[sportscritic]

I have a kid that is a freshman. I think he is a Good player. How do I get him to college. Do I send film in, go to combines, or just pick some camps?

Really curious, you dont have to post, just let me know.

[Strikeout King]

you could probably do both but most (that I know of) just send video highlights in

[toussaints]

How much varsity did he play this season?

Since he's only a freshman, there's not a whole lot you can do now, mainly because it's early. Camps and combines can help teach him a few new things to improve his game and give him an advantage come football season.

[Grid Iron Warrior]

Have highlight film available but the best exposure is to get to the camps at the schools he would like to go. I have put 22 into school and have learned the more exposure to the actual coaching staffs he can get the better.

Not to sound bad either but he is gonna have to stand out and produce at the camp. They have to see the potential, not just an average player.
Just make sure he goes hard, which I am sure he will.

Good Luck!:rockon:

[RunItUpTheGut]

The most important thing IMO is your high school coach.
Trust me when i say your high school coach plays a major role in helping your son get to college.
Ask him to help with highlight films and contacting college coaches.

Just remember a very small percentage of high school players go to college and an even smaller percentage of high school players go to Division 1 colleges.
Dont get discouraged, especially since your son is a freshman. Let him develop during his sophomore year and make sure he hits the weight room hard if he really wants a scholarship and to do more than just practice. This is another place where your high school coaches come in handy big time if there good coaches. Most coached will work with kids on there speed and agility not to mention strength if there willing to do it, however some are not.
His junior year will be the year you really want to get his name out, this year id just relax and watch him grow.

[toussaints]

Another thing is make sure his grades are more than satisfactory. He has to be academically eligible to play, but college coaches like it when their players can take care of their own business off the field. Also, make sure it's what your kid wants.

[Real Badman]

All of the above are important. Most importantly I'd have to put emphasis on grades. If you have a 17 ACT, dont expect to walk on to the Stanford football team.

[toussaints]

All of the above are important. Most importantly I'd have to put emphasis on grades. If you have a 17 ACT, dont expect to walk on to the Stanford football team.

17 on the ACT, don't expect to walk on Stanford's campus

[LClion4life]

I had an assistant coach this last year that played Division 1 football at Arizona State and has worked with recruiting nearly all of his adult life and he said that colleges would much rather have films of all the games in their entirety than a highlight film. He says anyone can make a highlight film. College coaches would rather see what type of consistency you play with throughout the game.

[IAM22]

Any high school player that wants to play college football can, period.There is not one D3 or NAIA school that will not let a player on their team.

Now, how many get scholarships is limited and full rides are even more rare.

[Stardust]

All of the above are fantastic, but don't forget your son. In all that you can do, don't make this about you, but make it about him. Trust me when I say this, a High School Freshman's wants and goals CHANGE. You can expose him to all of the above and you will put out a lot of money and time, but three years from today, it's ultimately what he wants to do. I've seen it a lot. Similar to GIW above, I have been a part of helping players get to college to play sports (Baseball primarily, but Football and Soccer as well). For every player that I have been involved with over the years, almost all of them want to play at the college level in their Freshman year. We are talking about very good athletes. Come their Sr. year, it changes and it changes a lot. I'm willing to say that maybe 2-5% of all Freshman athletes go on to play the college sport of their choice.

You have a few High School coaches on here that have posted above and I am positive that they have their own stories as well. I could go on and on, but I truly believe what has been said by those above truly hits the important pieces, but be prepared that you can do all of that and when it is all said and done, things change. Take this time to enjoy the experience with your son. Spend the money, but don't make it all about an end goal. Think of it more as an expense and effort that allows you and your son to spend more time together and share those experiences. In three years, if he still has the desire, then all of those things you have done will likely pay off for you.

Good luck and keep us updated.

