Matthew 'Matt' Anderson from Elmhurst coached high school football for over half a decade. Matt Anderson thinks most high school football players hope to play college football someday, but chances of qualifying for a good school can be limited without knowing how the recruiting process works. Success in college recruiting requires one to be more than just a good athlete; one must be well-rounded and perform well academically to set themselves apart.
Before anything else, aspiring students must learn how the NCAA recruiting regulations and schedule work and how it impacts the recruitment process. NCAA’s football recruitment guidelines and schedule outline how and when coaches can reach out to athletes, which helps both parties coordinate their activities throughout the year. Aspiring athletes must also realize that the recruiting procedure may take time; therefore, they should practice patience and remain hopeful even if not selected.
To get recruited for college football, students must eat healthy and work out to improve their muscle mass and build an athlete’s body. They should also practice regularly to perfect their skills, be dedicated to the game, and show commitment on and off the field. Often, their ability to improve as a player depends on their willingness to work hard, follow instructions, and accept constructive criticism.
Students can also increase their chances of getting selected for college football by assessing their talent, athleticism, and character and identifying areas to improve. Recruiters recognize individuals who put more effort into the game, hustle constantly, and play as part of a team. Recruiters are also more likely to select athletes with strong personalities and those who can positively influence others on the team.
However, since it is uncertain that a college coach will locate an athlete, students must take ownership of their recruiting path by reaching out to coaches, introducing themselves, and explaining why they want to join the team. In addition, creating a clear and quality video highlighting their top qualities and skills as a football player can help capture the coach’s attention and make them stand out among competitors.
A college football candidate can also attend a college camp for an opportunity to allow the coach to see them play and demonstrate their commitment to the game. And since these camps will be the first time most students meet with coaches, they should strive to make a great first impression. In addition, students can benefit from these camps by watching others play and learning how to perfect their craft.
Students can also increase their chances of getting recruited by researching various schools and then narrowing down to one that meets their educational and athletic requirements. Categorizing these schools into target lists, such as safety schools, target schools, and reach schools, helps them to cast their nets wide enough to ensure they find an ideal one. Upon creating the target list, they must strive to reach out to coaches in these schools by sending introductory emails and highlight videos and then making follow-up calls to track progress.
Lastly, students must update their profile with new videos, academic and athletic information, and a personal statement as they progress to provide an accurate snapshot of themselves and their football careers. Additionally, they should visit the schools they aspire to attend, meet with the coach, and get a feel of the environment to find out if it is the place they want to be.
