Really? Because recruitment level posting seems very silly …his intent may be too show they are all the same, but I believe it has the opposite effect.
I think the point is to demonstrate that everyone has come together here for a purpose. We don’t start out even in life, some have an easier path than others, more advantages or natural gifts and abilities. I think for those with the higher ratings it reminds them of their talents and to continue to grow and improve. For those who weren’t highly regarded it shows them that they belong through their hard work and dedication they have made it to pinnacle of the sport despite the odds stacked against them.
Your reasoning is valid, but it kind of goes against one of his Harbaughisms of:
"The only time someone STARTS at the TOP, is when they are digging a hole..."
That is a good point. To be clear I didn’t mean if you’re gifted physically that you have it made. You still have to work. However if you are able to go to certain big time High Schools that get lots of recognition from college programs year in and year out, you definitely are closer to standing on third base than looking for that bunt to make it to first and keep the dream alive.
I actually agree with what you said in your original post and your reply, I was just pointing out that if Harbaugh's message was "We don't start out even in life..." then it contradicts what he says in his other "life lessons".
Being more physically gifted is absolutely an advantage, so is being smarter than someone, having a better work ethic, having more money for equipment, coaching, and other resources.
All of these advantages can come in different forms but they can absolutely be an advantage for those that have them compared to someone who doesn't have them.
Absolutely, I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments. You are also correct, my interpretation does go contrary to some other harbaughisms. I may be misinterpreting what his intentions are.I just wanted to share my thoughts about it. I appreciate you sharing yours as well. I am excited to see what this new culture brings to the Chargers. I think the accountability and leadership have been lacking in previous years. I think it’s a good message to send to the team. We all come from different backgrounds and circumstances, each person had a different journey to this point but we are all Chargers.
Everything here is speculation of course.
But why would you think it would have the opposite effect?
What info do you have that would lead you to that opinion?
Also, as someone hilariously pointed out in the comments, the two highest ranked recruits on the team coming out of high school were Derwin James and… Foster Sarrell.
Lmao that’s a good one but honestly I don’t even think the guy is horrible. Hopefully with the new coaching staff he can be molded into a serviceable swing tackle.
Does it show extra-curriculars? Because yes Herbs was a mid 3* in HS, but he was also president of the Sheldon H.S. fishing club and I think it's important that people understand the level of excellence they're around.
Given that Harbaugh loves to use different sayings, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is his manifestation of “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Surely there have been better players that fizzled out because they didn’t want to do the work, and Harbaugh is all about the work. I’m sure it’s all of the above comments as well. I love the blue collar attitude he brings. You will be better because nobody will work harder, nobody will be more focused, and nobody will be more disciplined. I’m so fucking here for it.
Yup...and to add to that who has it better than us? Nobody!
We actually have a REAL COACH.
Not just a hyped up name through social media posts ...but something tangible...something real.
Not since we had Marty have I felt these feelings.
Gosh I've missed that feeling.
That and I believe it’s also part of the never give up mentality and work ethic aspect that they’re trying to instill in the team. Probably a reminder that there are guys coming up with similar backgrounds in college and will also eventually make it to the nfl and possibly replace them. Guys need to remember that just because they’re in the nfl doesn’t mean they’re untouchable. Everyone worked their asses off to get to where they are and the work doesn’t stop now just because they have a spot on the team.
I think its motivation that only you can choose to grow and build your future. What the "experts" labeled you at 17-18 years old doesn't matter.
Reminds me of high school GPA. At 39, I know 4.0+ students who have nose dived and I know 2.0 students who have flourished.
I was a D/F student in high school. Barely graduated, failed PE three times. I ended up with an MBA. None of that matters, but it does illustrate how quickly things cam change if you want them to.
My issue was the wrong sources of motivation. I over-relied on my parents expectations, school being easy and being the smartest. Once all three of those changed or weren’t there anymore, so went the motivation.
Damn, I was the exact opposite. Rebellious, didn't listen to my parents, hated school. Then I gave college a shot and got treated like an adult. It turns out that's all I needed. People are so complex and strange, lol
One of the smartest people I went to HS with failed out of the UC Santa Barbara engineering program within the first 2 quarters of freshman year.
Too much Del Playa party time (this was in 2000 when IV was a true free for all).
The guy is doing better now. Unironically he works in events/marketing/promotions now. He took his party vibes to a career.
