RECRUITING 101 FOOTBALL
TABLE
OF CONTENTS 2 2-3 3-7 8 9 10
4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW RECRUITING STATS TO KNOW RECRUITING GUIDELINES RECRUITING TIMELINE HIGHLIGHT VIDEO WHAT FAMILIES ARE SAYING
LEARN THE
4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
When it comes to navigating the complicated college recruiting process, there is the preconceived notion that dozens of football coaches will come pounding on your door and offer you full-ride scholarships to DI programs. Although we wish it were true, that’s simply not the case. Here are some important things you need to know before you begin.
RECRUITING FOR FOOTBALL STARTS AS EARLY AS FRESHMAN YEAR
Football recruiting is extremely competitive. The earlier you start reaching out to college coaches and building relationships, the better your chances of being recruited. College coaches don’t just recruit seniors – they recruit athletes in every class. Waiting just one extra day to start recruiting can mean missing out on 20 or more roster spots.
RECRUITING IS A FULL-TIME JOB
Researching hundreds of schools and contacting dozens of coaches can easily take 40 hours a week or more. And that’s on top of the time you spend in practice, the weight room and in school. And, professionally edited skills videos start at $300 and can cost $1,000 or more. Combines and camps, standardized test prep, and private strength and speed training can also cost thousands of dollars. Consider all of these expenses as an investment. The money is well spent if it eventually results in scholarship dollars.
RECRUITING STARTS ONLINE
College football coaches are extremely busy and follow hundreds of recruits, so it’s important to provide them with easy access to your resume and highlight videos. An online profile on a reputable site like NCSA is an essential recruiting tool and helps you connect with coaches. NCSA Recruit-Match technology allows college football coaches to find athletes whose profiles have the features they are looking for like varsity experience, position, height/weight, 40-yard dash times, GPA and more. The more you stand out among other recruits, the more successful you will be.
COLLEGE COACHES WON’T SHOW UP AT YOUR DOOR You must be proactive and reach out to college football coaches to let them know who you are.
Even if your high school coach does everything he can to help you, between coaching, teaching, and his own family, your coach simply does not have the time to do the work for you. College football coaches need to see commitment and passion in their recruits, and only you can show it to them. Taking charge of the recruiting process is a good start.
*Page content provided by NCSA Athletic Recruiting
KNOWING YOUR
RECRUITING GUIDELINES
NCSA’s football recruiting guidelines show a recruit exactly what level of competition he’s best suited for based upon his position, height, weight,
speed, strength and more. Knowing where you stand helps you create a realistic list of possible schools, which can save time when
trying to earn a football scholarship. NCSA’s recruiting guidelines explain what coaches at every collegiate level are looking for.
FOLLOWING THE
RECRUITING TIMELINE
Developing relationships with college football coaches is essential. Don’t wait until junior year to gain your spot on the roster. Freshmen and sophomores should focus on approaching coaches, evaluating skills and developing strengths. Stay in touch with coaches and anticipate calls during your junior year.
FRESHMAN YEAR
SOPHOMORE YEAR
JUNIOR YEAR
SENIOR YEAR
Research 2-3 schools per week. Create a list of 100 prospective schools and consider both athletics and academics. Be proactive and send introduction letters and emails to coaches to start building relationships. Fill out questionnaires received in the mail and return them immediately. Attend regional camps or combines close to you like Nike SPARQ and Under Armour Rivals. Start planning your highlight video. Take at least 3 unofficial visits to colleges.
Compile your highlight video. Determine 5 programs that might be just out of reach, 5 programs that are a good fit, and 5 back-up schools. Follow up with coaches through calls, emails and letters to find out where you stand on their list of recruits. Attend combines and college camps. Make unofficial visits to schools. If you haven’t heard from DI coaches, start reaching out to DII, DIII and NAIA programs. DI coaches can make one call between Apr. 15 and May 31. Contact coaches at least once per week.
Call, and send emails and letters to coaches at programs you’re interested in. Schedule more unofficial visits. Continue to research prospective schools and narrow down your list of 100 to schools you’re most interested in. Fill out questionnaires. Make more unofficial visits. Remember, DI and DII coaches can’t personally contact you until junior year, but YOU can contact them. DIII and NAIA coaches can contact you at any time.
Make official visits (5 total are allowed) after the first day of class. Start your financial aid planning and register for FAFSA (fafsa.ed.gov) by Jan. 1. DI coaches can start calling on a weekly basis starting on Sep. 1. Sign and commit to a school and program (signing period is the first Wednesday in February through Apr. 1). Expect DII, DIII and NAIA offers in the spring. Find out when you need to report to camp. Get ready for an experience of a lifetime.
FRESHMAN YEAR
SOPHOMORE YEAR
FALL
Research 2 -3 schools per week.
Make unofficial visits. Film your highlight tape and get it evaluated.
Research 2 -3 schools per week.
Research 2 -3 schools per week.
WINTER
Research 2 -3 schools per week. Send introduction letters to coaches.
Continue building relationships with coaches. Film your highlight tape and get it evaluated.
Research 2 -3 schools per week.
Research 2 -3 schools per week.
Send introduction letters to coaches. Go on at least 3 unofficial visits.
Fill out Questionnaires. Continue building relationships with coaches.
Research 2 -3 schools per week.
Research 2 -3 schools per week.
Go on at least 3 unofficial visits.
Make unofficial visits. Fill out Questionnaires. High level D1start making offers.
Research 2 -3 schools per week.
Research 2 -3 schools per week.
SPRING
SUMMER
Sep. 1 of junior year coaches can send recruiting materials. Apr. 15 through May 31 of junior year coaches are allowed one call. Start of the senior school year you can begin making official visits.