[dogface34]

all i can tell you is what i did there is a way go to the ncsa web site it costs money but they will help you and the one thing i have learned is a coach can not get you a scholarship

[EKUAlum05]

Camping at universities and speed training. I hate to say it, but legit 40 times are more important than actual HS Stats in recruiting. If he is trying to play a skill position and runs anything worse than a 4.6 then it is going to be a tough sell.

The other thing is making sure he plays at a school that gives him the best level of competition as possible. If he is playing at a 1A school playing only weak 1A schools and he puts up huge numbers, it will probably not be evaluated as highly as a guy playing bigger schools and putting up less stellar numbers.

[Real Badman]

Any high school player that wants to play college football can, period.There is not one D3 or NAIA school that will not let a player on their team.

Now, how many get scholarships is limited and full rides are even more rare.

This is untrue. I've seen Campbellsville, Cumberland, Centre, Thomas Moore, Kentucky State, Pikeville, Georgetown, and KWC turn down many many athletes. The percentage of a high school senior going on to play college athletics is >5%

[nky]

As a freshman right now don't worry about getting a college scholarship. Right now it's about:
1. Grades- get them up(A/B range), keep them up though out the next three years, get behind now and their will be limited chances later.
2. Bust your hump in the weight room, this not only includes lifting the weights and getting stronger but also stretching the muscles and becoming more flexible, also work speed/cardio
3. Go to camps in the summer- if you do the number 2 stuff you will get attention. While at the camps bust your hump, pay attention not only to the coaches but those around you (you can learn a lot by seeing what the coaches gravitate toward), check YOUR attitude at home when you go to these camps, it's like a job interview.
4. Start sending film after your Junior season- not the highlight crap, full unedited games
5. above all else have fun and love doing it.

Anyone can play at the next level with hard work and dedication. Most schools will bring in "walk ons" a few weeks after they have started in the summer. The proverbial fresh meat. If you really want to play college and no one offers anything. Go to a school that you may want to play at, become a student, then contact the coach about walking on once schools start.

It's not easy. There is more to it than the on the field stuff.

[toussaints]

It's not easy. There is more to it than the on the field stuff.

The on field stuff like games, practices, drills, and even conditioning are all the fun stuff.

[Bluegrasscard]

1. Video - varsity only. No freshman or JV
2. Grades - covered well above.
3. Keep online profile clean - i.e. keep Facebook comment civil and drop friends who use profanity or are nasty online.
4. NCSA or a personalized website (get a URL with webpage for $5 a month or so at Godaddy).
5. Combines between freshman and sophomore years. Combination of combines and 1 day camps between sophomore and junior years. 1 day camps summer between junior and senior year.

See if you school is going to web-based film exchange. Ours is using hudl.com. With this tool individual players can create their own highlight video using game film pretty easy.

[pirate fanatic]

17 on the ACT, don't expect to walk on Stanford's campus

EXACTLY!!! My son is an average player maybe a little more. But he has a GPA of 3.95 and an ACT score of 30. Since his ACT score came out we have had no less than 10 coaches call the house to speak with him and invite him to their school and many others have sent him literature requesting him to consider theml. They were either NAIA or DIV 3 but they are colleges and they are calling

[Stardust]

Great post. It's the single most point that we stress to our athletes.

[IAM22]

This is untrue. I've seen Campbellsville, Cumberland, Centre, Thomas Moore, Kentucky State, Pikeville, Georgetown, and KWC turn down many many athletes. The percentage of a high school senior going on to play college athletics is >5%

I do not believe you for one second! I am much more connected than anyone on here knows. Any player that is going to pay their own way will be allowed to join the team, period. If you are accepted you can play, even if you have never played before!!!! KState and KWC are different because they are D2 and have roster size limits but D3 and NAIA have no limits on roster size.

Just look at the roster size of the school you mentioned...

Yes there is not a high percentage of seniors who do not play in college but it has to do a lot more with costs, because the small D3 schools and NAIA are private. Then also some kids are ready to move on...

