Be the MVP: How High School Football Recruits Get Noticed by College Coaches

College football recruiting can be a competitive and overwhelming process, but fear not! With the right strategies and mindset, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by college coaches and securing a spot on their team. In this article, we will discuss how high school football recruits can stand out in the eyes of college coaches and maximize their opportunities for recruitment. Let’s dive in!

Maximize Your Exposure on the Field

Alright, football field warriors, let’s talk strategy—not just the X’s and O’s, but the art of making sure college coaches can’t help but notice you when you’re dominating the field. Imagine the football field as your personal stage, and every game is a blockbuster performance. This is your chance to turn heads, drop jaws, and more importantly, get those recruitment letters flowing in.

First rule of thumb: never treat any game as a throwaway. Whether it’s a packed stadium under Friday night lights or a less glamorous scrimmage against your own teammates, play like scouts are watching every move. Because guess what? Sometimes, they are. And when they’re not, that’s what highlight reels are for. But more on that later.

Be the player who hustles harder, runs faster, and hits stronger—within the rules, of course. Coaches love a player who exhibits not just talent, but heart and discipline. Show that you’re coachable, a team player, and ready to sacrifice for the greater good of the team. Those are the golden traits that can set you apart.

Here’s a pro tip: versatility is your friend. The more positions you can play, the more valuable you become. Think of yourself as a Swiss Army knife—ready to adapt and excel wherever you’re needed.

And remember, shining on the field isn’t just about making the highlight reel-worthy plays (though those certainly don’t hurt). It’s about consistently showing up, doing the work, and leaving everything you’ve got on the field. That’s how you maximize your exposure and make sure when college coaches come calling, your name is at the top of their lists.

FACT: There were 1.04 Million High School Football Players in the U.S. (as of 2021-22 Season, National Federation of State High School Associations).

The Digital eRA: Leveraging Social Media

Welcome to the 21st century, where your athletic prowess needs to shine not only on the field but also in the digital world of social media. Think of your online profiles as your personal sports channel, broadcasting the epic saga of your high school football career to the world—or, more importantly, to those college coaches with the power to propel you to the next level.

First things first, you need a game plan. Start by creating killer highlight reels that scream “future Heisman winner” and post them where they can’t be missed. Platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook are all good options. These are the arenas where your athletic achievements can go viral, catching the eye of a coach who’s on the hunt for their next star player.

Now, let’s talk engagement. This isn’t a one-way street. Follow college football programs you’re interested in and engage with their content. A clever comment or insightful observation might just get you on their radar. And while you’re showcasing those touchdown runs and bone-crushing tackles, don’t forget to sprinkle in a bit of your personality. Coaches aren’t just looking for athletes; they’re looking for well-rounded individuals who will fit into their team culture.

But beware the pitfalls of social media; it’s a double-edged sword. Practice digital responsibility—think before you post. A moment of impulsivity can tarnish the brand you’re working so hard to build. In the digital age, visibility is the name of the game. Use social media to its full advantage, and you might just find your inbox flooded with offers from eager college coaches ready to turn your collegiate football dreams into reality.

FACT: 7.8 Percent of High School Football Players will Play in College. Of the more than 1,000,000 high school football players, just 6.5% are skilled enough to play for NCAA Division 1, 2, or 3 colleges and universities.

Academics and Athletics: The Power Couple

Think of your academic prowess as the unsung hero of your athletic journey—a dynamic duo where brains meet brawn in a harmonious symphony of recruitment desirability. College football recruiting isn’t just a hunt for the next football field superstar … it’s a quest for student-athletes who embody excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Let’s get something straight: hitting the books is as crucial as hitting the gym. Why? Because an outstanding GPA is like a secret handshake that gets you into the exclusive club of top recruits.

Navigating the tightrope between academics and athletics requires finesse, a bit of juggling, and the occasional all-nighter (fueled by coffee and determination, of course). It’s about showing those college coaches you’re not just a one-trick pony. You’re the full package—a scholar with the intellectual chops to dissect both a playbook and a textbook. This scholarly pursuit isn’t just about padding your resume; it’s about proving your mettle as a disciplined, well-rounded individual who can manage the dual demands of college life and college football.

