How to Get Recruited to Play College Football:
A Complete, Detailed Guide
So you want to play college football? That's great! College football is a fantastic way to continue your playing career while also getting a top-notch education. But before you can suit up for your favorite team, you need to get recruited. And that's where this guide comes in.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire recruiting process step-by-step so that you know exactly what to do—and what not to do—to increase your chances of getting recruited by the college of your choice. We'll cover everything from creating a highlight reel to communicating with coaches effectively. By the time you're done reading this guide, you'll be ready to take your game to the next level and start receiving offers from colleges!
What Does it Take to Get Recruited to Play College Football?
If you're reading this, chances are you're a high school football player with dreams of playing at the college level. Or maybe you're the parent or coach of someone with that dream. Either way, you probably have a lot of questions about what it takes to get recruited to play college football.
Well, you've come to the right place. We're going to take a look at what it takes to get recruited to play college football. We'll discuss the importance of academics, athletics, and character. We'll also provide some tips on how to make yourself more attractive to college recruiters. So without further ado, let's get started!
Academics:
The first thing you need to understand is that colleges are looking for well-rounded students, not just athletes. Your grades and test scores are just as important as your athletic ability when it comes to getting recruited. College recruiters want to see that you're capable of succeeding in the classroom before they offer you a spot on their team.
That's why it's so important to focus on your academics first and foremost. Don't let your grades slip just because you're focused on playing football.
The second thing you need to understand is that there are a lot of talented athletes out there. You need to make sure you're doing everything you can to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack. Whether it's working hard in the weight room, attending every practice, or studying film, you need to find a way to stand out.
The third and final thing you need to understand is that the recruiting process is a long one. It's important to be patient and stay focused on your goals. Don't get discouraged if you don't hear from a college right away. Just keep grinding and eventually someone will take notice.
Athletics:
Being a successful athlete takes more than just raw talent. It takes dedication, hard work, and a willingness to accept coaching and feedback. College recruiters are looking for athletes who have the potential to contribute at the collegiate level. If you want to play at the collegiate level, you need to be willing to put in the work both on and off the field.
You also need to be able to accept coaching and feedback so that you can continue to improve as a player. Talent is important, but it's not the only thing that matters. College recruiters are looking for athletes who have the potential to be successful at the collegiate level.
If you want to play at the collegiate level, you need to be dedicated to your craft and willing to put in the work both on and off the field.
Character:
College recruiters are looking for more than just talented athletes; they're also looking for players with good character. They want players who will be positive role models for their team and their school. They want players who will represent their school in a positive light both on and off the field. If you have good character, chances are good that you'll be attractive to college recruiters.
For example, if you're a hard worker and you're always hustling, that's going to show college recruiters that you have what it takes to succeed at the next level. If you're a good teammate and you're always putting the team first, college recruiters will see that as well.
College recruiters are looking for players with good character because they know that those players will help their team win on and off the field. When you have good character, it shows in everything you do. So if you want to attract college recruiters, make sure your character is strong.
When Does Recruiting Start for College Football?
A lot of people don't know this, but recruiting for college football starts as early as the eighth grade. That's right, eighth grade. And if you want to play football at a Division I school, you're going to have to start even earlier than that. The sad truth is that the earlier you start, the better your chances are of being recruited.
Now, we're not saying that it's impossible to get recruited if you don't start until your senior year of high school. It is possible. But it's going to be a lot harder. You see, the thing about college football recruiting is that it's all about numbers. The more schools you can get to look at you, the better your chances are of getting recruited.
So when should you start?
Ideally, you should start your junior year of high school. That gives you two full years to make a name for yourself and attract the attention of college scouts. If you're a late bloomer and don't come into your own until your senior year, then obviously you're going to have to start a little later. But even then, try to get started as early as possible.
The earlier you start, the more time you'll have to build relationships with college coaches and scouts. And those relationships are important because they could be the difference between getting recruited and getting passed over.
But it's not just about starting early; it's also about working hard. Just because you start early doesn't mean anything if you're not putting in the work. You need to make sure that you're constantly trying to improve your game and stand out from the other recruits. College coaches are looking for players who are dedicated and willing to put in the work required to succeed at the next level.
The Importance of Star Ratings in Football
As a high school football player, your goal is to play at the collegiate level. One of the biggest factors in achieving this goal is your star rating. Your star rating is a measure of your talent and potential as a football player, and it is determined by scouting services that evaluate you during your high school career. Make no mistake: your star rating is important. It can open doors for you or close them just as quickly.
