USA Today has compiled data from the past 20 NFL drafts to look at the states and schools that produce the most draft picks, among other things.
The big three, California, Texas and Florida, now have pretty solid empirical evidence to support their claims as fertile football grounds:
It is no surprise that California, along with Florida and Texas, produce large numbers of draftees. After all, they are three of the four largest states in the USA, making up 26% of the population.
But those three states out-produce their population when it comes to NFL draft picks. They account for 1,808 of 5,395 players drafted — 34% — according to a USA TODAY analysis of the NFL draft from 1988-2007.
The state of Ohio finished 5th over that time, behind the big three and Georgia, over the same period. There's no doubt that had the data been gathered from, say, 1968-1987, Ohio would probably have been in the top three, but this data only further illustrates a potential problem with the shift South of population in the United States.
Maybe that's why 2008 was the first season on record where out of state recruits outnumbered Ohio kids (11-9) in a Buckeye recruiting class. Expect to see more classes like this going forward. Still, there's no reason to believe this strategy can't be successful for established football powers in the North or other less populous states (see Nebraska in the 1990s).
There's a handy flash map if you're in to drilling down into the data, and the article reveals some interesting facts:
Ohio State averaged 8½ wins and 4.9 draft picks per year in the 13 seasons before Jim Tressel became head coach in 2001.
Since Tressel took over, the Buckeyes have averaged 10.4 wins and 7.8 draft picks a year.
Oh, and don't forget the stereotypes. The data showed that the Big Ten only lead the way in NFL selections at one position over that time period -- offensive lineman.
Comments
I'd be interested in a per capita appraisal of which states produce the most talent.
Kudos to The Vest for ripping two recruits out of Paterno's arthritic clutches this week. Wow, is p*nn st*t* struggling.
I don't have a source, but I seem to remember reading prior to the LSU game that Louisiana produced the most NFL talent per capita.
Hey Joe Fox=Joe Bauserman,
Nice job on Saturday.
You looked good out there.
Poe
i read a michigan blog early and they are starting to panic alittle bit. With good reason we are taking down 5 star recruits at a record pace. I can't wait for the reaction if James Jackson signs with ohio state. For those that don't know about James Jackson he's mi. best in state talent and an absolute burner at wr 4.31 speed state record in the 100m as a so.
Boeckman needs zero turnovers in these first two games or Bauserman will get some snaps.
Boeckman has had his chance his last three games he had 2td vs 6ints. The coaches wouldn't even trust him to throw the ball the whole 2nd half at michigan. Bottom line is he only does one thing well and that is throw the out. Bauserman should get a look. Pryor is looking good to get half the snap this year regardless of the starter.
"Hey Joe Fox=Joe Bauserman,
Nice job on Saturday.
You looked good out there."
Thanks, I did my best! Doesn't my blond hair look shiny and sporty when the sun glints off it? I look like Bradshaw. Maybe I'll crew-cut it and look like Johnny U. That just spells starting job.
I read your preview, by the way, and if you think Todd's been working on his check-downs, you didn't see the spring game, or any practices, or anything at all this spring. The only thing Todd checks is the name on the back of the jersey: "Hartline? Throw. Some other name? Take a sack."
This job is mine by October, baby.
JB (er.... JF)
[...] article that takes a look at where NFL draft picks have come from over the past 20 NFL drafts (h/t Eleven Warriors). In certain respects, the numbers are a bit [...]
We've lost to 2 major programs in those top 3 states (Florida & Texas) within the last 10 years and beat 2 major programs in those top 3 states (Miami & Texas).....we play a team from that 3rd state this year.....are we gonna be ahead of the curve?
[...] me, one of the benefits of being a Buckeye fan is the NFL draft. As Jason pointed out earlier this week, the tenure of Jim Tressel had provided 7.8 draft picks per season, including a [...]