NCAA COLLEGE FOOTBALL RECRUITING
Football is the most popular college sport in terms of number of athletes and scholarships offered. In order to find a scholarship and be proactive in the college football recruiting process you will need both highlight film and full game tape. Football coaches will also want you to provide them certain measurables such as 40 times, broad jump distances, and 5-10-5 shuttle times. They will want these times verified by a coach or combine. You are going to want to figure out your short list of schools and attend those schools’ football camps. Coaches want to see your athletic ability in person. It is important that you give college coaches your high school coaches’ contact information because many times they will contact your high school coach before reaching out to you. College football recruiting is a marketing exercise and you are the product.
Quarterback
It is important for a quarterback, more than any other position, to find a system that fits your skills. Quarterbacks are the leaders of a football team, and a coach is more likely to offer a scholarship to a quarterback. Are you a big, strong pocket-passer with a good arm? You should research colleges that run a pro-style offense. If you are a quarterback that likes to run and you have more speed and athleticism, you should start your college search by looking for teams that run a spread offense. Coaches tend to recruit several quarterbacks because it takes so much time to develop players and determine who the right fit to lead the team is. This is where the term “quarterback controversy” comes from.
Running back
Coaches consider speed and size above all else when looking at running back recruits. Those that possess both size and speed are able to come in and contribute right away. Smaller, faster running backs should consider teams that run a spread offense. Pro-style offenses look for bigger running backs and those with a better balance of speed and power. Coaches are likely to recruit multiple running backs because their speed and athleticism allows them to move to other positions such as linebacker or defensive back.
Receiver
Size and speed are crucial for a receiver to be recruited. The two main types of receiver coaches recruit are big play and possession receivers. Big-play receivers spread the field and are larger and more athletic. Possession receivers are good at getting open on shorter routes and picking up first downs. Big, fast receivers are highly sought after, and can come into a program and make an immediate impact. Smaller receivers can find recruiting opportunities by presenting themselves as slot and possession receivers.
Tackle
Tackles are the big guys on offense. Coaches look to recruit athletes with large frames that can be built on even more. Coaches are willing to work and help you develop because you will be responsible for protecting a quarterback’s blind spots from the pass rush and for containing and sealing off defenders when run blocking.
Guard and Centers
Guards and centers are usually smaller and more athletic than tackles. You will usually need to be faster than tackles because you have to “pull” to the outside when run blocking. Coaches will recruit you for potential size and strength to build on and develop, similar to tackles.
Tight Ends
Tight ends are usually the most versatile athlete on the field. They are responsible for both blocking and receiving. Tight ends have the size of a smaller offensive lineman, and the speed of a bigger receiver. Coaches will expect you to out run linebackers and overpower defensive backs, all while being an extra blocker during run plays. Tight ends are heavily recruited because of their versatility is hard to find. Scholarships go to tight ends that can encompass all of these aspects into their game.
Defensive tackle
These are the big guys on the defensive front. It may take you while to develop the size and speed necessary to compete at the collegiate level. You will need to have a body that can hold a lot of weight, or you may be moved to another position.
Defensive end
Defensive ends are both strong and fast. You will need to overpower bigger offensive tackles, and still have the speed to chase down opposing running backs and quarterbacks. The best defensive ends can beat you with both size and speed. Coaches recruit athletes that are able to create separation with their size and speed to get around the corner and put pressure on the quarterback. Defensive ends are among the most athletic football players out there.
Linebacker
Linebacker is another position where you must possess extreme athleticism. You must be fast enough to cover receivers, running backs and tight ends, and also strong enough to shed blockers. You have to be aggressive and enjoy contact to compete as a linebacker. Coaches like to develop linebackers and will recruit you based on potential and ability to grow into the athlete they need.
Defensive back
Coaches recruit athleticism over experience when looking for a defensive back. If you are fast and athletic coaches may be interested in recruiting you and moving you to defensive back. Your primary responsibility as a defensive back is to cover receivers on pass plays, but the best corners and safeties provide good support against the run game.
Kicker/Punter
Colleges are likely to offer scholarships to good kickers and punters. If you have a powerful and precise leg, coaches will recruit you.
