WHAT ONCE WAS a privilege for just a few high school coaches, college recruiting nowadays is a major part of any high school coach’s job. If handled correctly, working with your college-bound players is a rewarding experience.
Think about those players on your squad who dream of being a part of a college football team. They’ve worked incredibly hard to have a shot at their dream and they depend on you, their high school coach, to “coach” them through this process.
filling out forms
One of the main ways high school coaches help our players achieve their goal of playing in college is fulfilling the simple task of accurately and honestly filling out the college recruiters’ questionnaires we receive before the season starts.
By establishing a good reputation of being sincere and fair in your assessment of your players, recruiters will take your evaluations more seriously down the road. Plus, many of your former players set an example for you and your program when they are in college. This also encourages recruiters to return to your school. Sure, recruiters love players who are selected to all-star teams but what really counts is a coach’s personal evaluation of that player.
Also, do your best to gather as much information on your players as possible. After the season, have potential college prospects fill out a form containing vital information for recruiters to consider, like size, speed, GPA, college board scores, best film, etc. Have this information available to you at all times.
positive approach
Sit down with the coaches who visit you and talk about your players. Point out all the good things your players do and always remain positive in your approach.
View film of your player with the recruiter. Talk about the character and attitude of the player in question and why he is a good player. Recruiters want to get a feeling for what kind of person your player is. Coaches and recruiters know that good kids help teams win. Character, discipline and hard work typically are not seen on film, so it is up to you to sell your players the best way you can.
Typically, college recruiters are going to be up front and honest with you in what they want for their team. No matter how much you promote your player’s work ethic or attitude, sometimes the college coach is fixated on size, strength or speed. Obviously, there are going to be those times when your player isn’t offered a scholarship but you still have a job to do. Do your best to continue to encourage that player to chase his dream of playing college football. Tell him to walk on and keep working. Many times these players have the determination necessary to make it, so be sure to give them the proper push at the right time.
remain focused on what matters
Most importantly during this entire college recruiting process is to work hard and prepare your team as well as you can. Think football all the time and don’t disrupt your team by worrying about one player’s potential college football plans. The team is bigger than the individual and the individual’s success depends on the team. Things have a way of taking care of themselves when the team is doing well.
If you don’t have coaches visiting you after the season and you have a good prospect, then it is your responsibility to make the contacts. Call other coaches, write a letter for him to a college and send film. Don’t ever give up — be persistent. Be sure all of your coaches are involved and are available to what the players need.
Just because a senior graduates off your team doesn’t mean he’s out of your life. A coach’s job never ends. Your players are counting on you.