In sports, you hear the word intangibles used all the time. They are assets that lack physical substance. In the college football evaluation process, you can’t place a measurable on intangibles, but every great college coach places a high value on them, and they know they are key ingredients prospects need to have for the success of their program.
A player in the 2022 recruiting class in Michigan that isn’t a household name in the football community yet but has the intangibles, size, and skill level of a future Division 1 player is Brady Ploucha from Dearborn Divine Child.
Ploucha is a 6’5 ⅞ 270-pound offensive tackle that would likely have several offers now in a normal year. The pandemic has been a huge obstacle for him and all the rest of the potential prospects around the country.
It has also been a challenge for college coaches without having their summer camps. The camp setting is where they size them up, test them, work them out, and most importantly build rapport with them. Taking all this away makes it difficult to evaluate a player they haven’t seen yet.
Offseason Progress
Ploucha started as a sophomore and had a solid first year on varsity, but he has really blossomed this offseason with his development. Even with everything closed down, he has put in the time training and is in a great position to make a huge impact as a junior.
“We are living in a once in a lifetime pandemic right now. I spent mine in the garage getting bigger, faster, and stronger. I have worked on being more explosive with my hands and getting off the ball quicker”, said Ploucha.
Prior to the pandemic and the training facilities closing down, Ploucha was a regular each week training at Power 5 Football. He worked out with 3 former Division 1 offensive linemen; David Beedle (Michigan State), Cole Chewins (Michigan State), and Jeremy Hickey (Eastern Michigan).
Evaluations From Former Spartans
“Ploucha bends well and has the ability to get downfield and make blocks at the 2nd level. He is athletic and can deliver a strong strike off the ball. He gets good leverage, has a solid foundation, and has already begun adding strength to his large frame”, said former Michigan State Spartan, Cole Chewins.
“As a young prospect, Brady has the ideal size for a Division 1 offensive lineman, smooth footwork, good hips, and can deliver a powerful punch at the point of attack,” said David Beedle, a former All-Big 10 performer.
At the 11th Annual Elite Big Man Camp in January, Ploucha was a standout and made the Best of the Best. Fast forward 7 months and you can really see how he has developed physically, technically, and athletically. He has closed the gap on becoming a no brainer early offer Division 1 player. Here is an individual workout we did last week with Brady.
2020 Summer Workout Video
A Program on the Rise
Divine Child is definitely a program on the rise with a lot of young talent that will be around for a few more years. “We are poised to have a great season. We will be much improved on the offensive line. We have three dynamic sophomores who will contribute. Our quarterback play is going to be fun to watch as well. Both quarterbacks have worked extremely hard in the offseason and I am excited to see them play this fall”, said Ploucha.
Ploucha’s role will change a little this season and could see some action on the defensive side of the ball. “I need to lead my position group. Last year as a sophomore, I played mostly one side of the ball. This year, I am expected to take on more responsibility on the defensive side as well”.
Individually, Ploucha has set some goals for himself this season. “My goal is to leave my high school program better than I found it. After two years of having a 4-5 record, I want people to know that those years were not the standard but a blip on the screen of the Divine Child football legacy. As a player, I want to be named All-Catholic and All-State on a successful winning program. Stars and accolades mean very little to me if my program is not successful”, said Ploucha.
Making a Difference
Outside of football and school, Ploucha keeps busy with his family and other activities. “I have a special needs brother. I enjoy helping him lift weights and watch movies with him. I also enjoy working as a field buddy for the Miracle League of Michigan Baseball program. Having the opportunity to work with kids with different special needs allows me to keep in perspective how truly precious life is”.
Academically, Ploucha wants to major in criminal justice. “My parents have taught me and the rest of my siblings that is more important to give than receive. My father is medically retired from the Army. My mother is an elementary school teacher. Because of their career paths, I feel the need to serve as well. I plan to do something in law-enforcement”.
The state of Michigan has a rich tradition of producing talented offensive linemen that have excelled at the highest level. Brady Ploucha is another young prospect that has all the physical tools and intangibles that will have college coaches flocking to Dearborn once the pandemic is over.