So, don the mantle of the student-athlete with pride. Flaunt your academic achievements like you would a game-winning touchdown. Because in the grand scheme of college football recruiting, a mind sharp as a tack is as valuable as a body tough as nails. It’s the power couple that could very well tip the scales in your favor, making you an irresistible prospect to those collegiate programs vying for your commitment. Remember, in the game of recruitment, brains and brawn are your MVPs.

FACT: FBS schools can grant up to 85 total scholarships and up to 25 new scholarships per year. And, recruit receives an average of 5.52 formal scholarship offers to consider. With 5-star recruits averaging: 8.62 offers from Elite programs, 8.60 offers from Other Power 5 schools, and 2.32 offers from Non-Power 5 schools for a total of 19.60 offers!

Networking: It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You

Networking in the high-octane world of college football recruiting isn’t just helpful—it’s as crucial as a quarterback’s arm or a kicker’s leg. It’s the not-so-secret sauce that can catapult you from high school hero to collegiate contender. But how do you master this art without feeling like you’re just collecting business cards at a boring corporate event? Easy.

Start by being genuinely interested in the game beyond just your position on the field. Attend football camps, not just as a participant, but as a sponge ready to soak up knowledge and connections. Engage with coaches, even if they’re not from the schools on your dream list. You never know who might have the connections that lead to unexpected opportunities. It’s a small world in the football recruiting circuit, and a good word from a coach at a small college could be your golden ticket to a bigger stage.

But don’t stop there. Your teammates and rivals on the field can also be allies in the networking game. Be the kind of player others want to talk about, not just for your skills, but for your character. Remember, a recommendation from a peer can sometimes hold as much weight as one from a coach.

Lastly, embrace the schmooze without losing your groove. Be authentic, keep your ego in check, and remember that every handshake could be the one that leads to your next big break. Networking isn’t just about making connections; it’s about making the right impressions to land yourself that desired scholarship.

Your Highlight Reel: Make Every Second Count

Picture your highlight reel as the blockbuster trailer of your high school football career. It’s your shot to say, “Hollywood’s got nothing on this.” When crafting this masterpiece, think of yourself as the director, editor, and star of the show. Your mission is to captivate college coaches with a visual feast that showcases your athletic genius.

Keep it snappy—this isn’t the director’s cut of your life story. Aim for 2-3 minutes of pure football glory. Highlight not just your peak moments but also those moments that showcase your versatility, work ethic, and team spirit. Did you transition from a jaw-dropping tackle to an awe-inspiring touchdown? That’s the stuff of legends and, more importantly, of effective, memorable highlight video.

Inject your personality into it. A dash of humor or a creative editing twist can make your reel even more memorable in a sea of standard playbacks. Remember, coaches sift through a library of these, so give them something that sticks!

Quality over quantity, always. Ensure the video is crystal clear because no one wants to play “Where’s Waldo?” with your on-field exploits. Lighting, angles, resolution—get it all in check. You want football coaches to scout your talent, not your filming mishaps. So, let’s roll the film! Make every second count, because in the competitive arena of college football recruiting, it’s your highlight reel that can earn you the starring role on a collegiate football team.

Feedback is Your Friend: Learn and Improve

Let’s face it, hearing “Here’s what you could do better” isn’t always a round of applause for your ego, but think of feedback as the secret sauce to your success recipe. It’s not about pointing out what’s wrong – it’s about highlighting the path to your greatness. Embrace the art of constructive criticism like you would a playbook—study it, understand it, and use it to outmaneuver your competition.

When a coach, mentor, or even a rival player offers advice, they’re handing you the keys to unlock your potential. So, instead of bristling at feedback, welcome it with open arms (and maybe a notepad). After all, becoming the athlete that coaches can’t ignore isn’t just about showcasing what you’re already good at—it’s about evolving into the player you’re destined to become. And remember, in the grand stadium of high school football recruits, it’s those who listen, adapt, and improve who end up in the spotlight.