The recruiting methodology of college coaches is comprised of a timeline of interest. Coaches initially gather a long list of recruits, start to send out communications to those recruits, evaluate the skill level of the athletes in a particular sport, their academic performance, and characteristics possessed in the classroom and playing the sport, extend offers, then at the end of the process, sign athletes. I think it is important to know that the more communication you have with the college coaches, the better for the recruit.
1. Finding the Right Fit
College coaches are strategic about forming their initial long list of recruits. Simple criteria include height, weight, position, graduation year, athletic ability, academics, character, and location. Usually, coaches will then conduct research on recruiting websites to broadcast interest. Depending on the size of the school, coaches can be looking at hundreds and even thousands of athletes to recruit. Recruits, make sure you indicate the correct, up-to-date email address and one that you will actually access throughout this process.
2. Sending Out Communications
Once college coaches have made their initial list, they will begin sending out communications to their recruit list. These communications could include recruiting letters, pamphlets on the schools and sports programs, questionnaires, and camp and showcase invitations. If a college coach reaches out to you and you are interested in the school or opportunity, make sure you follow up with them; via email, call, or completing questionnaires. A lack of response could mean a lack of interest to college coaches. Even if the coach does not reply back to you–you continue to respond to the communications. Recruits, be sure to frequently check your email inboxes to stay up to date on any communication that may come your way.
3. Evaluations
As the recruiting list is narrowing down, college coaches will begin their thorough evaluations. This will give the coaches a chance to really get to know the recruits and their abilities athletically and academically. Coaches may reach out to your current coaches, travel to see you perform, and you could even be invited to showcase your abilities at a camp. Coaches may extend official and/or unofficial visits to recruits around this time. Recruits, this is not a one-sided step in the process. If you have any highlight video footage, achievements in classes, or questions for the coaches, be sure to send them. You want the coaches to see that you are interested as well.
4. Extending Offers
At this time, coaches have now evaluated recruits, narrowed down their list even further, and are looking to extend offers and commit recruits. Keep in mind that there are different types of offers given out by coaches. Verbal offers are non-binding, meaning they can be rescinded at any point in time. Offers are made official once they are a binding agreement, on paper, possibly with an indicated scholarship. Scholarships can be full or partial and offers in most cases have time limits on them. Recruits, this is now the time for you and your families to go over what has been offered to you and prepare to make that tough decision.
5. Signing
Between committing and signing, coaches will still be evaluating how you perform in your sport and in school, making sure you remain eligible for the opportunity. After the coach has given you an official offer, it is now in the recruit’s hands. To sign or not to sign. Recruits, once you make your decision and sign your letter of intent, continue to stay on track academically so you will be able to move forward to the next stage, college athletics. You do not want to drop the ball and slack off in school after signing. Continue to show the coach and college that you are serious about the chance you have been given.