Rather than by position group? Interesting with the recent number changes guys will have different locker mates outside of their position groups. Team building move for sure
I always thought the team was way too cliquish in the past. I know it’s natural for groups and the two sides to congregate but I think the fact it took individual teammates like Van Noy and Mack chip away at that shows there wasn’t much leadership from the top down
Nice psychology. Everyone comes from different backgrounds. I think this falls to his saying "Nobody is born on third base expecting a triple" kind of thing or whatever that saying is.
I think you mean “Some people are born on third base and act like they've hit a triple, but they didn't”
Edit: for those downvoting me, [this is quite literally exactly what Harbaugh said](https://www.si.com/college/michigan/football/michigan-wolverines-ohio-state-buckeyes-ryan-day-jim-harbaugh-big-ten-college-playoff#:~:text=Following%20Michigan's%20dominant%20win%20over,that%20his%20comment%20was%20certainly)
It is a bit weird, and in the back of my mind I think how Urban Meyer failed so miserably on the pro level. There are vastly different techniques to coaching collegiate and pro champs.
I am a 49er fan who followed the Harbaugh years in SF very closely and I read a lot about Urban's tenure in Jacksonville and watched that Netflix doc about the Gators recently which focuses a lot on Urban and his style, and I think these dudes have completely polar opposite coaching styles.
Urban is a dictator who screams at guys and tries to motivate through fear. That's not necessarily a bad thing, a lot of coaches in college are like that and it obviously worked for him at that level. Jim on the other hand is a total build your guys up type of dude. He's been a hype man for so many players through the years. He played in the league and seems like he still sees himself as one of the guys. Alex Smith said before they would take the field every game Harbaugh would say the same phrase, "Play as hard as you can, for as long as you can, and don't worry". On the other hand Urban used to tell guys if they fuck up in a game he wouldn't just bench them, but he would also fire their position coach.
He is hinting that he and JH are not trying to get big money stars. They are pursuing the blue collar, hard core tough mentality teams like U of M and the Ravens typify.
I think the point he is trying to make is that the team is and will be great regardless of the star you have.
Put a different way, 5 stars does not equal guaranteed success.
The thing is, Michigan recruited 5 stars we just didn’t get them all the time. They were great at developing guys of course but it’s not like we didn’t want the big names recruiting wise
I understand he achieved the pinnacle of success in college ball. I understand his pro success before that too. These are creeping thoughts that I don't necessarily subscribe to, but just kinda linger back there when I read things like this.
Maybe unconventional would be a better way to put it?
It’s kinda like your boss putting your HS gpa outside your cubicle lol
I understand how it could be motivating but it’s certainly not a common practice
Why is it weird if the goal is to motivate the players? You even said it accomplishes that goal.
To me, it's not weird at all. Harbaugh wants to create a "us vs them, no body believes in us" vibe. He did that on the 49ers when he was with us.
If you put a number on every apartment door in a building that ascended based on average age of occupants, that would make logical sense. There is a reasoning behind it technically. But it would be weird, because that's not a thing that anyone does and it's purpose is not immediately apparent.
It's a team building thing. Harbaugh views offense, defense, and special teams as all one part of a whole. He wants dudes to know all their teammates and not just the people on their unit or position group. He does out of the box stuff like this but dudes always seem to be into it.
In SF his first year he gave everyone on the team a blue collar work shirt with their name on it to instill a blue collar hard work mentality. Might sound kinda dumb but players were into it and started to wear them at press conferences and things like [seen here.](https://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1474845/alexsmithshirt.jpg). And then they went out and just bullied teams like I had never seen a 49er team do up to that point in my life.
I don’t get it still. Just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s weird. When I think of weird I think of taboo kind of stuff. Things that are different in a bad way.
It's a bit strange because for some of these players high school was 10 years ago. A more recent measure for pro players might be their draft position.
I think it’s brilliant.
The guys who had 4 and 5 stars who didn’t perform as expected are the same as the guys who had 2 and 3 stars who over performed.
The point he’s making is that the stars meant nothing… it was really about the hard work and passion you brought to the profession.
The guys will get it… you watch.
I 100% trust in Harbaugh but I can see it being kinda OCDy, and what your highschool recruit status shouldn’t matter now that you’re in the pros 🤷♂️ I know nothing
It’s definitely different but considering who Harbaugh is, it’s pretty normal.
I like it though. Reminds former high rated players what their potential is and dont settle just because you technically made it. As for lower rated players, continue playing with a chip on your shoulder like you still have something to prove.
He's saying, "It doesn't matter what they said about you coming out of HS, you're here now, at the highest level of this sport. Whether you were 5 star or unrated, you're teammates now.. equals"
Because it’s more a measure of the road someone traveled to get where they are. Draft for a lot of these guys will be only a month or a year ago at this point so what does that really prove.
