Head Coach Rich Lackner coaches the Carnegie Mellon University Football team. Named head coach of Carnegie Mellon in 1986, Lackner has led the Tartans to a 203-110-2 (.648) record, 10 conference championships, and two NCAA playoff appearances in the last 31 years.

Lackner became the University's all-time winningest coach in 1998 and the 79th football coach in NCAA history to have 200 wins. Lackner is currently one of 15 active head coaches in all divisions with 200 career victories, and he is tied for third place inactive Division III head coaches in total career wins. Coach Lackner is only the 34th coach ever to win all 200 games at the same school, and the 11th at the Division III level, and has been named the UAA Coach of the Year six times.

2aDays: What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?

Academic admissibility.

2aDays: What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?

Complete an online football questionnaire for us.

2aDays: When should an athlete contact you? What is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)

Complete our online football questionnaire – Best to do in 10th grade.

2aDays: What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the field?

Commitment and competitiveness in academics and athletics.

2aDays: What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?

Be a great communicator, and be honest.

2aDays: What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?

Make good decisions in all aspects of your life.

2aDays: What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?

Flexibility, speed, “motor,” and someone who gives 100%.

2aDays: What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?

Include as many plays as possible and show all of your skills.

2aDays: When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during the offseason, in the middle of season, or after each game?

Halfway through the season and at the end of the season.

2aDays: What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?

Understand that there are disappointments in life. We can't take everybody, and our recruiting is position-specific.

LRT: Sports: How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?

STAY away from social media. It can only hurt you!

* Originally published on October 30, 2017, by LRT Staff