Tag: football

Getting Noticed in College Recruiting: Why Talent Alone Isn’t Always Enough

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

Every year, I talk with athletes who have the ability to play college sports but aren’t getting the recruiting attention they hoped for. That can be frustrating.Especially when you see other athletes getting calls, visits, offers and social media attention.

But here’s something every athlete needs to understand: Being a good athlete and getting noticed by college coaches are two different things.

Some athletes have access to tremendous recruiting resources. They attend large schools with successful athletic programs, experienced coaches, private trainers, recruiting services and established relationships with college programs. Other athletes don’t have those same resources.

They may attend a smaller school, play for a program that doesn’t receive much exposure, or simply have to figure out the recruiting process on their own. That doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of playing at the next level. It may mean they need to be more proactive about getting their name in front of the right coaches.

Don’t Wait to Be Discovered

One of the biggest mistakes an athlete can make is assuming that college coaches will eventually find them.

Instead, athletes should learn how to take ownership of the recruiting process. That means learning how to communicate with coaches, ask good questions, research schools and present themselves professionally.

It also means being willing to do things other athletes aren’t doing.

It’s not a complicated strategy. But it does demonstrate something important: Effort.

Get More Recruiting Attention

That’s why I’m hosting a special live webinar:

Get More Recruiting Attention: 5 Ways to Get Noticed

Sunday, October 4 at 1:00 PM Pacific Time

Registration: Only $10

In 60 minutes, I’ll show you practical ways to separate yourself from other athletes and do things that most recruits aren’t doing.

We’ll cover:

  • How to communicate with college coaches the right way
  • How to ask the right questions to start conversations
  • How to properly self-promote without looking weak
  • How to find colleges that actually fit your academic and athletic goals
  • How to use AI and social media to help your recruiting

This webinar is especially valuable for athletes who may not have all the resources available to athletes from bigger schools or more successful programs. It’s for the athlete from a smaller school. The athlete whose team doesn’t get a lot of exposure.The athlete who believes they can play at the next level but isn’t getting noticed. And the athlete who wants to take more control of their own recruiting.

See, you don’t need to have every recruiting resource available to you. You need to know what you can do with the resources you have. And sometimes, the difference is simply being willing to do what other athletes aren’t doing.

Join Me Sunday October 4 @ 1pm Pacific

For just $10, you’ll get a 60-minute recruiting webinar focused on practical strategies you can put to work immediately.

And everyone who attends will receive a FREE recruiting profile template that can be used when contacting college coaches.

Seats are limited.

👉 Secure Your Spot for $10

Don’t just wait to be discovered.

Get noticed.

Talent matters, but access, exposure, resources, and knowing how to navigate recruiting can make a major difference.

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

Get More Recruiting Attention: 5 Ways to Get Noticed – webinar to help athletes and parents

Not every athlete has the same recruiting resources.

Some athletes attend large schools with established athletic programs, experienced recruiting staff, private trainers, recruiting coordinators, and coaches who regularly communicate with college programs.

Others play for smaller schools, smaller programs, or teams that simply don’t attract the same level of attention.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t good enough to play college sports.

It may simply mean they have to work harder to get noticed.

I’ve worked with many athletes who have the ability to play at the next level but aren’t receiving the attention they deserve. They may not have the exposure, connections, or resources that other athletes have. But, what they do have is athletic ability, a willingness to work, and a desire to continue playing.

That’s where taking control of your recruiting can make a difference.

So to help athletes in this undeserving situation, I’m hosting a webinar:

Get More Recruiting Attention: 5 Ways to Get Noticed

This webinar is designed for athletes who want to become more proactive in their recruiting and learn how to create opportunities instead of simply waiting for college coaches to find them.

The webinar will be Sunday, October 4th at 1:00 Pacific time. Cost is only $10.

We’ll discuss practical strategies athletes can use to separate themselves from the crowd, including how to:

  • How to communicate college coaches the right way
  • How to ask the right questions to start conversations
  • How to properly self promote without looking weak
  • How to find colleges that actually fit your academic and athletic goals
  • How to use AI and social media to help your recruiting 

None of these strategies require a five-star rating, a nationally recognized program, or a huge recruiting budget.

