On February 20, the National Football Foundation will partner with former UCLA head coach Terry Donahue to host the California Showcase for high school seniors interested in college football. The event will be held at Orange County Great Park in Irvine and will give students an opportunity to expose their talents to coaches from Division II, III or NAIA programs.
Activities in the showcase will include broad jump and 40-yard dash testing along with different drills. A college fair will be held at the end of the showcase where students can talk to colleges about scholarship opportunities. Since 2013, college football programs have awarded over $8 million in financial aid to 345 seniors, according to the showcase website.
In order to qualify for the showcase, seniors must have an SAT score of 860 points (for math and verbal) and a 16 or higher on the ACT. Students must also have at least a 2.5 GPA. Students and parents must sign a waiver form and bring it the day of the showcase.
Registration for this event is online at www.CAShowcase.org
Donahue selected the coaches that manage the showcase, many of whom have NFL experience. Volunteer coaches include former Dallas Cowboy James Washington, Broncos Defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, former quarterback Jim Everett, and former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Donnie Edwards.
Since 2013, over 1,500 students have participated in the event. Approximately one out of every four athletes that attended the showcase signed with a football program, and 76 4-year institutions have participated.