Why visiting a college on game day is a big deal to suburban football recruits
Making game-day visits has become a very important factor in the recruiting process at every level of college football. Game-day visits are generally unofficial visits in which recruits are invited to see what a college is like before, during and after a home game. An early visit doesn't necessarily mean a school is planning to extend an offer.
Hinsdale Central junior defensive linemen Tommy Riordan (6-foot-5, 240 pounds), ranked as a four-star recruit, was busy on Saturday, leading the Red Devils to a 29-26 win over Lyons Twp. Riordan recently made a game-day visit to Ohio State and discussed his impressions.
“The ‘Shoe’ is just a massive stadium, and it’s just a cool place,” Riordan said. “I was able to go with my parents to the BBQ along with the Skull Session. The Skull Session is a big pregame pep rally, and just the energy all day was just amazing. The game was pretty close for a half before Ohio State ran away with it in the second half. The atmosphere and the fan support was just great at Ohio State.
“I really didn't get to talk with the Ohio State coaches very much, but that’s expected since it’s a game day. Everyone on the staff was great to us and made us feel really welcomed. Overall I just had an awesome time at Ohio State and it was a pretty impressive day.”
Riordan was asked about game-day visits and why they matter in his recruiting.
“I just feel like I can get a much better idea about each school and get to know the coaches better,” Riordan said. “Seeing things like facilities and weight rooms are fine to look at online, but seeing it all in person is better. Just being around a team and getting to see how the fans support the team is also an important part of the process for me. Let’s face it, the game-day visit is the fun part of the recruiting process.”
Batavia junior quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) started making college game-day visits Saturday and plans to see several more college games in person this fall.
“I visited Miami of Ohio on Saturday. I'm going to visit Iowa when they play Indiana (Sept. 27). I'm also set to make a game-day visit to Wyoming on Oct. 11. On Oct. 18 I'm visiting Toledo or Rutgers. Central Michigan, NIU and also Ball State have invited me to visit. It's a great way to see these schools in person and get a better feel for what they have to offer.”
Glenbard West junior offensive tackle Josiah Wallace (6-foot-8, 300 pounds) recently made his first college game-day visit to Purdue.
“I was invited to make a game-day visit by coach (Neal) Renna at Purdue and it was a fun visit and experience,” Wallace said. “Purdue just has a great overall atmosphere and environment. I was able to eat before the game and we also went on the field for pregame warm-ups along with getting to walk through the Tiller Tunnel, which was cool. I also enjoyed getting to talk to a few of the Purdue coaches, including coach Renna.
“I would love to go back later in the season for another game-day visit at Purdue. Overall it was a good experience and I was able to see the school in person. I also enjoyed getting to see the facilities and the stadium along with walking around campus at Purdue.”
Look for Wallace to continue to try to fit game-day visits into his fall schedule.
“We play all of our home games on Saturday afternoon, so that makes it harder to get out and make a lot of visits. I'm looking at trying to get out to see schools like Iowa State, Toledo, Western Michigan and also Cincinnati. I have offers from both Toledo and Western Michigan, plus Howard so far.
“Both Cincinnati and Miami of Ohio have started reaching out to me more and showing more interest in me lately. It's important to get out to these schools and show them I'm interested.”