[redstorm]

As a freshman right now don't worry about getting a college scholarship. Right now it's about:
1. Grades- get them up(A/B range), keep them up though out the next three years, get behind now and their will be limited chances later.
2. Bust your hump in the weight room, this not only includes lifting the weights and getting stronger but also stretching the muscles and becoming more flexible, also work speed/cardio
3. Go to camps in the summer- if you do the number 2 stuff you will get attention. While at the camps bust your hump, pay attention not only to the coaches but those around you (you can learn a lot by seeing what the coaches gravitate toward), check YOUR attitude at home when you go to these camps, it's like a job interview.
4. Start sending film after your Junior season- not the highlight crap, full unedited games
5. above all else have fun and love doing it.

Anyone can play at the next level with hard work and dedication. Most schools will bring in "walk ons" a few weeks after they have started in the summer. The proverbial fresh meat. If you really want to play college and no one offers anything. Go to a school that you may want to play at, become a student, then contact the coach about walking on once schools start.

It's not easy. There is more to it than the on the field stuff.

Amen.. You are 100% right.. If you will follow these steps, your son will have the chance to play at the next level..

[Real Badman]

EXACTLY!!! My son is an average player maybe a little more. But he has a GPA of 3.95 and an ACT score of 30. Since his ACT score came out we have had no less than 10 coaches call the house to speak with him and invite him to their school and many others have sent him literature requesting him to consider theml. They were either NAIA or DIV 3 but they are colleges and they are calling

That's great to hear your son takes care of his business. College coaches really like hearing about high ACT scores, that'll also bring in more money for KEYS and whatnot. I'd suggest taking a D3 school over a NAIA school, more so because of his grades and statistically, D3 schools are more prestigious in terms of academics (unless Medical School is in his future, then I would recommend Pikeville, as they select more undergrad students then those who didn't attend Pikeville).

I do not believe you for one second! I am much more connected than anyone on here knows. Any player that is going to pay their own way will be allowed to join the team, period. If you are accepted you can play, even if you have never played before!!!! KState and KWC are different because they are D2 and have roster size limits but D3 and NAIA have no limits on roster size.

Just look at the roster size of the school you mentioned...

Yes there is not a high percentage of seniors who do not play in college but it has to do a lot more with costs, because the small D3 schools and NAIA are private. Then also some kids are ready to move on...

True...However kids are turned down daily from playing football on those levels, for one reason or another. Which is what I stated and that is a fact.

[Panther Thunder]

4. Start sending film after your Junior season- not the highlight crap, full unedited games

Bingo. Highlights are fun for personal enjoyment or for fans. College Coaches want game film. That was one of the very first things I learned about the process.

[Belfry0304]

Here's a start, if you want your son to play college ball, D1 or D3, first step is for you to believe he can do it. Work with that goal in mind, and he'll make it! Let us know his name in a few years so we can all keep track of how he does. Good luck!

[IAM22]

That's great to hear your son takes care of his business. College coaches really like hearing about high ACT scores, that'll also bring in more money for KEYS and whatnot. I'd suggest taking a D3 school over a NAIA school, more so because of his grades and statistically, D3 schools are more prestigious in terms of academics (unless Medical School is in his future, then I would recommend Pikeville, as they select more undergrad students then those who didn't attend Pikeville).



True...However kids are turned down daily from playing football on those levels, for one reason or another. Which is what I stated and that is a fact.

Well, I asked everyone on our staff today if they have ever denied a kid from playing on our team. They all said NO! If they get in they can play.

[Football1]

We just went through the recruiting process. For two years I have sent film, highlights, emails, gone to camps, unofficial visits, and official visits. Without a doubt the best move we made his junior year was to sign up for NCSA. The site is http://www.ncsasports.org and it made all the difference for us. Its not magic wand. But it gives you the information and based on the athletes rating by their staff (ex-college coaches) you get access to contact the colleges you qualify for based on your academics and athletic ability and they get access to contact you as well. Colleges get boat loads of film mailed to them. Many told me it is impossible to look at all them. The process is going online for most colleges and NCSA gives you a way to orchestrate your communication and track the whole process. They teach classes and have college coaches get on calls and tell you what they are looking for and how their process works.