JUNIOR YEAR
SENIOR YEAR
Jan. 1 of senior year you should apply for financial aid at fafsa.ed.gov Early February through Apr. 1 sign and commit to a football program.
TAPING YOUR
HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
A highlight video is an essential part of every football recruit’s online portfolio. A well-made video will be seen by hundreds and college football coaches and show what you have to offer in just a couple of minutes. In order for your highlight video to be effective, you need to know what coaches are looking for. Realize that all sports aren’t the same when it comes to recruiting videos.
IN-GAME HIGHLIGHTS
NCSA knows specifically what college football coaches want to see, and that it varies by position. For example, linebackers should include plays that show solid technique, QB pressures, run stopping, and dropping back into pass coverage. Quarterbacks need to highlight their footwork and their ability throw precision passes, make deep throws, and scramble effectively. If you follow the video guidelines provided by NCSA and create a wellmade highlight video, you’re taking a big step toward getting a scholarship.
FILMING
In-game footage should show everyone on the field, not just the featured player. Shoot from an elevated spot where you have a clean line of sight. Don’t zoom in and out because that can be distracting.
SHOWCASE SKILLS DEFENSIVE BACKS SHOULD LOG: All Big Hits & Big Plays Open Field Tackles Pass Deflections and Interceptions Flowing to the play & Stopping the Run Cover Speed (In Coverage & Downfield), Recovery Speed (Chasing Down a Play) Away from the ball skills LINEBACKERS SHOULD LOG: Solid Technique Tackles & Big Hits Pass Drops – Lateral & Vertical Footwork Pass Deflections, Tackles for Loss QB Pressures, Knockdowns, Sacks Gap Filling on Run Plays – Defeating the Block (OL & RB) DEFENSIVE LINEMEN SHOULD LOG: Solid Technique Tackles & Big Hits Forced Fumbles & Batted Passes QB Pressures, Knockdowns, Sacks Tackles for Loss, Defeating the Block (OL) DL Techniques – Swim Move, Spin Move, Bull Rush Technique, Rip Move PUNTERS AND KICKERS SHOULD LOG: Skills footage and game footage Kickers: Film on a tripod 5 yards behind kicker and 2 yards to the side. Kickoffs should be from the 30 yard line.
Punters: Film from stands just like normal game film. Follow ball after it is punted. Every Solid Punt (Best Distance and/or Hang time) All Punts Inside 20 and Beyond All Tackles Made Every Touchback KO Successful Onside Kicks (no more than 3 on one given DVD) All Successful Field Goals & 2-3 Successful PAT’s QUARTERBACKS SHOULD LOG: Touchdown Passes Rushing Touchdowns Precision Passes – Hitting WR in stride Out Passes Deep Throws Quick Series Throws Scrambles 3 & 5 Step Drops – Footwork Option Style Running QB Highlights WIDE RECEIVERS SHOULD LOG: Touchdown Catches Great Fundamental Catches a)Sideline Catch b) In Traffic Catch c) In Stride Catch d) Tipped Ball Catch e) Coming Back to the Ball Catch Running with the Ball – Proper Technique, Breaking Away Downfield Stalk Blocking, Crack Blocks Yards After Catch RUNNING BACKS SHOULD LOG: All Touchdowns (Rushing & Receiving) Yards after Contact Breakaway Runs – Field Vision (Cutback Runs) OFFENSIVE LINEMEN SHOULD LOG: Solid Technique Good Footwork Low Pad Level Pulling Blocks Any Knock downs LONG SNAPPER SHOULD LOG: Skills footage Film from 5 yards in front of snapper and few yards to the side Must have punter catching the snap. Also include side view to show technique.
HERE’S WHAT
FAMILIES ARE SAYING Plenty of student-athletes have found success in football at the college level thanks to some guidance from NCSA. But don’t just take our word for it. Read what these football success stories have to say about working with the recruiting experts at NCSA. The recruiting process is difficult but we’re here to make it a little bit easier.
PARENT OF ‘12 BENEDICTINE COLLEGE COMMIT “We wanted to personally thank the staff and NCSA program as a whole. The amount we invested has paid off 10-fold, our son was heavily recruited, had LOTS of options, but ultimately decided on an NAIA program that has his degree, the small atmosphere and one-on-one educational ‘private’ college environment AND he (we) hit the jackpot...FULL tuition paid for 4 years! We couldn’t be happier with his decision. We will, and have, highly recommended NCSA to friends whose student athlete desires playing at the collegiate level.”
I got approximately 250 views from college coaches, 100 phone calls that wouldn’t have been possible without NCSA. I would like to thank everybody who helped me and thank you NCSA! - ‘12 EMORY & HENRY COLLEGE COMMIT
‘12 COMMIT TO CARLETON COLLEGE “ Perhaps the best part of NCSA is how well it educates the student-athletes and their parents. I always knew I wanted to keep running in college, but I wasn’t sure where I could fit in. NCSA is a fantastic tool - I felt a lot more confident throughout this process, and I know that I have found what I’m looking for in a college.”
I think this proactive approach is what really led to my ultimate college decision. I noticed that I was a lot further ahead in the process than a lot of other local kids who had college aspirations. NCSA always answered my questions promptly, and really taught me how to communicate with coaches. - ‘12 CORNELL UNIVERSITY COMMIT
PARENT OF ‘13 ATHLETE FROM CALIFORNIA “We as a family will highly recommend NCSA to one and all interested in having their child or friend become a college student athlete. I truly believe you get out of this program what you (athlete and family) put into it. NCSA provides the staff and resources to assist the family in helping the student athlete reach their future goal(s). Your staff is always available, very professional and honest when contacted, and appear to have a great concern in helping the student athlete reach their highest potential”
WWW.NCSASPORTS.ORG | 866.579.6272