How Star Ratings Are Determined
Scouting services use a variety of criteria to determine your star rating. They'll look at your physical attributes, such as your height, weight, and speed. They'll also evaluate your playing style and technique. They'll take into account your grades and test scores, as well as your character and leadership abilities. In short, they'll try to get a well-rounded picture of who you are as a person and a player.
Your star rating can change throughout your high school career. If you have a breakout season or impress scouts at one of their evaluation events, your rating could go up. Conversely, if you have an off year or get injured, your rating could drop. That's why it's important to consistently work on your game and strive to get better every day. Stars are generally handed out by sites like Rivals and 247 Sports.
The Importance of Star Ratings
Your star rating is important because it can affect which colleges recruit you. If you're a 5-star recruit, you'll have plenty of schools to choose from—but if you're a 3-star recruit, your options may be more limited. That's not to say that you can't play at the collegiate level if you're not a highly-rated recruit; plenty of 3-star recruits go on to have successful college careers. However, it may be harder for you to get recruited if you don't have that coveted 5-star rating.
The New Red Shirt Rule and How It Impacts Football Recruiting
In 2017, the NCAA made a rule change that allows football players to compete in up to four games without using a year of eligibility. This rule, commonly known as the "redshirt rule," has had a major impact on how college coaches recruit high school football players.
The redshirt rule was put in place to give freshmen football players a chance to adapt to the college game without burning a year of eligibility. In the past, if a freshman played even one down of football, he would lose a year of eligibility. This was often referred to as the "5th-year seniors" rule.
The new redshirt rule allows freshmen, football players, to get valuable game experience while still preserving their eligibility. This has led to more freshmen playing significant roles on college teams. As a result, college coaches are now recruiting more heavily from the high school ranks than they ever have before.
High school football players who are considering playing college football should take advantage of this new rule. By redshirting their first year, they will be able to get acclimated to the speed of the college game without having to worry about losing a year of eligibility. They will also be able to develop their skills and build their bodies for the rigors of college football.
How to Evaluate Your Skill Set as a Football Player
As a high school football player, it's important to constantly evaluate your skills and see where you need to improve. Many factors go into becoming a great football player, and it's important to focus on all of them if you want to take your game to the next level. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to evaluate your skill set as a football player so that you can make the necessary improvements.
Watch Your Own Game Film
The first tip is to watch the film of yourself. This will allow you to see what you're doing right and wrong on the field. Make sure to take note of any patterns that emerge; for example, if you tend to miss tackles in certain situations or if you're not reading the QB's eyes correctly.
Also, pay attention to your body language; are you coming off as confident and aggressive, or are you looking tentative and unsure of yourself? If you can identify areas that need improvement, you can start working on them in practice and see a real difference in your performance on game day.
So don't be afraid to take a hard look at yourself and make the necessary changes - it'll be worth it when you're making big plays out there on the field.
Talk to Your Coaches
it's always a good idea to get a second opinion. When it comes to your skillset, there's no better authority than your coaches. They see you day in and day out, they know your strengths and your weaknesses. So if they give you feedback, make sure to listen to it and use it to improve your game. After all, they're the experts.
They know what it takes to win. So if they think you need to work on something, then you should take their word for it. Use their feedback to make the necessary changes in your game and see how it impacts your performance. You might be surprised at the results.
Ask Your Teammates
The best way to get better is to solicit feedback from those around you who see you the most. In the case of football, this would be your teammates. They see you every day in practice and during games, so they should have a good idea of your strengths and weaknesses.
Ask them for specific examples of things they think you could do better; for instance, if they think you need to work on your route running or play recognition. By getting specific feedback from those who see you the most, you can make the most targeted improvements that will have the biggest impact on your game.
How to Research Schools and Create a Target List of Where You'd Like to Play Football
As a high school football player, you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing which colleges you want to play for. The first step in making your decision is doing your research. You need to find out what each school has to offer both on and off the field. Here's a breakdown of what you should be looking for:
Academics
When it comes to choosing a college, academics should be your top priority. After all, you're going to be spending four (or more) years there, so you might as well get a good education while you're at it! Make sure to look at the school's average SAT/ACT scores, graduation rates, and job placement rates.