They require initiative. (And $10 bucks to reserve your spot).

The goal isn’t to convince every college coach that you’re the right athlete. It’s to help you identify the programs that might be a good fit and give those coaches a reason to notice you!

This webinar is especially for the athlete who thinks:

“I know I can play at the next level, but I’m not getting noticed.”

If that’s you, this webinar can give you some practical tools to take control of your recruiting.

And there’s a bonus: everyone who attends will receive a FREE recruiting profile template that can be used when contacting college coaches.

You don’t have to come from the biggest school or play for the most successful program to have a college opportunity.

You just have to be willing to become more proactive, more prepared, and more recruitable.

Register for the webinar and learn how to make your mark.

See you on the webinar Sunday, October 4th at 1:00 Pacific time.

https://pb-site.com/p/HhWWr7KRht9

Is Your Athlete Doing Enough to Play College Sports?

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

For most parents of high school athletes, the desire to play college sports comes with a lot of questions—and often, a lot of uncertainty. You may watch your son or daughter work hard every day and still wonder if they’re actually moving closer to the goal. They may be practicing, lifting weights, playing club sports, attending camps, and competing year-round, but how do you know whether all of that effort is producing the right results? The real question isn’t simply, “Are they working hard enough?” It’s “Are they doing the right things to become a college athlete?”

The Real Problem Parents Are Trying to Solve

When a parent asks, “Is my son or daughter doing enough to play college sports?” they are usually asking a much bigger question. They may be worried that their athlete is working hard but moving in the wrong direction. They may wonder if they’re missing something, whether the athlete is good enough, what they should be working on, whether they’re getting the right exposure, or whether they’re contacting the right schools. They may also be trying to determine what level of college athletics is realistic for their athlete and whether they are waiting too long to get serious about the recruiting process.

And underneath all of those questions is one major fear: “What if my athlete has the ability to play college sports, but we don’t know what to do to get them there?”

That uncertainty can be frustrating for both athletes and parents. It can lead to confusion, wasted time, unnecessary expenses, and missed opportunities. Parents may spend money on camps, showcases, training programs, recruiting services, and travel without knowing whether those activities are actually addressing the athlete’s biggest needs.

Sometimes, the problem isn’t a lack of effort.

It’s a lack of direction.

Effort Isn’t Enough If You Don’t Know What to Improve

Most serious athletes aren’t sitting around doing nothing. They lift weights. They attend practices. They play club sports. They attend camps and showcases. They compete throughout the year. Many of them are incredibly committed to becoming better.

But hard work without evaluation can become wasted effort.

An athlete might spend months getting stronger when their biggest limitation is speed or mobility. They might focus on exposure when their game performance still needs development. They might attend showcase after showcase without having a clear understanding of which college programs are realistic targets. They may even spend countless hours working on their recruiting profile without addressing the athletic or academic deficiencies that are limiting their options.

Working harder isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, the answer is knowing what to work on.

That’s why athlete development should begin with an honest evaluation.

Where are you now? Where do you need to be? What’s the gap between the two? And most importantly, what should you do next?

Those four questions form the foundation of the Recruitable Athlete approach.


PS. Parents and athletes- if you’re already doing the work and being intentional with the process, to become more recruitable, that’s exactly who we help! Get more details @https://pb-site.com/p/LD9mNcrkjN7

Impact of 5-in-5 NCAA Proposal on High School Athletes

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

Why the “5-in-5” NCAA Proposal Could Create More Opportunity for High School Athletes

One of the biggest positives of the proposed “5-in-5” eligibility model is that it places value back on development, readiness, and long-term fit.

As recruiting continues to evolve, student-athletes who consistently improve their skills, strength, speed, athleticism, and game IQ throughout high school will continue to separate themselves from the competition. Coaches will always look for athletes who are prepared to contribute, can adapt to college athletics, and will fit the culture of their program.

