There are over 850 college football programs and over 80,000 college football players participating in college football. That's thousands of reasons you should start your football recruitment process ASAP.
Just like a college coach prepares a game plan for every opponent, aspiring collegiate athletes must follow a plan to get recruited by a college program. The following five tips can help high school football players enhance their athleticism and gain exposure to get recruited by a college football coach.
1. Focus on Nutrition
While eating a hearty burger and fries might work in high school, if you want to optimize performance at the college level, you need to tighten up your nutrition. That doesn't mean you can't eat your favorite foods–you just have to eat more well-timed, nutrient-dense meals and snacks as well. Thankfully, plenty of NCAA schools have well-trained nutritionists that can help you keep tabs on your nutrition goals so it is in your best interest to research the schools that you are looking to play for. For now, seek out a sports trainer, and start your training and nutrition regime in high school–if a trainer is not in your budget, there are also plenty of resources online.
Related: Need a Pick-Me-Up? 5 Easy Meals or Snacks for Athletes
2. Take the Right Classes
Did you know that classes taken in your freshman year of high school directly affect your NCAA eligibility? Eligibility standards are continually changing–it is essential to keep up so you are not scrambling to complete the list of requirements in your senior year of high school. It is always the athlete's responsibility to ensure they are fulfilling the NCAA requirements. In high school, develop a strong relationship with your guidance counselor and allow them to guide you in your course selections throughout your four years of high school. Be sure to ask your counselor for a list of your high school's NCAA core courses to make sure you take the right classes.
3. Do your research
Before visiting schools, figure out what you are looking for in a school. Sometimes a significant scholarship offer can make athletes forget about what is important. Make sure the school meets your requirements (i.e., degree program, class size, location, culture, facilities, etc.) Also think about if you want to attend a DI, II or III college and consider NAIA and JUCO if that's what's feasible for you. Once you have narrowed down your list and discovered what it is you like, research the football programs. Find out who the coaches are, check to see if they have any ratings or reviews on our site. You will want to look at the size of the football roster, what their record was, and have some knowledge of the potential school before contacting the coach. This will show the coach that you are very interested in their program.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
4. Create a Highlight Video
The recruitment video is one of the most important ways for an athlete to get on a coach's radar so take the time to obtain game footage. Remember the quality of the video matters–do not send a coach a shaky video filmed on your cell phone. Instead, you will want to talk to your coach when it is time to make your highlight video. He will have the footage of your games and if your school does not provide this, you will want a family member or a video expert to film your games.
Related: 5 Must-Do's For Your Football Highlight Tape (Plus 3 Things to Avoid)
5. Attend Football Camps (and Make Your Presence Known)
Camps can be a critical tool for prospects, but some camps will have several hundred athletes in attendance. If you walk onto the field as an unknown, odds are you won't receive much attention from the coaches. The key to maximizing your recruitability at camps is to make sure coaches know who you are before you get there. Don't be afraid to get in contact with college coaches via email and send them your camp schedule, contact information, and highlight video.
Once you're there, attending a college camp will show the coach that you are committed and allow them the chance to see you play in person. It will also let you see who your competition is as well as meet some athletes who are already on the team. Remember attending a camp or visiting a school will probably be the first time meeting the coach, so try your best to have a GREAT first impression. You want that coach to remember you, so do everything to make that happen.
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* Originally published on January 20, 2023, by 2aDays Staff
