Figured this was a great time to recycle this article from a few years back. New followers would like this information. This time of the year, college coaches will begin to hit the high schools hard attempting to sway 2018 prospects, secure committed recruits and get a look at underclassmen.
In a perfect world, a potential student athlete will always be well groomed, neatly dressed and well spoken. That’s not reality though. So, during the next few months, we urge athletes to “put on” their best face because they will come in contact with college coaches and should give off their best impression.
Below are a few tips that will help high school potential prospects give off a good impression to college coaches when interacting with them at their school.
1. KNOW YOUR GPA – Know your core GPA like you know your cell phone number. Core courses include English, Math, Science, Social Science, and Foreign Language. If you don’t really care about your academics, fake like you do. If a University has to worry about your eligibility throughout your college career, it will be hard to invest in you as a player. Not on the field, waste of money.
2. CHANGE THAT T-SHIRT – Unless you are a committed prospect, refrain from wearing attire to school that represents a specific or various college football programs. Not a good look to wear an Ohio State shirt when Michigan pops up and pays you a visit. Stay neutral and show no allegiance during the recruiting process.
3. BE ON TIME – If a college coach is waiting in your 4th period class that you are suppose to be in AND you are not there, you better have a pass when you walk in late. DO NOT BE TARDY TO CLASS.
4. SPEAK UP – Don’t just tell a college coach what you THINK he wants to hear. If you want to play QB and the college coach asks if you are willing to switch positions, make it known in a respectful manner., “I want to pursue the _____ position first coach.” Do not say what you won’t do, “I won’t play receiver coach,” because if you want to play, you will put your pride aside and run those routes and catch that ball!
5. HAVE A PLAN – In some form or fashion, a college coach will ask what kind of long-term goals you have. Think about your answer now and know what to say when asked. It’s ok if those plans change over time. Most plans will change. But, this gives that coach some insight of your drive and thought process.
6. TEST DATES – Know when the next one is. A college coach will ask underclassmen what their test score is, full knowing the kid hasn’t taken the test. However, your response is the key. They are checking to see if you have placed a priority on taking it. Knowing the date, at the very least, makes it look like you give “2 cents” about the test. After you recite that date, you better get signed up because coach will be expecting those scores.
7. BE UPFRONT – Sitting in the front of the classroom, well…it sounds good, but not realistic. Just don’t sit towards the back. Middle to front gives off the impression that you care about what the instructor has to say.
8. FILM – If you walk in the classroom and your high school coach and a college coach are watching your highlight film, ask “Where am I weak?” Show that you want to improve and impress possible recruiters.