The new 5-in-5 structure also helps create a more level and predictable recruiting landscape. With clearer timelines and age limits, college programs will have greater roster clarity and fewer long-term logjams created by extended eligibility years. That stability can actually benefit high school recruits.

Another important reality that often gets overlooked is what’s happening at the Division II and Division III levels. While the transfer portal has dramatically impacted college athletics, a high percentage of athletes who enter the portal never find a new school or program fit. As a result, many step away from college athletics altogether, which ultimately creates openings on rosters for incoming high school athletes.

That means opportunities continue to emerge for recruits who stay prepared and continue developing.

The student-athletes who will benefit most from this changing landscape are the ones who stay focused on growth instead of fear. Recruiting has never simply been about hype or rankings—it has always been about finding athletes who are ready, coachable, competitive, and capable of helping a program succeed.

For recruits and their parents, the message remains the same: control what you can control. Develop your game, build strong academics, communicate professionally, and continue improving. Programs at every level are still searching for athletes who are ready for the opportunity when it comes.

Why the NCAA’s “5-in-5” Rule Can Be a Win for High School Recruits

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

With the NCAA proposing the new “5-in-5” eligibility model, much of the conversation has centered around concern—especially for younger classes like 2028. But while critics focus on what might change, there’s a powerful upside that recruits and families should not overlook. Interestingly, much of the criticism has come from perspectives that tend to focus on the negatives of today’s recruiting landscape—including concerns about travel teams, single-sport specialization, and the financial investment families make in their athletes. That, however, is a broader conversation for another time.

First, opportunity is not disappearing—it’s evolving.

The reality is that college programs will always need talent. No rule change eliminates the demand for skilled, coachable, and hardworking student-athletes. If anything, a more structured eligibility timeline creates greater clarity for coaches when building rosters, which can benefit recruits who are prepared and proactive.

Second, this model encourages intentional recruiting decisions.

Without the flexibility of redshirts and extended eligibility, college programs will prioritize athletes who are truly a fit—athletically, academically, and culturally. For recruits, this means a better chance of landing in a program where they can contribute and develop, rather than being buried on a roster due to logjams created by extra eligibility years.

Third, it places value back on development and readiness.

Athletes who focus on improving their skills, strength, and game IQ throughout high school will stand out. The new structure rewards those who are prepared to compete earlier in their college careers. That’s a positive shift for disciplined athletes who are committed to the process.

Fourth, it creates a more level and predictable recruiting landscape.

In recent years, COVID eligibility, the transfer portal, and NIL have created uncertainty and roster congestion. The “5-in-5” model helps stabilize that environment. With clearer timelines and age limits, recruits and families can plan more effectively and make smarter decisions about camps, showcases, and communication with coaches.

Finally, this is an opportunity to focus on what truly matters: finding the right college fit.

The best outcome in recruiting has never been simply “getting an offer”—it’s finding a program where an athlete can grow, compete, and succeed long-term. This rule change reinforces that mindset.

The Bottom Line

Yes, the landscape is changing. But high school athletes who are willing to put in the work, stay consistent, and approach recruiting with a plan will continue to have opportunities.

The athletes who succeed won’t be the ones worried about the rules—they’ll be the ones who adapt, prepare, and compete.

That’s always been the formula. And it’s not changing anytime soon.

How Student-Athletes Can Leverage Social Media for Recruiting Success

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

In today’s recruiting landscape, social media has become a front-facing resume for student-athletes. College coaches are no longer evaluating athletes based solely on game film and statistics—they are also evaluating who the athlete is as a person. Social media provides a window into your character, discipline, and decision-making. When used correctly, it can be a powerful tool that enhances your recruiting opportunities. When used poorly, it can quickly become a red flag.

Coaches often review social media profiles to better understand the athletes they are considering. They want to know if you are coachable, disciplined, and someone who will represent their program the right way. Your posts should reinforce what they see on film—your work ethic, leadership, consistency, and character. The goal is simple: make it easy for a coach to say yes to you.