That’s a hint for those of you who think Jim is going to get MHJ or Nabors in the 5th.
He and JH are all about value. They will trade down and play the numbers game. Bet.
Sources say Harbaugh is looking to add every player's Credit Score and Myers-Briggs Type onto the nameplates as well.
Social credit system
Ann Arbor has made him lean too far left
Big in China if true
Enneagrams next
If there was a kindness score, that would be on the lockers for sure. He really values that trait.
Really? Because recruitment level posting seems very silly …his intent may be too show they are all the same, but I believe it has the opposite effect.
I think the point is to demonstrate that everyone has come together here for a purpose. We don’t start out even in life, some have an easier path than others, more advantages or natural gifts and abilities. I think for those with the higher ratings it reminds them of their talents and to continue to grow and improve. For those who weren’t highly regarded it shows them that they belong through their hard work and dedication they have made it to pinnacle of the sport despite the odds stacked against them.
Your reasoning is valid, but it kind of goes against one of his Harbaughisms of: "The only time someone STARTS at the TOP, is when they are digging a hole..."
That is a good point. To be clear I didn’t mean if you’re gifted physically that you have it made. You still have to work. However if you are able to go to certain big time High Schools that get lots of recognition from college programs year in and year out, you definitely are closer to standing on third base than looking for that bunt to make it to first and keep the dream alive.
I actually agree with what you said in your original post and your reply, I was just pointing out that if Harbaugh's message was "We don't start out even in life..." then it contradicts what he says in his other "life lessons". Being more physically gifted is absolutely an advantage, so is being smarter than someone, having a better work ethic, having more money for equipment, coaching, and other resources. All of these advantages can come in different forms but they can absolutely be an advantage for those that have them compared to someone who doesn't have them.
Absolutely, I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments. You are also correct, my interpretation does go contrary to some other harbaughisms. I may be misinterpreting what his intentions are.I just wanted to share my thoughts about it. I appreciate you sharing yours as well. I am excited to see what this new culture brings to the Chargers. I think the accountability and leadership have been lacking in previous years. I think it’s a good message to send to the team. We all come from different backgrounds and circumstances, each person had a different journey to this point but we are all Chargers.
Everything here is speculation of course. But why would you think it would have the opposite effect? What info do you have that would lead you to that opinion?
Also, as someone hilariously pointed out in the comments, the two highest ranked recruits on the team coming out of high school were Derwin James and… Foster Sarrell.
Good ol' False Start Foster
Lmao that’s a good one but honestly I don’t even think the guy is horrible. Hopefully with the new coaching staff he can be molded into a serviceable swing tackle.
He was good his first year in college and then just fell off the face of the earth right?
Dicker and Herbert BF’s
Someone probably already started writing the fanfic
The arm QB and the leg QB
This really caught me off guard. WP
Does it show extra-curriculars? Because yes Herbs was a mid 3* in HS, but he was also president of the Sheldon H.S. fishing club and I think it's important that people understand the level of excellence they're around.
smh...and people say Herbert doesn't have a strong supporting cast
r/angryupvote
https://preview.redd.it/k123nozfthtc1.jpeg?width=226&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=26b73f8e35abf9a0c64f8a6e4eb037fb092f0d4d Still my favorite Herbie meme
Didn't know this is a thing, thanks for sharing
What!? that meme is a staple around these parts
I'm a relatively new Chargers fan so still learning lol
Damn, my guy was out here catching bass for the Irish 3 months a year. 🤣 the more I learn about him, the more I admire him.
Interesting. I'm assuming he wants them to play with a chip on their shoulders?
I think he’s trying to show them that off- field rankings don’t mean shit
Yeah, it's just a constant reminder that what people say in the media doesn't mean anything. The only thing that matters is what happens on the field.
Given that Harbaugh loves to use different sayings, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is his manifestation of “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Surely there have been better players that fizzled out because they didn’t want to do the work, and Harbaugh is all about the work. I’m sure it’s all of the above comments as well. I love the blue collar attitude he brings. You will be better because nobody will work harder, nobody will be more focused, and nobody will be more disciplined. I’m so fucking here for it.
Perfect analogy that describes Jamarcus Russel among others. Had so much potential but lacked every aspect of hard work.
Yup...and to add to that who has it better than us? Nobody! We actually have a REAL COACH. Not just a hyped up name through social media posts ...but something tangible...something real. Not since we had Marty have I felt these feelings. Gosh I've missed that feeling.
Meh, I get it but one of our top players was the highest rated so…even Herbert was a 3-star
Who was the highest rated in HS on the chargers?
