The college football recruiting process can vary in duration and intensity, but generally, it starts early in a student-athlete’s high school career. Key milestones include identifying potential colleges of interest, attending camps and showcases, making official visits, and ultimately committing to a school. Understanding the NCAA recruiting calendar is crucial, as it outlines when coaches can contact recruits, make scholarship offers, and host official visits

Before diving into the recruiting process, it’s essential to assess your child’s abilities as a football player objectively. This involves identifying their strengths and weaknesses, understanding their potential position(s) on the field, and soliciting feedback from high school coaches and mentors. Evaluating your child’s abilities early on can help guide your recruiting strategy and target the right programs.

While athletic prowess is essential, academic performance plays a significant role in the recruiting process. NCAA eligibility requirements mandate a minimum GPA and completion of core academic courses. Encourage your child to prioritize their studies, maintain good grades, and prepare for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. A strong academic profile can open doors to more opportunities and scholarships.

A well-crafted recruiting profile serves as your child’s digital resume for college coaches. Include detailed information such as height, weight, position, statistics, academic achievements, and highlight videos showcasing their on-field abilities. Utilize recruiting platforms and websites to create and share your child’s profile, making it easily accessible to college coaches nationwide.

Initiating contact with college coaches is a proactive step in the recruiting process. Craft personalized emails introducing your child, highlighting their accomplishments, and expressing interest in the program. Remember to follow up and maintain open lines of communication, but also be prepared for rejection and keep an open mind about other opportunities.

Football camps and combines provide valuable opportunities for recruits to showcase their skills in front of college coaches. Research and select events that align with your child’s goals and target schools. Encourage active participation, engagement with coaches, and a positive attitude throughout these events to leave a lasting impression.

Official visits offer recruits an opportunity to experience campus life firsthand and meet with coaches and players. Plan and schedule visits to colleges of interest, considering factors such as program competitiveness, academic offerings, and campus culture. Use these visits to ask questions, evaluate facilities, and envision your child’s future at each institution.

As scholarship offers roll in, carefully evaluate each opportunity based on factors such as athletic fit, academic offerings, location, and financial aid packages. Consider the long-term implications of each decision and prioritize finding the right balance between athletic and academic pursuits. Once a decision is made, navigate the National Letter of Intent signing process with clarity and confidence.