The first step in building a strong social media presence is establishing clear guidelines. Every athlete should define what is appropriate and what is off-limits when posting. This includes language, images, and overall tone. A simple rule is to ask yourself whether you would be comfortable with your coach, parents, or a college recruiter seeing your post. Keeping your content respectful and avoiding negative or controversial topics protects your reputation. Once something is posted, it can be permanent.

Next, athletes should focus on choosing the right platforms. Not every platform needs your attention, but some are essential in recruiting. Twitter (X) is widely used by college coaches for communication and exposure, while Instagram is ideal for sharing highlights, training clips, and personal branding. Platforms like Hudl or YouTube are critical for hosting highlight film. Regardless of the platform, your profile should be public, clean, and easy for coaches to navigate.

Consistency is another key component, which is why developing a content calendar is important. Instead of posting randomly, athletes should plan their content to stay active and intentional. This can include game highlights, training clips, academic achievements, and personal development moments. A consistent posting strategy shows coaches that you are committed, organized, and focused on improvement.

Social media is not just about posting—it’s about engagement. Athletes should respond to comments and messages, and acknowledge when coaches or programs interact with their content. Following college programs and engaging appropriately helps build visibility and relationships over time. This level of interaction demonstrates maturity and communication skills, both of which are highly valued in the recruiting process.

Don’t Coast in the Off-Season: Keep Recruiting Year-Round

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

The first thing most students want to do when a season ends is relax and take a break. But if you’re an athlete with the goal of playing at the next level, coasting is not the best move. In fact, the off-season or the time between sports seasons is when serious athletes separate themselves from the pack. Instead of taking your foot off the gas, this is the time to rev up the engine and cover some serious ground. Remember, you only have a small four-year window to get seen, scouted, and recruited.

Taking time off can put you behind in both your development and your recruiting. It’s easy to fall into a funk where one day off turns into two, then four, then a week or even a month. College coaches recruit athletes year-round, so you should stay focused on your recruiting year-round as well. The off-season is the perfect time to train, improve your speed and strength, update your highlight video, attend camps, communicate with coaches, and get ahead academically.

So, how do you know if your recruiting is on the right track? Use these guidelines to evaluate your progress.

Freshmen: The recruiting process begins earlier than most athletes realize. As soon as you start high school, you should be building good habits. Focus on grades, strength training, skill development, and creating your first highlight clips. Recruiting truly starts the day you graduate eighth grade, so use your first off-season to build a strong foundation.

Sophomores: This is a pivotal year. Athletes who are on the recruiting radar should start receiving letters, emails, and camp invites. Use the off-season to attend camps, improve your testing numbers, and communicate with coaches.

Juniors: By this stage, you should be hearing from multiple coaches through emails, texts, or camp invitations. The off-season is critical for visits, exposure events, and taking the ACT or SAT. This is your most important recruiting year—make it count.

Seniors: Ideally, you should have been in contact with colleges the summer before your senior year. The goal is to be choosing between opportunities, not hoping for last-minute interest. Use the off-season to follow up with coaches, stay in peak condition, and be ready when opportunities arise.

Follow these guidelines and keep working between seasons, and you’ll put yourself in position to reach the home stretch of your recruiting journey.

One final piece of advice: If your recruiting isn’t going according to plan, get help. The earlier you address the problem, the more options you’ll have. Reach out for a free recruiting evaluation and get your process back on track.

Good luck!

Top 5 Reasons to Consider Junior College Athletics

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting
Junior college can be a smart, strategic step toward your college goals.

A few years ago, I wrote about the value of junior college (JUCO) athletics as an option for high school athletes. At that time, the recruiting landscape was already competitive—but it has changed even more in recent years. The impact of COVID-19, extra eligibility years, and especially the rise of the transfer portal have reshaped recruiting across every level of college sports.

Today, many college programs are filling roster spots with experienced transfers rather than incoming freshmen. As a result, high school athletes are facing more competition than ever before. Because of this shift, junior college is no longer just a backup plan—it can be a smart, strategic step toward reaching long-term athletic and academic goals.

