – team player and smart lineman.
Prince Lawrence - Quarterback / Defensive Back – strong armed qb
Jacory Myers – Offensive Lineman / Linebacker - strong lineman and solid team player.
David “DJ” Reid Jr. – Defensive Back - smart quick cornerback.
Damien Richards – Center / Defensive End – a force on both sides of the ball.
Gregory Sanchez – Wide Receiver / Defensive Back – quick sure hands
Shaun Tafe – Quarterback / Safety - complete player and this year’s MVP
Darenll Thomas – Linebacker / Fullback - strong team player.
Malik Wilder – Running Back / Linebacker - Team Captain and best player.
Ramier Williams – Linebacker / Defensive Back - tough team player.
Brandon Ramirez - Linebacker / Tight End - smart player and a heavy hitter.
Chesly Carter – Wide Receiver / Defensive Back - ”Most Improved”
As you can now see, and hear, we now have video on our site. We are asking all players and parents for any pictures or video clips so we may display our program to the world. Please email any links or pictures to bronxrebelsfb@aol.com. We may feature your video or pics on our site!!
Coach Blake, after a great season with the Pee Wee team, finally had time to sit with bronxrebels.org and give an interview.
Coach Mike Blake came to the Rebel Program from the Elmsford Red Raiders in 2006, a now defunct program coached by Nat Middleton (who is also a Rebel coach). Coach Blake’s son Jarred played Defensive End and Center for the Rebels in 2005, and joined the staff one year later. Coach did not bring the x’s and o’s to the table, he brought something more valuable. His ability to relate to players and help them with life issues was invaluable to the success of the Jr. Pro’s in 2006.
Besides being a football coach in his spare time, HC Blake is a Deacon of the Second Prince of Peace Baptist Church in the Bronx, CEO of Nuesence Entertainment and Co-Owner of the Odyssey Zone Recording Studio in Harlem, NY.
Blake was chosen as a HC because he brings unique qualities to the position. More than learning the game of football, he offers his players a positive vision and direction. He directs his coaching staff to serve as mentors to prepare the ”student-athletes” for high school, college, and life beyond football. Blake has galvanized the parents on the Pee Wee level as no coach has previously, and will lead our Pee Wees to great heights.
Blake’s son Jared attends St. Thomas Aquinas College in Rockland County. He attributes Jared’s success to what he learned as a Rebel, and wants to give many young men the same opportunity.
The Rebels value Deacon Blake’s success, and wish him all the best in 2009. If you wish to play for Coach Blake – or any of the Rebel teams in 2009, stay tuned to our website for more information.
We thank you for your eager participation on this web site. I appreciate the comments that have been made, mostly positive toward our program. However, there are comments that draw a negative light on our program. Those are the comments made by our players and parents toward opponents.
There will always be detractors to our program. No matter how well or poorly we perform, there are always those that will be jealous of our fortunes. The Rebels have been in existence for over 20 years, and have been successful not only on the field, but in the life lessons we have taught to those that have worn the crimson and white.
This is not a request, this is an edict. If I see anyone from our program using language not befitting a Rebel, or getting into an internet argument on this site or any other, or becoming an internet thug, you will be removed from our program. As a representative and ambassador for our program, your words, no matter what anyone from any other program has to say, have a large impact on the football community. As a Rebel, you will be respectful. We show what we can do on the field. Others that feel they can challenge us on the internet, let them see us on the 50 yard line, on their field. Other than that, we will remain respectful, and mindful of our website. As for parents, if I find a Rebel parent is not minding this rule, their son or daughter will be removed from the program. Our Board of Directors sends people to our site all the time. The language that was displayed by our people is horrendous. I ask that you and the kids refrain from this immediately.
2009 dates will be posted shortly. Hang on – it’s gonna get interesting around here!!!
