College Football Recruiting: A Complete Guide for High School Athletes

Understanding the Recruiting Process

College football recruiting can feel overwhelming, but understanding the basics will help you navigate the process successfully. Whether you are aiming for Division I or considering smaller programs, the fundamental steps remain the same: become eligible, get noticed, and find the right fit.

NCAA Eligibility Requirements

Before any college can recruit you, you must be academically eligible. The NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly the NCAA Clearinghouse) certifies your academic credentials.

Core Course Requirements

For Division I, you need: - 16 core courses completed in high school - 10 of those courses completed before your senior year - A minimum GPA of 2.3 in core courses - A qualifying SAT or ACT score (sliding scale with GPA)

Division II requires: - 16 core courses - A minimum 2.2 GPA in core courses - A qualifying test score

Register at eligibilitycenter.org during your sophomore year. Send your transcripts after each school year and your test scores directly from SAT or ACT.

Division Differences Explained

Division I

D1 programs offer full athletic scholarships and compete at the highest level. These schools have the largest budgets, best facilities, and most media exposure. The time commitment is significant, often 40+ hours per week during season.

Division II

D2 schools balance athletics and academics. Partial scholarships are common, and the competition level remains high. Many D2 programs develop players who later transfer to D1 or sign with professional leagues.

Division III

D3 does not offer athletic scholarships, but financial aid packages can be generous. The emphasis is on the student-athlete experience with more reasonable time commitments. Academic quality at many D3 schools is excellent.

NAIA

NAIA schools operate independently from the NCAA and offer both full and partial scholarships. The eligibility requirements are generally less strict, and many NAIA programs compete at a high level.

Creating Your Recruiting Profile

Coaches receive hundreds of emails weekly. Your profile needs to stand out while providing essential information quickly.

Essential Components

Highlight Video: Create a 3-5 minute video showcasing your best plays. Include your jersey number, position, and physical stats at the beginning. Quality matters more than quantity.

Athletic Resume: List your stats, awards, and measurables (height, weight, 40-yard dash, bench press, squat). Include your GPA and test scores.

Academic Transcript: Coaches want to see you can handle college coursework. Keep your grades up throughout high school.

References: Include contact information for your high school coach and a teacher or counselor who can speak to your character.

Contacting Coaches

The NCAA has strict rules about when coaches can contact you, but you can reach out to them at any time.

Your Initial Email

Keep it brief and professional. Include: - Your name, position, graduation year, and high school - Your key stats and measurables - A link to your highlight video - Your contact information and your coach’s information - Why you are interested in their program specifically

Follow-Up Strategy

Do not expect immediate responses. Coaches are busy, especially during season. Follow up every 2-3 weeks with updates about your season, academics, or any new highlights.

Attend camps at schools you are interested in. This gives coaches a chance to evaluate you in person and shows genuine interest in their program.

Official and Unofficial Visits

Unofficial Visits

You can take unlimited unofficial visits at any time. You pay for everything, including travel, meals, and lodging. These visits let you see the campus, meet coaches, and get a feel for the program.

Official Visits

Division I allows five official visits, where the school pays for your travel, meals, and lodging. You cannot take official visits until the start of your senior year. Use these visits wisely for schools where you have a genuine chance of receiving an offer.

Timeline for Success

Freshman Year: Focus on academics and development. Start building your highlight reel.

Sophomore Year: Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Attend local camps and combines. Begin researching programs.

Junior Year: This is your most important recruiting year. Attend camps at target schools. Send personalized emails to coaches. Take unofficial visits.

Senior Year: Narrow your list. Take official visits. Make your commitment and sign your National Letter of Intent during the early or regular signing period.

Keys to Getting Recruited

Be realistic about your abilities. Research schools where your skill level and academic profile match. Coaches at smaller programs may offer more playing time and a better overall experience than sitting behind established players at a bigger school.

Communication matters. Respond promptly to coaches, be professional in all interactions, and keep your high school coach informed about your recruiting process. Their recommendation carries significant weight.

Finally, keep working. Your junior film is crucial, but coaches also watch your senior season. Continued improvement and strong leadership demonstrate the kind of player you will become in college.