Take control of your recruiting process. This will be one of the few times someone will tell you how good you are and how bad they want you. This doesn’t even happen as much when you get married (J/k hahaha). You have to ask questions; even the uncomfortable and difficult questions. This process is a business and is not personal. College coaches have to bring in the top players each year. But, you don’t get to choose between schools and coaches each year. Once you sign your name and step foot on campus, you have to be solid with your decision. The same way colleges are doing their homework on you…you have to do your homework on them.
When thinking about any potential college, give plenty of thought about what you want to know. This is a big time decision that will effect you the next 4-5 years of your life. I have list a few questions that I feel are very important to ask the coaches who are recruiting you.
1. What kind of relationship does the head coach have with NFL coaches? Ultimately, you want to play NFL ball. Coaches with strong NFL relationships can put in a strong word that can be the difference in a team taking a chance on you or not.
2. Has your position coach played the position? A coach that has played the position will usually understand the position and the little things that can help to make you good at that position.
3. What is the current head coach and position coach’s contract situation? It can be a difficult transition if you have to go through a coaching change.
4. How many prospects is a respective school recruiting at the same position and how many will they sign at your position? In my opinion, competition is great, but let’s be honest, the lower the number of prospects coming in, the better your chance at getting on the field and sooner.
5. How many players at your position are currently on the roster and how many saw significant playing time? Is the position coach developing and preparing players with game time experience and does the coach have a player rotation? Different coaches have different styles.
6. How many games are televised? Don’t fool yourself, you want to be seen as much as possible by friends, family and scouts on a regional and national stage.
7. Are the schools you are choosing from shopping grounds for NFL scouts? It’s true, if you can play, they will find you. But, it’s easier to get seen if scouts know where you are because certain schools are known for producing NFL prospects.
8. What academic assistance services are in place for athletes? Very important! If you are not eligible, you can not play.
9. How good is the training staff? The training staff is just as important as the coaching staff. If you get hurt, a good training staff will make it their top priority to get you back on the field.
10. How good is strength and conditioning coach and what does his resume’ look like? You will not see the football coaching staff on a daily basis, but you will see the strength and condition coach almost everyday. He will become your best friend and worst enemy all in one. He is responsible for you getting stronger, faster, more agile and in shape. Super important and a good strength and conditioning coach will “get you right’!
11. Depending on the level of football you are looking at, how is scholarship money handled and when will my family how much we will have to pay? Self explanatory.