Bucs to Host NATS Test for the 1st Year

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will, for the first time, provide the team facility to assist the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) in conducting this years Tampa Bay NATS test." Bruce Allen, Buccaneers General Manager, commented, "The Bucs are proud to be involved with FACA and NATS in this valuable AFCA program."

The deadline to register for the FACA NATS Test at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Practice Facility is Wednesday, June 27. High school players from graduating classes 2008-2011 may register online at www.nats.us. No walk-ups are permitted. The NATS Test will be conducted on Saturday, June 30, 2007.

The NATS Test will provide participants with access to college football programs on the NCAA Division I, II, III, JUCO and NAIA level they otherwise would not have had. Nationwide, 450 colleges from 49 states are already using the NATS database for initial player evaluations. The NATS program is unique, in that it's not just a one day event. It is a year round support system which provides not only athletic, but academic, support for young football players.

AFCA Executive Director Grant Teaff says, "NATS brings together the high school and college coaching communities to better serve high school players who strive to continue their academic and athletic careers at the college level."

FACA NATS State Director and NATS Board of Review member Wink Barnette said, "I think our Association's NATS program will greatly assist our young kids in finding opportunities to play college football that they otherwise would not have had."

FACA NATS Test Director, Coach Greg Meyers added, "What makes the NATS program unique is that it's not just a one day event. It is a year-round support system -- providing student-athletes not only athletic, but academic support as well."

By testing players in speed, strength and agility drills, NATS assists college recruiters with player evaluations, enables players to gauge their true baseline athletic ability and helps both players and parents navigate the recruiting process. Student-athletes participating in NATS also receive valuable interactive tools assuring them of the correct high school course schedule to meet NCAA academic standards (Core Course Calculator).