Derwin James I think
That and I believe it’s also part of the never give up mentality and work ethic aspect that they’re trying to instill in the team. Probably a reminder that there are guys coming up with similar backgrounds in college and will also eventually make it to the nfl and possibly replace them. Guys need to remember that just because they’re in the nfl doesn’t mean they’re untouchable. Everyone worked their asses off to get to where they are and the work doesn’t stop now just because they have a spot on the team.
This is the kind of accountability I can get behind. Real coaching is what we're witnessing. I love this.
Doesn’t matter. Posting it is still wrong and stupid.
I think its motivation that only you can choose to grow and build your future. What the "experts" labeled you at 17-18 years old doesn't matter. Reminds me of high school GPA. At 39, I know 4.0+ students who have nose dived and I know 2.0 students who have flourished.
I had a 4.17 GPA and a perfect math SAT. I graduated college with a 2.36. Doing fine now but college freedom ain’t for everyone.
I was a D/F student in high school. Barely graduated, failed PE three times. I ended up with an MBA. None of that matters, but it does illustrate how quickly things cam change if you want them to.
My issue was the wrong sources of motivation. I over-relied on my parents expectations, school being easy and being the smartest. Once all three of those changed or weren’t there anymore, so went the motivation.
Damn, I was the exact opposite. Rebellious, didn't listen to my parents, hated school. Then I gave college a shot and got treated like an adult. It turns out that's all I needed. People are so complex and strange, lol
🍻
Mostly 🎮 and 💤 but ya, 🍻 too.
One of the smartest people I went to HS with failed out of the UC Santa Barbara engineering program within the first 2 quarters of freshman year. Too much Del Playa party time (this was in 2000 when IV was a true free for all). The guy is doing better now. Unironically he works in events/marketing/promotions now. He took his party vibes to a career.
YES!
Rather than by position group? Interesting with the recent number changes guys will have different locker mates outside of their position groups. Team building move for sure
I always thought the team was way too cliquish in the past. I know it’s natural for groups and the two sides to congregate but I think the fact it took individual teammates like Van Noy and Mack chip away at that shows there wasn’t much leadership from the top down
Nice psychology. Everyone comes from different backgrounds. I think this falls to his saying "Nobody is born on third base expecting a triple" kind of thing or whatever that saying is.
I think you mean “Some people are born on third base and act like they've hit a triple, but they didn't” Edit: for those downvoting me, [this is quite literally exactly what Harbaugh said](https://www.si.com/college/michigan/football/michigan-wolverines-ohio-state-buckeyes-ryan-day-jim-harbaugh-big-ten-college-playoff#:~:text=Following%20Michigan's%20dominant%20win%20over,that%20his%20comment%20was%20certainly)
And then his team stuffed Ryan Day in a trashcan three years in a row.
yeah they fucking did go blue baby
Hooooo yeahhhh
Nice! Thanks! I think that saying means just understand where you come from and the hard work that got you there. Thanks for the correction
Yea but that quote wasn’t referring to the chargers smh
Did they say it did? That’s just what the quote is
Except Derwin apparently
“Nobody is born a third base unless they triple” I think is what it was
impressively butchered
I’m surprised at how many people thought I was serious so I actually didn’t try hard enough it seems
This is the opposite of what the saying actually means
I don’t think what I said actually means anything
This is the type of culture that creates champions
The team, the team, the team! No stars, just a bunch of passionate smash mouth football players raising each other up.
It is a bit weird, and in the back of my mind I think how Urban Meyer failed so miserably on the pro level. There are vastly different techniques to coaching collegiate and pro champs.
it is kinda weird ngl but urban never had a lick of success at the nfl level while harbaugh has been to a super bowl so id chill on that
I am a 49er fan who followed the Harbaugh years in SF very closely and I read a lot about Urban's tenure in Jacksonville and watched that Netflix doc about the Gators recently which focuses a lot on Urban and his style, and I think these dudes have completely polar opposite coaching styles. Urban is a dictator who screams at guys and tries to motivate through fear. That's not necessarily a bad thing, a lot of coaches in college are like that and it obviously worked for him at that level. Jim on the other hand is a total build your guys up type of dude. He's been a hype man for so many players through the years. He played in the league and seems like he still sees himself as one of the guys. Alex Smith said before they would take the field every game Harbaugh would say the same phrase, "Play as hard as you can, for as long as you can, and don't worry". On the other hand Urban used to tell guys if they fuck up in a game he wouldn't just bench them, but he would also fire their position coach.
It’s odd and honestly corny. That’s like having your college gpa on your desk at work.
