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From JUCO to the big time

I have mentioned on here quite a few times the opportunity that presents itself at the local Arizona junior colleges.

Brad played hoops at a JC and I played football at Glendale. I am sure Brad would agree with me, the time spent at our respective junior colleges was invaluable in our lives.

Yesterday Glendale Community College safety Tregg Waters committed to Indiana…yes Indiana in the Big Ten. Congrats to Mr. Waters but it wasn’t without hard work.

Waters played outside linebacker at St. Mary’s in Phoenix and was lightly recruited. He actually ended up walking on at Glendale on an academic scholarship. Two season later, Waters was being recruited by several FCS programs and then the big call came from Indiana on Wednesday night with a scholarship offer. He took it on the spot.

“It was too good to pass up,” Waters says.

Many people look down on JCs but look at the opportunity it just gave Waters. He is going to play in front of 50,000 people or more every week!! And get a great education.

Another great example is defensive tackle Mike Pennel at Scottsdale Community College. Lightly recruited out of Grandview High School in Colorado, he is now the most recruited DT in the nation. The 6-5 350 pounder (yes you read it right) has been offered by Arkanasas, Kansas State, ASU, UofA, Texas A&M, Kansas, Colorado and just about every other BCS program. Something he didn’t have coming out of high school.

So advice to parents, if a junior college coach calls your kid…give him the time of day.

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