College football recruiting is a process that requires planning, effort, and strategy. Understanding what you need to do at each stage of high school can significantly increase your chances of getting recruited and earning a scholarship. Here’s a year-by-year breakdown to help you stay on track:
Freshman Year (9th Grade) – Laying the Foundation
- Focus on Academics: Your GPA starts counting now. Take your schoolwork seriously and ensure you’re meeting NCAA core course requirements.
- Develop Athleticism: Work on improving speed, strength, and overall athletic ability. Consider joining a speed and agility program.
- Learn the Game: Study your position, watch film, and understand the fundamentals of football.
- Get on the Radar: Attend local camps and combines to gain early experience.
- Start Social Media Presence: Create a Twitter/X profile and begin posting your training progress and game highlights.
Sophomore Year (10th Grade) – Building Your Profile
- Continue Academic Excellence: Stay on track with your GPA and meet with your school counselor to review NCAA eligibility requirements.
- Refine Your Skills: Keep improving through team practice, personal training, and extra work.
- Attend Camps & Showcases: Go to college camps and showcases to test your skills against competition.
- Create Your Hudl Highlights: Start compiling a highlight tape showcasing your best plays.
- Engage with Coaches: If you’re performing well, start following college coaches on social media and engage with their content.
- Get Evaluated: Have your coaches assess your progress and get honest feedback on what level you might project to.
Junior Year (11th Grade) – Prime Recruiting Year
- Take the ACT/SAT: Make sure you register and take standardized tests to meet academic qualifications.
- Reach Out to College Coaches: Send personalized emails with your film, stats, and academic info to coaches.
- Go on College Visits: Attend Junior Days, unofficial visits, and continue going to camps.
- Dominate on the Field: Junior season performance is critical for recruiting. Make every game count and update your highlight reel.
- Narrow Down Your List: Start identifying schools that fit your athletic and academic goals.
- Get Your NCAA Eligibility Number: Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Senior Year (12th Grade) – Closing the Deal
- Finalize Academic Requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary core courses and qualify academically.
- Update Highlight Tape: Include your best plays from your senior season and send it to college coaches.
- Take Official Visits: If schools invite you, take official visits to experience the program firsthand.
- Evaluate Offers: Compare scholarship offers, walk-on opportunities, and potential fits.
- Sign Your Letter of Intent: If you receive an offer, be prepared to sign during Early Signing Day or National Signing Day.
- Continue Training: Keep working hard even after committing to ensure you’re ready for the next level.
Final Thoughts
Recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint. Following this timeline and taking the right steps at the right time can maximize your chances of playing college football. Stay focused, work hard, and keep improving every step of the way!
Chad Wilson is a college football recruiting expert and creator of the GridironStudsApp which allows high school football players to gain exposure to college football coaches and fans. Wilson is a former college football player for the University of Miami (92-94) and Long Beach St. (’90-’91) and played briefly for the Seattle Seahawks (’95). He is also a former youth and high school football coach for over 15 years most recently for 5-A State of Florida Champs American Heritage. He runs All Eyes DB Camp a defensive back training company located in South Florida IG: @alleyesdbcamp. Wilson’s oldest son Quincy plays in the NFL for the New York Giants and his younger son plays cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals.