Here are five strong reasons to consider the JUCO route.

1. Cost-Effective College Option

One of the most practical reasons to attend a junior college is affordability. In many cases, tuition at a JUCO is significantly lower than at four-year public or private universities. It is common for junior college tuition to cost only a fraction of what a traditional four-year school charges.

For families concerned about student loan debt, JUCO can provide two years of college credits at a much lower price. When combined with athletic or academic aid, it often becomes one of the most affordable paths to a college degree.

2. Opportunity for Immediate Playing Time

For many athletes, the chance to compete right away is a major factor. At four-year colleges, especially at the Division I level, freshmen often spend their first year or two developing behind older, more experienced players.

At the junior college level, athletes frequently have the opportunity to step into meaningful roles early in their careers. Real game experience is invaluable, and it helps athletes develop the skills, confidence, and maturity needed to compete at higher levels.

Many successful college and professional athletes started at junior colleges, including Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, and Warren Moon.

3. A Second Chance in Recruiting

The recruiting process doesn’t always go as planned. Some athletes are overlooked, some develop later, and others simply need more exposure. Junior college gives athletes another opportunity to be recruited.

A strong JUCO season can attract attention from four-year college coaches who are looking for experienced, game-ready players. In today’s transfer-focused environment, coaches often value athletes who have already competed at the college level.

4. Time to Mature Academically and Physically

Not every athlete is ready—academically, emotionally, or physically—to step into a four-year college program right out of high school.

Junior college can provide:

  • Time to improve grades or test scores
  • A smaller campus environment
  • Additional physical development
  • A smoother transition to college life

Many athletes grow stronger, faster, and more confident during their JUCO years. Late bloomers especially benefit from the extra time to develop before moving on to a four-year program.

5. Athletic Scholarships and Competitive Programs

Junior colleges offer a wide range of competitive athletic programs. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) oversees hundreds of schools across multiple regions and divisions.

Many JUCO programs offer athletic scholarships, especially at the Division I and Division II levels. When those scholarships are combined with lower tuition costs, junior college becomes a very attractive financial and athletic option.

With hundreds of programs nationwide across multiple sports, there are more opportunities than many families realize.

Final Thoughts

Junior college is no longer viewed as a last-resort option. In today’s recruiting climate, it can be a smart and strategic pathway for athletes who want to continue developing, competing, and pursuing their college goals.

For the right athlete, JUCO offers:

  • Lower costs
  • Immediate playing opportunities
  • A second recruiting window
  • Time to mature and develop
  • Scholarship opportunities

Sometimes the best path to a four-year program—or even a professional career—starts with two strong years at the junior college level.

Committing to a College: What to Do If a Coach Leaves Before You Sign

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

The college recruiting process can feel stressful and overwhelming, but when an athlete finally commits to a school, it’s often a huge relief and a moment worth celebrating. Unfortunately, that excitement can quickly turn into uncertainty if the coach who recruited you leaves the program before you officially sign.

This situation is more common than many families realize. Coaching changes happen every year across all levels of college athletics, and a verbal commitment does not always guarantee what comes next. If you find yourself in this position, don’t panic—there are clear steps you can take to protect your future and continue pursuing your college goals.

Understand What a Verbal Commitment Really Means

First, it’s important to understand that a verbal commitment is not binding for either the athlete or the school. While it reflects mutual interest and intent, it does not legally secure a roster spot or athletic aid. Until paperwork is signed, the recruiting process is technically still open.

This is why coaching changes before signing day can create uncertainty. A new staff may reassess the roster, recruiting board, or scholarship allocations.

Step 1: Contact the Recruiting Coach or Athletic Department

If the coach who recruited you is leaving or has already left, reach out as soon as possible. If they are still available, ask directly whether your spot and offer remain secure. In some cases, outgoing coaches will advocate for committed recruits during the transition.

If the coach is already gone, contact the athletic department or recruiting coordinator to ask about next steps. Clear, professional communication is key.

Step 2: Introduce Yourself to the New Coaching Staff

Don’t wait for the new staff to contact you. Be proactive.

