The Associated Press was
among those reporting earlier this week that former USFL president Brian Woods is planning to launch a spring high school football league in 2024 aimed at prospective recruits in 12 major markets.
Woods outlined plans for a six-game season in April and May. His vision for the league includes players paying a fee to participate.
"If you look at 7-on-7, you look at these camps, at the end of the day, none of them are 11-on-11 football," Woods said. "None of them are going to give a quarterback, for instance, in a 7-on-7 situation, a live pass rush. So if you're looking to evaluate players in an actual football context, that's what this league is about."
According to the AP's report, participants must be enrolled in an accredited middle school or high school in one of 12 markets: Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, New Orleans, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Tampa.
Woods sees his Prep Super League operating outside of the scope of state governing bodies, potentially opening the door for NIL opportunities.
Cameron Robinson of Mill Creek sprints for the end zone during Georgia's Class AAAAAAA state championship in December. Atlanta is one of 12 markets being targeted for the Prep Super League. (Photo: Kenny Grimes)
So will it work or become another gridiron developmental league disaster? Initial reaction from coaches and others around the country hasn't been all that receptive.
"The elite don’t need the exposure," another coach told The News-Herald. "If you’re an elite dude and have offers already, are you going to play in this league?"
Elite Sports NY managing editor James Kratch
had another take on the upstart league.
"This league is a non-starter for us due to two reasons mentioned later in the FOS (Front Office Sports) story: Players have to pay to participate and provide their own insurance," Kratch wrote. "Not good in our eyes."