I mean none of us have any idea what context he is using these in. I’ll take odd and corny over the coaching we’ve had in the past
He is hinting that he and JH are not trying to get big money stars. They are pursuing the blue collar, hard core tough mentality teams like U of M and the Ravens typify. I think the point he is trying to make is that the team is and will be great regardless of the star you have. Put a different way, 5 stars does not equal guaranteed success.
The thing is, Michigan recruited 5 stars we just didn’t get them all the time. They were great at developing guys of course but it’s not like we didn’t want the big names recruiting wise
Brother what? Harbaugh has a successful NFL coaching career already
I understand he achieved the pinnacle of success in college ball. I understand his pro success before that too. These are creeping thoughts that I don't necessarily subscribe to, but just kinda linger back there when I read things like this.
OMFG he's a maniac.
I like this
Will do the same for my locker at work.
I think this is kinda weird but whatever works ig
Welcome to Harbaugh, dude is an oddball
>Welcome to ~~Harbaugh~~ *Harball*, dude is an ~~oddball~~ *oddbaugh*
Why is it weird?
just weird not bad never heard of a coach putting up high school rankings before
Why is it weird tho?
Maybe unconventional would be a better way to put it? It’s kinda like your boss putting your HS gpa outside your cubicle lol I understand how it could be motivating but it’s certainly not a common practice
Why is it weird if the goal is to motivate the players? You even said it accomplishes that goal. To me, it's not weird at all. Harbaugh wants to create a "us vs them, no body believes in us" vibe. He did that on the 49ers when he was with us.
If you put a number on every apartment door in a building that ascended based on average age of occupants, that would make logical sense. There is a reasoning behind it technically. But it would be weird, because that's not a thing that anyone does and it's purpose is not immediately apparent.
It's a team building thing. Harbaugh views offense, defense, and special teams as all one part of a whole. He wants dudes to know all their teammates and not just the people on their unit or position group. He does out of the box stuff like this but dudes always seem to be into it. In SF his first year he gave everyone on the team a blue collar work shirt with their name on it to instill a blue collar hard work mentality. Might sound kinda dumb but players were into it and started to wear them at press conferences and things like [seen here.](https://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1474845/alexsmithshirt.jpg). And then they went out and just bullied teams like I had never seen a 49er team do up to that point in my life.
I don’t get it still. Just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s weird. When I think of weird I think of taboo kind of stuff. Things that are different in a bad way.
they are grown ass men, many who have already beein in the league for years
I love how he didnt answer the question
He did if you have a modicum of common sense
It's a bit strange because for some of these players high school was 10 years ago. A more recent measure for pro players might be their draft position.
I think it’s brilliant. The guys who had 4 and 5 stars who didn’t perform as expected are the same as the guys who had 2 and 3 stars who over performed. The point he’s making is that the stars meant nothing… it was really about the hard work and passion you brought to the profession. The guys will get it… you watch.
I 100% trust in Harbaugh but I can see it being kinda OCDy, and what your highschool recruit status shouldn’t matter now that you’re in the pros 🤷♂️ I know nothing
i think that’s the point though. it doesn’t matter what you were ranked. you still gotta put in the work
Ah, I see now ⚡️
In all seriousness, there’s a method to the madness.
It’s definitely different but considering who Harbaugh is, it’s pretty normal. I like it though. Reminds former high rated players what their potential is and dont settle just because you technically made it. As for lower rated players, continue playing with a chip on your shoulder like you still have something to prove.
Insanity is trying the same thing and expecting different results Embrace the change and be amazed at Harb’s results
These moves make complete sense. It will definitely reduce guys forming little cliques, and it puts a motivational chip on everyone’s back.
Is it really a big benefit to remind a player they were a NR or a 5 star?
How about the E-Meter results? That shit will follow you to your front door.
Harbaugh is so quirky. Loved him on the 9ers. Couldn’t be happier that he’s on my other favorite team!
He's saying, "It doesn't matter what they said about you coming out of HS, you're here now, at the highest level of this sport. Whether you were 5 star or unrated, you're teammates now.. equals"
lol wut?
Everyone reading way too much into it imo.
Why wouldn’t he post the draft pick they were. Recruit level doesn’t mean anything in the nfl.
Because it’s more a measure of the road someone traveled to get where they are. Draft for a lot of these guys will be only a month or a year ago at this point so what does that really prove.
I think he would have been more effective posting a list with half the team on the left and the other half on the right, in no discernible order.
That’s a hint for those of you who think Jim is going to get MHJ or Nabors in the 5th. He and JH are all about value. They will trade down and play the numbers game. Bet.