Send an introductory email to the new head coach or position coach that:

  • Reintroduces who you are
  • Confirms your verbal commitment
  • Highlights your recent athletic and academic progress
  • Expresses continued interest in the program

This gives the new staff context and shows maturity, initiative, and professionalism—traits coaches value.

Step 3: Keep Your Options Open

Until something is signed, it’s wise to continue communicating with other programs that have shown interest. This is not being disloyal; it’s being realistic. Let those coaches know about the coaching change and where you stand.

Having options protects you if the new staff decides to go in a different direction.

Athletic Grant-in-Aid Agreements: What You Need to Know

What many people still call the National Letter of Intent (NLI) has evolved. Today, athletes sign Athletic Grant-in-Aid agreements, which outline the financial aid being provided by the institution for athletic participation.

Once signed:

  • The agreement is binding for the academic year stated
  • The athlete agrees to attend that institution
  • Other schools must stop recruiting the athlete

While this is an exciting milestone, it’s also a serious commitment. Breaking a signed agreement can lead to penalties, including transfer restrictions or loss of eligibility, depending on the situation.

Because of this, athletes should only sign once they are confident in:

  • The coaching staff
  • Their role on the team
  • The academic and athletic fit

Final Thoughts

A coaching change before signing can feel unsettling, but it doesn’t have to derail your recruiting journey. Stay proactive, communicate clearly, and lean on trusted advisors—parents, high school coaches, and recruiting professionals—to help guide your decisions.

Remember: your commitment should be to the right fit for you, not just to a coach. By understanding the process and taking the right steps, you can navigate this challenge with confidence and position yourself for long-term success.

Connecting with College Coaches: Five Tips Every Student-Athlete Should Follow

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

Connecting with college coaches is one of the most important steps in the recruiting process—and one of the most misunderstood. Many student-athletes assume coaches will simply “find” them. In reality, recruiting is a proactive process that rewards preparation, communication, and persistence.

To increase your chances of building meaningful connections with college coaches, focus on the following five proven strategies.

1. Research Potential Schools

Before reaching out to any coach, take the time to research schools that align with both your athletic and academic goals. Look beyond the name on the jersey. Consider the level of competition, the coaching staff and their recruiting history, training facilities, and the quality of academic programs that support your long-term career plans. Targeting the right schools from the start leads to stronger conversations and better recruiting outcomes.

2. Reach Out to Coaches

Don’t wait for a coach to contact you—initiate the conversation. Email, social media, text messages, and phone calls are all tools athletes can use to express interest. Effective communication should highlight not only your athletic ability but also your desire to earn a college education and contribute to the program. Personalized, respectful outreach shows maturity and genuine interest, which coaches value.

3. Link Your Recruit Profile

Your recruiting profile acts as your sports resume. A PrepStar recruit profile provides college coaches with a clear snapshot of who you are as an athlete and student, including statistics, academic information, achievements, and personal details. Always include your profile link when contacting coaches. You can find your link by clicking the Settings button on the Scoreboard homepage, making it easy to share with every coach you contact.

4. Stay Active on Social Media

Social media matters in recruiting. College coaches regularly review a recruit’s online presence to learn more about their character, habits, and behavior. Stay active, positive, and professional. Share training updates, game highlights, and academic achievements while avoiding posts that could raise red flags. Think of social media as an extension of your recruiting profile.

5. Be Persistent and Patient

Recruiting is rarely an overnight process. Coaches manage hundreds of prospects and tight recruiting calendars, so responses may not come immediately. Stay patient, follow up appropriately, and continue developing your skills both on and off the field. Consistent effort, strong communication, and steady improvement often separate recruited athletes from those who get overlooked.

Final Thoughts

Connecting with college coaches requires a plan, consistent action, and the right tools. By researching schools, reaching out confidently, sharing your PrepStar recruit profile, managing your social media presence, and staying persistent, you put yourself in control of your recruiting journey.

Preparation creates opportunity—and opportunity leads to results.