D3football.com: Notables

John Jacobs was selected for a week-long development camp in Spain thanks to the Beyond Sports Network.

Photo by Pat Coleman, D3sports.com

Scouting beyond the usual suspects

If you think it's difficult for Division III stars to get noticed by pro scouts, try pursuing the dream as a backup.

Division III players participate in pro leagues around the world, from the NFL to the arena leagues to various leagues throughout Europe, and there are many jobs available.

But to get there, it takes a little bit of luck, and perhaps a little bit of networking to go along with the requisite skill.

For Catholic backup quarterback John Jacobs, it was his connections through the Beyond Sports Network that got him noticed to the tune of a trip to a camp conducted by NFL International. The Network is, according to Jacobs, "a great tool for potential professional players especially Division III players who may not get the attention they deserve."

How does that work? More in a Q&A with John Jacobs.

Permalink | Jul 1, 2008