‘Warrior Mentality’ Catches Coaches’ Attention

National Scouting Report scouts are constantly drawn to prospects with a “warrior mentality.”

We know this from thousands of one-on-one conversations we have each year with college coaches. They tell us they love to see a prospect whose undeniable competitive spirit jumps out at them.

The average prospect doesn’t have it. Their desire to compete, excel and win go only so deep and can take them only so far.

But the prospects who have a “warrior mentality” come by it as naturally as being right- or left-handed. It’s part of their DNA.

Somewhat surprisingly, an athlete’s “warrior mentality” is most noticeable during practice. It is there that an athlete competes with and against one person — himself or herself. Practices are where true warriors dig in and go to work.

When they come up short in a drill, they are the first  to jump up and want to try again. They cannot help but to need affirmation within themselves that they are capable and improving. Even the small things become magnified to them. They are so in the moment that they completely overlook and ignore any distractions except perhaps their coaches’ instructions or challenges.

Scouts also can see the “warrior mentality” during games, but the opportunity to see this mindset is greater during the day-to-day grind of preparation.

NSR scouts and college coaches also explore grades, character and reputation. If those are thumbs up, then they have discovered a genuine college prospect.

If you know a prospect with  “warrior mentality,” please let us know, and we’ll scout him or her as soon as possible.