You want to catch the eye of college recruiters. Have you done all that you can do off the field? Here’s your guide to getting noticed.
Fit The Role
Size, weight, strength, speed and agility are key. Flexibility is important for fast, explosive movement. Not everyone plays at Division I. Know where you will fit in and make the most of it.
Technique
At the college level and beyond, the coaches will teach you “their” game. Do you have the basics down pat? Whether you are a high school football player or play in a youth league in Oklahoma, it’s critical to master your position. How is your endurance?
Participation
Attend showcases, like the National Underclassmen Combine, Under Armour, 7 on 7 and local camps, such as Oklahoma University’s camps for high school players, or invitation-only camps.
Endorsement
You need your high school coach’s endorsement to be recruited by colleges. Have your coach email and call schools on your behalf.
Attitude
Do you hustle between plays? Do you run patterns with enthusiasm even when you’re not the primary receiver? Do you give it all in practice?
Promotion
Get your information online: a professional highlight reel, stats, grades, extra-curricular activities, etc. Then contact coaches. Send them a DVD of your highlight reel and let them know who you are and where to find you.
Eligibility
- If you want to play college sports at the Division I or Division II level, you must register and have your eligibility – both academic eligibility and amateur status – cleared by the NCAA. The Eligibility Center is now what used to be called the NCAA Clearinghouse. It is the organization within the NCAA tasked with eligibility determinations. To check out the Eligibility Center, follow this link.