[Football1]

For us southern KY fans, there is a lot of talent and star type players coming up over the next couple of years. Every schools around this area has some really good players. The coaches at each school just need to find them a little help.

I agree. There are tons of great athletes from this area who go "un recruited" or highly under recruited. I would caution any parent or player not to rely on coaches for this though. Staffs around here are thin and do not have dedicated resources who can invest the time required to be effective in this regard. Here are key areas athletes should be touching if they have a goal of playing at the next level:

1. ACT: need an 18 to play at Union. It goes up from there.
2. Online presence: Player profile with verified numbers and clean highlights. Social media (FB, Twitter, etc.) that is void of character issues.
3. DVD Highlights that can be mailed to coaches. Software to create these can be tricky unless you have HUDL. Have full game film on DVD as well.
4. Coach Communications: Athletes can call, email, or text coaches at any level any time. Many rules govern when and if a coach can contact an athlete. Teaching point is the athlete needs to be proactive and contact the places he wants to play.
5. Understand the metrics required to play at the level you would like to play for. Invest time in the recruiting process only where you will qualify to play. Example: A DT who is 5'11, Junior, runs a 5.2, benches 305 is a fit for D2 or NAIA and can get money. But not at higher levels.
6. Unofficial visits can be scheduled anytime and are a great way to get in front of coaches. Athlete funds the trip.
7. Going to camps will not get you recruited in most cases unless you are invited specifically. It can be a huge waste of time and money if you are not already on their radar.

There are professional services that can be a great help. http://www.NCSAsports.org is one of the best as college coaches trust their rating system for athletes.

High school coaches can help in the process especially if they have relationships at a school where a kid is qualified and has interest. Outside that, athletes and their families need to take the leadership role in the recruiting process.