This is doubly important if you go to a school where you don't have a pipeline of athletes going to play college ball every year. One coach at Coastal Carolina told us something very revealing about the process for D1AA football "I know the first names of 25 head coaches that help us get their best athletes; 15 of those guys played for me". The relationship side of recruiting is bigger than you think. The only way to be the guy they recruit over the relationship with another high school is to be very good and then make sure they know who you are. NCSA did that for us. Codi ended up with offers from several schools that I had never heard of before we signed up.

One word about camps - don't waste your time at a schools camp unless you have a personal invite from a lead coach to attend. Unless you can run a 4.4 you will not raise an eyebrow. They have a list of kids they are looking at there. If you aren't on that list when you get there; you will not be when you leave. They will be happy to take your 200 bucks for the T-shirt though.

[HawksRule]

The most important thing IMO is your high school coach.
Trust me when i say your high school coach plays a major role in helping your son get to college.
Ask him to help with highlight films and contacting college coaches.

Mine didn't go that way. I got myself recruited, I filled out player applications for anywhere I could find. Until I finally got a call and then I had to go to my coach and ask for game film. Made my own highlight film and sent it out on my own. I just never went after I was offered to play.

[RunItUpTheGut]

Mine didn't go that way. I got myself recruited, I filled out player applications for anywhere I could find. Until I finally got a call and then I had to go to my coach and ask for game film. Made my own highlight film and sent it out on my own. I just never went after I was offered to play.

The point i was trying to make though was just like in your cae, if you would have had a high school coach that really cared and worked hard, he could of made some phone calls to help you even further.
Doing all the work yourself is bull and any coach that doesnt help his players who are realistically capable of playing college football get some notices isnt doing his job.

[Real Badman]

Well, I asked everyone on our staff today if they have ever denied a kid from playing on our team. They all said NO! If they get in they can play.

What Staff are you involved with?

[papagrit]

Once, I discussed this question with a coach at EKU. As far as film, he told me, "Put a highlight film together that is short, five minutes or so during the junior year. Then put in a game film after that. That gets a coach interested in a kid, seeing all the good shots etc... and the game film from a good game will be the substance." Another EKU coach told me once that the first thing that any college coach asks in almost every instance, which I've found absolutely true is what is his GPA and his test scores. A great GPA will show how much a kid wants to succeed in life as well as make them an easier sell when it comes to scholarship time because a lot of kids get academic scholarships which means the football team can place their money on other kids and attain a "cheap" scholarship kid through your kid's academics. They aren't taking as much of a chance on a scholarly kid because the investment isn't as high and the kids grades show he wants to succeed. Something else, if a kid has an excellent PSAT score when they take it their junior year and they play football, they will hear from the Ivy League teams and the "smart" schools. Lastly, when I asked yet another coach at a camp one time about paying to have his name put out there by a group (such as NCSA), I was told that If the kid is good, they would find him without this help. If you aren't hearing anything by the beginning of the junior season from anyone, then you should consider it if your kid really wants to play college ball. The fees from NCSA to begin with when my son came through were approximately $600 dollars to begin the process and may go up depending on how much exposure you want for your boy. That is what they told me on the phone. We didn't try this route because we were hearing from some college coaches....especially the Ivies and smart schools.
As of right now, we have a few offers on the table, including a I-AA team and several good looks that are still in the process. Guess what, the GPA and ACT score are probably my son's best attributes besides being a solid player. The best part of having good grades and getting the academic scholarships are you can play scholarship football if you want or just walk onto a team at the school you decide to attend. If you like playing and show up as a player, the college coach will probably find your kid some help with scholarships after a year or so of playing.
It is a learning process that we are still learning as of right now.
Good luck!