I agree with you 100% on hitting. I do think in the last 5 years or so some kids have been quitting or not coming because of it being too tough because this is the generation that dreams to be YouTubersThe biggest killer to a won-loss record is not turnovers, poor coaching, or luck. It’s injuries. You can simulate tackling with dummies and thud drills and stay fresh. Many teams that you see go full go have big numbers and can risk injuries because of depth.
After coaching for 20 years (and playing at BG), I see that kids don’t quit or not come out because it’s too tough. It’s because they have a lot more choices or are specializing (which is really dumb).