Of course, you'll also want to make sure that the school has a strong academic reputation. But don't forget to look at the student body as well. A diverse student body can provide different perspectives and life experiences that can enrich your education. Bottom line: when choosing a college, make sure to put academics first.
The school you choose should have strong academics, a strong reputation, and a diverse student body. With that combination, you'll be set up for success!
Football Program
Of course, you'll also want to make sure that the school has a strong football program. In today's culture, football is more than just a game - it's a way of life. For many students, being part of a winning team is an essential part of their college experience.
Find out what kind of success the team has had in recent years, what kind of facilities they have, and who their coach is. You'll also want to see if the team is in a competitive conference. With so much riding on the line, you'll want to make sure that you choose a school that can give you everything you're looking for in a football program.
Cost
When it comes to choosing a school, the cost of attendance is one of the most important factors to consider. Tuition, room and board, and other associated costs can add up quickly, so it's important to have a realistic understanding of what you can afford. Financial aid will also be a factor in your decision, so make sure to look at all of your options before making a final decision. By taking the time to understand the cost of attendance, you'll be better prepared to choose a school that fits your budget.
Location
It's time to get serious about picking a college. One of the things you need to consider is where the school is located. Do you want to stay close to home or branch out and experience something new? There are pros and cons to both options.
Staying close to home means you'll be able to save money on room and board. You'll also be able to visit home when you need a break from the stresses of college life. On the other hand, going away to school will give you a chance to meet new people and experience different parts of the country. You'll also have more independence.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you're looking for in a college experience. If you want to explore different parts of the country, then going away to school might be the best option for you. But if you're looking for a more intimate college experience, then staying close to home could be the way to go.
Why You Should Create a Highlight Reel
A recruiting video is a perfect way to show college coaches what you can do on the football field. It's an impressive way to stand out from the crowd and get noticed by the right people. Plus, it's a great way to show off your skills and give coaches a sense of your playing style. Here are a few tips for creating a standout highlight reel.
1. Keep it under three minutes.
When it comes to watching player videos, coaches don't have a lot of time to spare. That's why it's important to keep your video short and sweet. Show them what you've got, and then get out. Coaches will be able to tell pretty quickly whether or not you have the skills we're looking for. And if you do, they'll be sure to reach out. So don't worry about trying to make your video perfect. Just show them what you've got, and they'll take it from there.
2. Make sure it's high quality.
College coaches want to see a well-produced video that showcases your best qualities as a player. They don't want to see a cell phone video that is shaky and hard to hear. They want to see a video that is clear, well-lit and features you at your best. If you want to get recruited, you need to invest in good equipment and hire a professional videographer. It will be worth it in the long run.
3. Highlight your strengths.
What makes you unique? What are your best qualities as a football player? Be sure to showcase your strengths in your recruiting video so that coaches can see why you're worth recruiting.
4. Include game footage.
College coaches want to see game films of potential recruits so they can evaluate their playing style and ability. While highlight reel footage is helpful, it's even more important to include footage of you in actual game situations.
This will give coaches a better sense of how you perform under pressure and how you react to different game scenarios. If you're serious about playing at the collegiate level, be sure to include the game film in your recruiting materials. It could be the difference between getting noticed by a coach and being lost in the shuffle.
How to Contact Coaches on Your Target List
One of the most important things you can do as a high school football player is to create a list of colleges you're interested in attending. Once you have your list, it's time to start reaching out to the coaches at those schools. Here's a step-by-step guide for how to do just that.
Step 1: Find the coach's contact information.
There are a few ways that you can get in touch with a college coach. The best way to find their contact information is by visiting the school's athletics website and finding the staff directory. Once you're in the staff directory, you should be able to find the coach's email address and/or phone number.
You can also try reaching out to the college's athletic department directly and asking for the coach's contact information. If you're still having trouble, you can try searching for the coach on social media platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn.
Keep in mind that it's important to be respectful and professional when you're reaching out to a college coach.
Step 2: Introduce yourself.
The best way to get in touch with a college coach is to shoot them an email. In the email, you want to introduce yourself, explain who you are and tell the coach why you're interested in attending their school.
It's also a good idea to include your statistics and highlight any awards or accomplishments you've achieved thus far in your career. This will give the coach a better idea of who you are and what you bring to the table. If the coach is impressed, they'll be more likely to reach out and offer you a spot on their team.
So don't be afraid to put yourself out there and contact the coaches that you're interested in working with.
