Rick Ponx coached football at the college level for nearly 30 years before deciding to make a move to coach at Plano High School in 2019. But this wasn't a demotion–Ponx's collegiate experience is applicable to athletes of all ages (including recruits like you). Here are his best recruiting tips based on his years coaching at Aurora University.

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

Most important is character. We talk to teachers, coaches, and anyone in the building who can speak to us about a young man. If he is not a “good person” we will pass on him.

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

Make sure your head coach knows you want to continue to play in college and he puts you on the list he sends to college coaches. The next best way is to contact a coach and schedule a visit to campus.

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

Spring of junior year through email. Include contact information, grades, position, and a link to a short highlight film.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

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

Do: Communicate, know what you are looking for, be honest when evaluating yourself and with all coaching staff, respond to all contact. 

Don't: Slack off in the classroom once you make a decision, make a decision and not tell other schools, pass up small school opportunities because you think you can play at another level (especially if you do not have a true scholarship offer).

What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?

Have a plan. Begin to make a list of what is important to you during your junior year. Research colleges that fit your parameters. Set up visits to meet coaches. Go visit a school for one of their game day visits so you can see the coaches at work and the relationship between teammates. Then after the season, arrange a personal one-on-one visit to the school to meet professors, admissions, players, and the whole coaching staff.

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

Big plays. Offense, defense, or special teams, we want to see big plays.

Related: 5 Must-Do's For Your Football Highlight Tape (Plus 3 Things to Avoid)

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

Highlight yourself before the snap of the ball, show yourself being successful, don't make it longer than 3-4 minutes, and include your personal contact information.

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?

After junior year, and then again mid season of senior year.

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?

That is why we tell recruits to make a list of what is important and research those schools. There is more than one school out there for you. Find 3-5 schools that fit, rank them, but pursue them all.

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

Make it a positive experience for you and the coaches that are reading/viewing what you put out there. Follow the rule: if it isn't positive, it doesn't belong out there. If you wouldn't share it with your parents, it's probably not a good idea to share it with the world.
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]

* Originally published on September 15, 2022, by 2aDays Staff