In today’s Transfer Portal era of NCAA Athletics, high school recruiting has tanked to an all time low.
I mean why wouldn’t it? As a coach you rather field a 22 year old who’s been in collegiate systems for a handful of years, vs a 17-18 year old who’s living the college experience for the first time. As much as I don’t agree with it, this has been how the status quo has shaped itself to be since 2021.
With that being said, the week of December 4th’s National Signing Day is the “end all, be all” date that every prospect in the country has circled on their calendars. For most athletes, they stamp commitments long before Early Signing Day, securing their opportunity to play at the next level. But for those that don’t get to sign on NSD, the road to the dream just becomes a little bumpier.
For those unfamiliar- Meet Leslie Mosley Jr., a 5 foot 10 WR from Cardinal Newman in West Palm Beach, FL. Despite being one of Palm Beach County’s top receivers during his senior campaign, recording 52 catches for 1,001 yards and 10 scores, leading his Crusaders’ squad to their first FHSAA State Championship in program history, Mosley received very little Division I interest.
Mosley took the 561 by storm, with his fast twitch, video game-esque play style being unguardable. When the ball is in his hands, Leslie Mosley showcased an uncanny ability to earn the extra yards through some beautiful sweet feet time and time again. He’s fast, he’s slippery and most importantly- Leslie Mosley can and WILL make a man miss.
During this part of the process, most Division I schools rosters are full for the most part, and recruiters are only looking at Preferred Walk On’s or have their sights solely on future classes. Midway through last week, Leslie Mosley would once again break the status quo.
On January 23rd, very late in the process, Leslie Mosley would receive two Division I FBS Offers, from NC State and Illinois. Moments later, Mosley would announce his intention to schedule an Official Visit to Illinois during the upcoming weekend.
Following his Visit to Champaign, Leslie was all smiles.
“This process took a long time. Hard work and dedication played a major impact in my role as a player. I told myself nobody will work as hard as I do and I won’t ever let anyone outwork me.” Mosley shared “It was a great feeling meeting both head coaches then followed up by both head coaches calling and dropping an official offer. It was like a dream come true, it was an amazing feeling. I’ve been waiting, praying and working for this moment for a long time.”
Leslie would follow up with some much needed encouragement for any student-athlete going through the same college search as him:
“I would like to tell that player to let them keep sleeping on you keep putting in the work. It’s all God’s timing, He has a plan for you no matter what. He know your path so just keep putting in that work. Never stop fighting, never stop believing, never stop dreaming.”
For Leslie Mosley, the dream never died, it only grew stronger. Now, in just 6 days on February 4th, Leslie Mosley Jr. will go from being the underrated baller to announcing his college commitment at Cardinal Newman’s Spring Signing Day Ceremony.