Step 3: Follow up.
After you've sent your initial email or made your initial phone call, be sure to follow up with the coach. This shows that you're interested and motivated, and it will help you stand out from the dozens (if not hundreds) of other students who are trying to get their attention.
It's important to be persistent but not annoying, so strike a balance and don't give up if you don't hear back right away. With a little effort, you'll be one step closer to realizing your dream of playing college sports.
How to Make the Most of Recruiting Events
Recruiting events are a great opportunity for high school football players to get exposure to college coaches. However, it's important to make sure that you're doing everything you can to make the most of these events. Here are a few tips:
1. Get your game film out there ahead of time.
As a high school athlete, one of the best things you can do to increase your chances of being recruited by a college is to get your game film out there early. College coaches are always looking for talented players, and they often use game film as one of the first methods of evaluating potential recruits.
By sending your film out to as many coaches as possible ahead of time, you'll ensure that they have ample opportunity to take a look at your skills. Additionally, if you make a good impression on the coaches who do watch your film, you may be able to get a head start on the recruiting process.
So if you're serious about playing college athletics, be sure to get your game film out there ahead of time. It could make all the difference in whether or not you're recruited by a college team.
2. Register early.
You know the saying, the early bird gets the worm? Well, that's especially true when it comes to registering for events, camps, and clinics. The sooner you register, the more likely it is that college coaches will see your name. Furthermore, try to register for as many events as possible so that you have more opportunities to be seen. It's all about increasing your chances and giving yourself the best opportunity to succeed. So don't wait, get out there and start registering for events today!
3. Dress the part.
First impressions are everything, so you must look your best when meeting with college coaches. Wear your best football gear and make sure that you're well-groomed. Coaches will be looking at you to see if you're physically fit and presentable.
If you don't make a good first impression, the coach may not even consider you for a spot on the team. So take the time to prepare and make sure that you look your best. It could be the difference between getting a scholarship and being relegated to the bench.
4. Have a plan.
You're registered for the event, congrats! Now it's time to do your research and figure out which colleges will be in attendance. This way, you'll know which coaches you need to talk to and what you need to say to make a good impression.
Time to hit the books (or the internet)! Look up each college's website and see if they have a list of the coaches that will be attending the event. If not, try reaching out to the Event Coordinator and see if they can give you a list.
Once you have your list, it's time to start researching each coach. Look up their bios on the college's website, read any articles that have been written about them, and see if you can find any interviews with them. The more information you have, the better prepared you'll be to make a great impression!
How to Manage the Recruiting Process as a High School Football Player
The recruiting process can be daunting, but as a high school football player, you have the opportunity to secure your future and earn a college scholarship. Here are some tips on how to manage the recruiting process so you can make the most of your talents and fulfill your dreams.
Be proactive
The best way to manage the recruiting process is to be proactive. Start by creating a list of your top 10 colleges and reach out to their coaches. You can find contact information for college coaches on the school’s website or through the NCAA website. Once you have made initial contact, follow up with an email or phone call every few weeks to stay on their radar.
In addition to reaching out to college coaches, you should also create a profile on recruiting websites like NCAA Eligibility Center. These websites allow college coaches to search for recruits based on specific criteria. By creating a profile and regularly updating it, you will increase your chances of being recruited by a college team.
Finally, make sure to keep your grades up and participate in as many skill-based camps and clinics as possible. By following these tips, you can take control of your recruiting process and give yourself the best chance of landing a spot on a college team.
Do your research
Before you start reaching out to college coaches, you must do your research. Make sure you know what level of football you want to play (Division I, II, III or NAIA) and what kind of program fit is right for you. For example, if you want to play Division I football but don’t want to be in a big city, then look for Division I schools in smaller cities or towns.
There’s no sense in wasting your time reaching out to schools that aren’t a good fit for you athletically or academically. College coaches are busy people, so you need to make sure that you’re being efficient with your time. Do your research and target the schools that are the best fit for you. When you contact a college coach, be respectful and professional.
College coaches receive thousands of emails and phone calls from prospective athletes, so you need to make sure that yours stands out. Be brief and to the point, and make sure that you include your highlights and stats.
College coaches are looking for talented athletes who are also good students and decent human beings. If you can show them that you have what it takes on and off the field, then you’ll increase your chances of getting recruited.
