​Hey there! If you're dreaming about playing college football, you know getting on a coach's radar is a huge deal. It's not just about showing off your skills on the field; it's also about showing you're serious, dedicated, and ready to be a part of their team. Here’s how you can talk to a college football coach and make sure they remember your name.

1. Show Them You’re Serious

Start off strong. Let the coach know you're not just looking for any team; you want to be on their team. Be bold and say something like:

"Coach, I’m really excited about the possibility of being part of your football program. Can you tell me more about what you look for in your players and the commitment you expect?"

This shows you’re not just interested, but you’re also ready to meet their expectations.

2. Ask About the Program

Show the coach you’ve done your homework. Ask about the team's values and goals and how they help their players succeed both on and off the field. Try asking:

"Can you share more about the values and goals of your football program and how you help student-athletes succeed both on and off the field?"

3. Talk About Getting Better

Show them you’re all about improvement. Let the coach know you're ready to work hard and get better every day. Say something like:

"I’m really eager to improve my skills and contribute to the team. Could you provide some insight into the training and development programs you have?"

4. Learn About Recruitment

Make sure you know how to get recruited by asking about the process. Be clear and ask:

"What is the recruitment process like for your program, and what steps should I take to be considered for your team?"

5. Ask for Feedback

Show you’re ready to learn and grow by asking for feedback. Be open and say:

"I’m always looking to grow as a player. Do you have any feedback or advice for me based on my current performance and potential?"

In the world of college football, talking to a coach the right way can make all the difference. Be bold, be informed, and show them you’re ready to work hard and get better every day. Let the coach see not just the athlete in you, but also the dedicated and eager person ready to take on challenges and be a valuable part of the team. So go ahead, take the leap, and make that conversation with a college football coach a game-winning play!

​The Kickoff: Why This Matters

Picture this: You and a Coach from your favorite school have been talking via Twitter DM, as you chat with a college football coach who's been eyeing your game. The conversation is going well; you're talking stats, game highlights, and future prospects. But as the conversation wraps up, you're left with a choice. Do you just say "thanks" and walk away, or do you seize the moment to dig deeper?

Here's the game plan: Always end these crucial conversations with a question. Why? Because asking a question is like scoring a last-minute touchdown—it leaves a lasting impression. It shows you're not just in the game but are also playing to win.  It also will extend the conversation making it more likly to build on your relationship with the Coach.   Here are some examples of what to ask:

The First Down: Questions About the Program

So, can you tell me more about your team's training regimen?"  This isn't just small talk; it's strategy. You want to know what you're signing up for. Is it a grueling seven-days-a-week commitment, or is there room for academics and a social life? 

Go Deeper:

• "How many hours a week are we talking about for practice?"
• "What's the off-season like? Is it all about strength and conditioning?"
• "How do you guys make sure athletes don't fall behind in class?"

These questions don't just show you're serious; they also give you a playbook for what life would be like on that team.

The Hail Mary: Questions About the City and College Life

Hey Coach, what's the vibe like around the college? Any cool traditions I should know about?"  You're not just joining a team; you're joining a community. Maybe there's a legendary local burger joint where the team celebrates wins, or perhaps the whole town turns out for home games.

Go Deeper:

• "What do students usually do on weekends?"
• "Is the team involved in any community service?"
• "How's the town-and-gown relationship here?"

Knowing the lay of the land can help you decide if this is a place where you'd want to spend the next few years of your life.

The Two-Minute Drill: Questions About Skill Evaluation

As the conversation winds down, you throw in a final question: "Based on what you've seen, how do you think I'd fit into your program?"  This is your two-minute drill, your chance to get the coach's real-time analysis of your skills. 

Go Deeper:

• "What skills should I focus on during the off-season?"
• "Is there a chance for freshmen to get some field time?"
• "How does your program help players reach their full potential?"

This question is your scouting report, giving you the inside track on how to up your game.

The Final Whistle: Why Questions Are Your MVP

As you shake hands and part ways, you'll know you've done more than just survive the conversation—you've thrived. You've shown you're not just another player in the lineup but someone who's engaged, curious, and ready to bring something extra to the team.
So, the next time you find yourself helmet-to-helmet with a college coach, remember: The game isn't over until you've asked a question. It's your MVP move, the one that could make all the difference when it's signing day.

 
The journey from high school football to college football is an exciting but challenging one. While talent and hard work are crucial, the recruitment process is fraught with pitfalls that can derail even the most promising careers. In this blog post, we'll explore five common mistakes that high school football players make during the recruitment process and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Being "Division 1 or Bust"

The Problem: Many high school players set their sights solely on Division 1 schools, believing that anything less would be a failure. This narrow focus can lead to missed opportunities at Division 2 or Division 3 schools, where they might have had a better chance to shine.

The Solution: Be open to exploring all options. Each division has its unique advantages, and what matters most is finding a program that fits your academic and athletic needs.

Mistake 2: Posting Inappropriate Content on Social Media

The Problem: In the age of social media, a single inappropriate post can ruin your chances of getting recruited. College coaches do check social media profiles, and poor judgment online can be a red flag.

The Solution: Always think before you post. Keep your social media profiles clean and professional, showcasing not just your athletic abilities but also your character.

Mistake 3: Ghosting a Coach Who Has Been in Contact

The Problem: Ignoring or failing to respond to a coach who has shown interest is not just rude but also a missed opportunity. Coaches talk, and word can spread about your lack of professionalism. 

