Mike Tomczak Joins NCSA
June 17th, 2009 - byI had a chance to sit down with NCSA’s newest addition to our recruiting expert team, Mike Tomczak, to discuss his college recruitment. Mike starred at Ohio State and spent 16 years in the NFL.
My recruiting story was quite extensive. I watched the process for many, many years through my dad’s eyes since he was the head coach at the high school. So I saw a lot of athletes prior to myself got through the process. I saw the coaches coming in to watch film, talk to my dad and to size up the athlete.
When it came an opportunity for me to get recruited, my junior year, I started getting letters. My dad kept coaches abreast with what was going on with my high school career. At first things started locally with Illinois, Iowa Indiana, Iowa and then it broadened out with Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Michigan.
I narrowed it down to my choices based on opportunity to play, education, and closeness to home. I focused on Michigan and Ohio State. Both schools were great environments. I finally decided on Ohio State after going to camp there prior to Senior year. I was able to see the campus and meet the staff. I had been to Michigan before unofficially. The visit and my familiarity with the program really helped make my final decision.
Along the wa it seemed the more questionnaires you got, the more confused you got. It got difficult to say no. until I realized that I was just one person and so many others were getting recruited. But its not easy as a 17 year old. It wan’t easy for me, but the guidance I received from my dad really helped.
My dad taught me a lot of little secrets along the way. When coaches visited he made sure that I had 2-3 insoles to make me seem a little 
taller. I wore a few t-shirts under my flannel to look a little bigger. He had me listed at 6’3″ 205 lbs., but I was barely scratching 6’1″ 185lbs. The trick was to look taller and heavier. Those little things helped me get the extra look and once they threw in the film, the playing ability wasn’t something they were worried about.
My dad taught me things about character, yes sir, no sirs. My dad told me a long time ago, “From the moment they see you, they are thinking of reasons why not to offer you a scholarship. They are going after so many kids and they want the quality student athlete. Your play on the field will get you an opportunity, but your character and the way you handle yourself and accountability is going to go a long way, you are very fortunate to have the opportunity to go on and do something you love.”
When I got to know other players in the locker room and through the NFLPA I heard a lot of stories that weren’t as easy as mine. A lot of them had brothers that didn’t make it because of grades and they learned from it. May had to work their tail off to get noticed in highschool . Being in a system with a good high school was extremely important.
A lot of people are uneducated or naïve to the fact to the fact that a high school coach can’t get you a scholarship. Its your athletic ability and educational qualification and then the recognition. You almost have to be a self promoter. You have to let these college s know of your talent. There is more video and scouting systems than ever before and athletes need to work very hard to stand out.
Watching the whole thing evolve, it has become a big business, and I really feel as though that a proactive between the parent and student athlete and hopefully the coach helps you continue to play a sport you truly love.
