Introduction to football recruiting: Understanding the basics of how the recruitment process works

1. Introduction to football recruiting: Understanding the basics of how the recruitment process works.

Introduction to football recruiting: Understanding the basics of how the recruitment process works.

College football recruiting is a complex, multi-step process that can be confusing and overwhelming for high school players and their families. With thousands of high school players competing for limited spots on college football teams, it's important to understand how the college football recruitment process works and what coaches are looking for in potential recruits.

high school football recruiting 101

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the football recruitment process, including what coaches are looking for, how players can get noticed by college coaches, and what players need to do to stand out in a crowded field.

The recruitment process timeline

The college football recruitment process usually starts during a player's junior year of high school and can continue through the player's senior year and into the summer before college. Here's a general timeline of the recruitment process:

Junior Year:

• September to November: College coaches start to identify potential recruits through game film, scouting reports, and in-person evaluations.

• December to February: College coaches start offering scholarships and hosting official visits.

Senior Year:

• June to July: Summer camps become an essential part of the recruitment process.

• August to November: The fall football season is critical for high school players to perform well and attract college attention.

• December: Players can sign an official letter of intent with a college, committing to play football at that school.

What coaches are looking for

College coaches are looking for a variety of things when evaluating potential recruits, including:

• Athletic ability: Coaches want players who have the physical strength, speed, and agility to compete at a high level.

• Football IQ: Players who have a strong understanding of the game, can read defenses, and make sound decisions on the field are highly valued.

• Work ethic: College coaches want players who are dedicated and hardworking both on and off the field.

• Character: Players who have good character traits such as leadership skills, humility, and a strong work ethic are highly sought after by college coaches.

How to get noticed

Getting noticed by college coaches can be a challenging process. Here are some practical tips for getting noticed by college coaches:

• Showcase your skills: Attend college camps, combine events, and showcase events to demonstrate your skills and abilities.

• Build a strong online presence: Create a highlight reel and a profile page that showcases your athletic ability, character, and work ethic.

• Reach out to coaches: Don't be afraid to contact coaches directly and send them your game film and highlight reel.

• Attend college exposure events: These events can be a great way to showcase your skills in front of college coaches and scouts.

• Build relationships: Developing strong relationships with coaches, mentors, and other players can be invaluable in the recruitment process.

What players need to do to stand out

Standing out in a crowded field of high school football players can be challenging, but there are some practical things players can do to improve their chances of getting noticed by college coaches:

• Develop a strong work ethic: College coaches want players who are dedicated, hardworking, and willing to put in the time and effort required to be successful.

• Focus on academics: Players who have strong academic records are highly valued by college coaches and are more likely to receive scholarship offers.

• Play multiple positions: Being versatile and able to play multiple positions can increase a player's value to college coaches.

• Attend college camps and combine events: These events offer players a chance to showcase their skills and abilities in front of college coaches.

• Be proactive: Don't wait for college coaches to find you. Take the initiative and reach out to coaches directly or attend exposure events.

Conclusion

College football recruiting can be a challenging and confusing process, but with the right information, tools, and strategies, high school players and their families can navigate this process successfully. By understanding what coaches are looking for, how to get noticed, and what players need to do to stand out, high school football players can increase their chances of receiving scholarship offers and fulfilling their dreams of playing college football.