Cardiff: I’ve also noticed that kids are bigger now, too, in addition to being faster.
Back when I played (1979 – 1983), I maxed out at 5’11” and 215 and was considered big for a middle linebacker. Our biggest guy was our left tackle on O and he went 6’3″ and 270, which was very big for the position at that time.
The kid playing Mike backer now at my HS is 6’2″ and 247 and is stupid FAST. I went up there to hang out with some buddies and watch a rivalry game and this kid (who is all of 16 and playing first string varsity) was just bringing the hat and play after play. They were using him on man-to-man coverage for the slot receiver and he was holding his own.
Back in my day, if I had to pass cover anyone other than a fullback or the tight end, I was friggin’ doomed.
Different sport now and the amount of resources, from one-on-one coaching to Xbox 360 and Madden 10, have completely changed the game. Bigger, faster and stronger rules the day.
I’ll look into Hix. This Basket dude has worked with quite a few of the pros, including Leinart, so I was curious if you’d heard of him.
