Every parent and athlete dreams of big scholarships to major Division I programs. Whether an athlete goes on to achieve that dream often depends on circumstances outside his control and comes down to whether or not he is a "fit" for a particular program or coaching staff.
The recruiting process is daunting. Without meaning to, athletes can end up missing opportunities to advance their education and to play the game they love. However with some planning and flexibility, athletes can achieve their goal of playing in college.
What can athletes do during their high school careers to get ready for college recruiting?
• Focus on academics: Grades are the No. 1 factor and can easily determine if schools will even look at you. Your grades in high school will determine the range of options for college. Will you be able to attend your major college of choice or will you be asking a program to take a chance on your success and let you walk on?
For most athletes, football will not last forever and you need to plan for a career. Your grades dictate your career options.
• Explore all levels: Don't just focus on major D-1 programs. Research all your options. Look at whether or not the college is somewhere you want to spend the next four or five years.
You may want to get away from home, but can you financially survive being away from home? Does the school offer the major you want to pursue? Is the coaching staff secure? Would you still like to be at the school if the staff changed? What are the school's graduation rates and job placement rates in your chosen field?
• Leave all options open, but be realistic: So many athletes refuse to look at recruiting letters from schools below D-1. They are enjoying great success in high school, and they don't talk with anyone other than premier programs. When signing day arrives and passes and they are asked to walk on, they have severely limited their options.
The goal for most athletes is to play in college. If only one D-2 school is talking to you then this may be a difficult level for you to be competitive. You may not even step on the field until your junior or senior year. Consider whether you are willing to put in the time required if your playing time will be limited. I strongly recommend athletes research all levels (NAIA, D-2, D1-AA and D-1) and go where they have the best chance to contribute to the program.
• Maximize experience and exposure: It is important for athletes to put together top-quality highlight tapes, but there is no substitute for being seen by college coaches. There are plenty of chances to attend recruiting combines and camps, and I strongly recommend you take advantage of those opportunities to be seen.
If coaches don't know anything about you, then you won't have a chance to go on playing. Take advantage of every chance to get better at your sport and to be seen playing.
• Work hard at everything you do: A solid work ethic is critical to playing in college. The entire college experience is demanding. Coaches want to know that you will give your best effort on the field, in the classroom, and to the program. What will your high school coaches and teachers say about your willingness to work? The recruit who is enthusiastic and works hard in every circumstance will have a better shot than one who was chronically late, absent, or lazy.
It is important for athletes to consider the total package when it comes to college football. Remember that many of the factors that improve your chance to play in college are things that will lead to your overall success. Dream big, work hard, explore your options, and remember: Plan for college, not just college football.
The goal for most athletes is to play in college. If only one D-2 school is talking to you then this may be a difficult level for you to be competitive. You may not even step on the field until your junior or senior year. Consider whether you are willing to put in the time required if your playing time will be limited. I strongly recommend athletes research all levels (NAIA, D-2, D1-AA and D-1) and go where they have the best chance to contribute to the program.
• Maximize experience and exposure: It is important for athletes to put together top-quality highlight tapes, but there is no substitute for being seen by college coaches. There are plenty of chances to attend recruiting combines and camps, and I strongly recommend you take advantage of those opportunities to be seen.
If coaches don't know anything about you, then you won't have a chance to go on playing. Take advantage of every chance to get better at your sport and to be seen playing.
• Work hard at everything you do: A solid work ethic is critical to playing in college. The entire college experience is demanding. Coaches want to know that you will give your best effort on the field, in the classroom, and to the program. What will your high school coaches and teachers say about your willingness to work? The recruit who is enthusiastic and works hard in every circumstance will have a better shot than one who was chronically late, absent, or lazy.
It is important for athletes to consider the total package when it comes to college football. Remember that many of the factors that improve your chance to play in college are things that will lead to your overall success. Dream big, work hard, explore your options, and remember: Plan for college, not just college football.
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