Create a highlight reel
Creating a highlight reel is one of the most important things you can do during the recruiting process. College coaches want to see what kind of player you are and determine if you have what it takes to play at the next level.
Make sure your highlight reel is high quality and includes game footage from your junior and senior seasons. This will give them a good idea of your skills and abilities in the field. If you have any special talents or skills, be sure to include them in your reel as well.
The more impressive your reel is, the better your chances of getting recruited by a top college program. So take the time to put together a great reel that will showcase your talents and give coaches an idea of what kind of player you are.
There's No shame in Starting at a Smaller School
You've been working hard your whole life to be a great football player. You've put in the hours in the weight room, on the field, and in the film room. You've been told you have the potential to be a Division I player. But what happens if you don't get recruited by your dream school? It can be easy to get down on yourself and think that you're not good enough. But there's no shame in starting at a smaller school. It might even be the best thing for you.
The Reality of Division I Football
The fact is, only a small percentage of high school football players go on to play Division I football. For every five-star recruit who signs with an SEC school, there are hundreds of other guys who don't get that opportunity. That doesn't mean they're not good enough; it just means that there are more players than there are spots. So don't beat yourself up if you don't get recruited by Alabama or Ohio State. It's not the end of the world.
The Benefits of Starting at a Smaller School
Starting at a smaller school can be beneficial for your career. For one thing, you'll have a better chance of seeing the field early and getting valuable playing experience. At a big school, it can take years to work your way up the depth chart. But at a smaller school, you might have a chance to start as a freshman or sophomore. That playing time will be invaluable as you attempt to make the jump to the NFL someday.
Another benefit of starting at a small school is that you'll get more individual attention from the coaching staff. At a big school, coaches have so many players to worry about that they can't give each one the attention they deserve. But at a smaller school, you'll have more one-on-one time with the coaches who can help you develop your skills and reach your full potential.
How to Negotiate Your Scholarship Offer
You've worked hard throughout high school, both on and off the field. Your dedication has finally paid off and you've been offered a scholarship to play football at the college of your choice. But before you can officially accept that offer, there are a few things you need to take into account.
You Can Negotiate Your Scholarship Offer
The first is the budget of the team you'll be playing for. Each school has a set amount of money they're allowed to spend on scholarships, and that number varies from school to school. They may not be able to meet your full financial needs, but they should be able to give you a good idea of what they can offer.
You also need to consider your financial situation. How much money are you and your family willing and able to contribute? What other scholarships or financial aid have you been offered? This will help you determine what kind of offer you're willing to accept.
Finally, think about your future. What kind of career do you want to have after college? Will this particular school set you up for success in that area? There's no perfect answer here, but it's something you should keep in mind during negotiations.
Once you have a good understanding of what you want and what the team is offering, it's time to start negotiating. The first thing you'll want to do is get in touch with the coach or whoever is in charge of scholarships for the team. If possible, schedule an in-person meeting so that you can talk face-to-face. This will give you a chance to show them how committed you are to the team, and it will give them a chance to get to know you as a person.
During the meeting, be upfront about what you're looking for. If the team can't meet your full financial needs, ask if they're willing to increase their offer. If they're not, let them know what other offers you've received and see if they're willing to match or exceed those offers. Be polite but firm, and don't be afraid to walk away if they're not willing to give you what you want. Remember, there are other teams out there who would love to have you on their squad.
How to Sign with Your Top School
You've been recruited by your top school. They've offered you a full scholarship to play football for their team. You've been dreaming of this moment your entire life. But before you can officially become a member of the team, you have to sign a National Letter of Intent. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps of signing your National Letter of Intent so that you can officially become a member of the team.
There are Three Steps to Signing
The first step is to fill out the National Letter of Intent form. This form is available on the NCAA website. Once you have filled out the form, you will need to submit it to the school's athletics department.
The second step is to have an in-person meeting with the head coach and/or athletics director. During this meeting, you will discuss your commitment to the team and your plans for your future as a member of the team.
The third step is to sign the National Letter of Intent form. Once you have signed the form, it will be official–you are now a member of the team!
Conclusion
Now that you know how the recruiting process works, it's time to put
this knowledge into action and start reaching out to colleges! Remember:
stay focused on academics first and foremost, put together an
impressive highlight reel, and always correspond with coaches in a
professional manner. If you do all of these things, then there's no
reason why you shouldn't be able to receive recruitment offers from
colleges in no time!