PHILADELPHIA, PA - On November 10, 2006 - the day after the Explorers win over St. Peter's - the La Salle University Football coaching staff began working on one of the most important aspects of the off-season: recruiting.
Even after the late start in the 2006 season (the coaching staff was hired and in place in April), the 2006 Explorer's recruiting class proved to be loaded with talent. The Explorer's had 10 freshman start this season. There were six freshmen starting on a defense that ended up ranked 10th in the nation in Division 1AA football. Now with appropriate time and a staff dedicated to the vision of La Salle Football, they are excited about the potential of the 2007 recruiting class.
La Salle is actively recruiting potential Explorer's throughout the country, and head coach Tim Miller is confident. "We know that we will reach the vision for La Salle University Football. The question is when. With the recruiting class in 2006, a great veteran leadership and the potential recruits that we are currently speaking to, it may be sooner rather than later."
Competing with conference opponents, Ivy League schools and various other Division 1AA teams, it looks like La Salle University is on the top of the list for some of the most sought after recruits. "It is easy to sell when you believe in what you are selling," states Coach Miller, "I believe strongly in the philosophy of La Salle University. It is a University that is based on Christian values. A University that ranks amongst the top schools in the country academically. La Salle is a community of great people. Why would someone not be interested in a University that is achieving so much and is far from satisfied?"
The number one quality that the staff at La Salle is looking for is character. The staff is determined to only bring in high character people to La Salle. "Our current players deserve to have high character individuals in our program. We understand to reach our high goals for football, we must have a team full of unselfish, high character and talented student-athletes. We want student-athletes that see the potential and vision that we have for La Salle University Football. It takes special people to achieve special things. The individuals that we have scheduled to visit La Salle are students first, football players second. They are individuals that will help us reach our goals of developing a winning program," Miller explains.
There is no question that La Salle University Football is reaching new heights. Coach Miller was asked why there has been so much interest in Explorer's Football recently. "As I mentioned, in 2006 we were able to get some kids that were great people, but also great football players. We have a player that was on Syracuse's board for recruiting, a player that had interest from University of Maine, yet they decided that they believed in our vision and the philosophy of La Salle University. That can sometimes be contagious with other players in the area. We were fortunate to have a 2.5 million dollar renovation to our stadium. Our field is as good as any field you will find. Most importantly, we have great people at La Salle. I am proud of my coaching staff and players. Our players, teachers, administrators and students are our greatest selling point. We are truly a family, and recruits see that immediately."
The next few months will be full of excitement. There is definitely a new spirit and enthusiasm surrounding La Salle University Football. Hopefully, the recruits coming to La Salle will understand and visualize all of the potential at a great University.