The Solution: Always respond to coaches in a timely and respectful manner. Even if you're not interested in their program, a polite "no thank you" is far better than silence.

Mistake 4: Neglecting Academics

The Problem: Some players focus so much on football that they neglect their academics, not realizing that grades can be a deciding factor in recruitment. 

The Solution: Strive for academic excellence. Many schools have minimum GPA requirements, and good grades can also open doors to academic scholarships.

Mistake 5: Not Being Proactive

The Problem: Some players assume that if they're good enough, coaches will find them. While this may be true for a select few, most players need to be proactive in reaching out to schools.

The Solution: Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Create a highlight reel, reach out to coaches, attend camps, and take the initiative to get yourself noticed.

​Avoiding these common mistakes can make a significant difference in your recruitment journey. Remember, the process is not just about showcasing your athletic abilities but also about demonstrating your character, academic commitment, and professionalism. By being aware and proactive, you can navigate the recruitment process more successfully and find the college football program that's right for you.

Hey future college football stars! If you're reading this, you're probably in high school and dreaming of playing at the collegiate level. Well, you're in the right place. Today, we're going to talk about one of the most crucial steps in getting recruited: putting together a killer highlight reel of your first 3 or 4 games and sending it out to college coaches.

Why Highlights Matter

First things first, why are highlights so important? Well, think of your highlight reel as your football resume. It's a quick way for coaches to see your skills, athleticism, and football IQ. In a world where coaches are swamped with emails, messages, and film from hundreds of prospects, your highlight reel can make you stand out.

The Perfect Highlight Reel

Length  -Your highlight reel should be short and sweet. Aim for 3-5 minutes tops. Coaches don't have all day!

Content -Include 3-4 games worth of your best plays. Show a variety of skills—speed, agility, strength, and football IQ. Put your Best/Most explosive plays first! 

Quality -Make sure the video quality is good. Coaches won't squint to see a pixelated version of you making a play.

Music -Skip the music. Coaches mute these videos anyway.

Information -Include your name, position, high school, graduation year, and contact information at the beginning and end of the video.

Pin to the Top of your Twitter   - Take a video snapshot of your HUDL Highlight reel with your cell phone and then post it to Twtter/X .  Make sure to pin it to the top of your porfile.  DO NOT tag a bunch of Coaches from Different Schools.  

Sending It Out

Once you've got your highlight reel, it's time to get it in front of coaches. Here's where many players go wrong—they either don't send it out, or they send it to the wrong places. Aim for schools that match both your athletic and academic profile.  Also send it to any and  all Coaches you have been in contact with.    Twitter DM, Email or even Text (if you have their number) is the best method.   

Remember, the recruiting process is a marathon, not a sprint. But having a solid highlight reel can give you a significant head start. So get those 3-4 games worth of highlights together and start sending it out. Your future in college football starts now!
Good luck, athletes! Keep grinding! 🏈

PS Here are a few Scripts you can use if you don't know what to say! 

We all love to root for the underdog, the athlete who rises against all odds to grab a win or to receive a much-coveted college scholarship. As parents, it's natural to see our children through a lens of unfiltered potential and unconditional love. However, when it comes to college football recruiting, this is a domain that doesn’t operate based on emotion or parental perspectives. Universities are, in a brutally pragmatic sense, on the hunt for athletes who can deliver results—not just stories of potential.

The Business Perspective of College Football

The first thing to remember is that college football is a massive business. In 2019 alone, it generated nearly $4 billion in revenue across various schools. With such a high stake in the game, colleges have no room for sentimentality; they are under immense pressure to win. Scholarships, which can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars, are investments in what the colleges hope will be a successful program.

The Coach's Challenge

A football coach is not just a mentor or a strategist; they are also the face of a brand—themselves. Their job security is directly related to their team's performance. If they don't win, their livelihood is at stake, along with the reputation and revenue of the university. When it comes to recruiting, coaches are looking for the best ROI (return on investment). They are essentially building a portfolio of the biggest, fastest, strongest, and smartest players that can lead to winning seasons, packed stadiums, and, of course, more revenue.

The Brutal Nature of Recruiting

Contrary to what some might believe, college coaches aren't looking for reasons to offer a scholarship. They are, in fact, looking for reasons not to. This might seem like a harsh reality, but with a limited budget and the weight of expectations, they need to ensure they are making a wise investment. High school performance, while important, is merely a starting point in the evaluation process. Coaches consider a range of factors, including athletic ability, academic performance, mental toughness, and how well a prospective player will fit into their current team dynamics.

The Reality for High School Athletes

Excelling in high school football is commendable, but the transition to college football is a leap. The intensity, competition, and expectations are on a whole new level. A high school star could easily become a small fish in the big pond of college football. Furthermore, a scholarship isn't just an entry ticket but something that needs to be continuously earned, both on and off the field.

The Parental Paradigm Shift

Parents have a crucial role to play in their child’s journey but need to align their perceptions with this reality. Instead of seeing college coaches as gatekeepers blocking the way, view them as potential partners who also have something significant at stake. Helping your child become not just a better athlete but also a better student and a mentally strong individual will make them more recruitable.

So, the next time you envision your child's path to a college football scholarship, take off the rose-colored glasses. The road to the end zone isn't paved with good intentions but with measurable results, relentless effort, and a pragmatic understanding of what college football programs are really looking for.