Hey everyone! I'm a junior in high school playing for my school's football team, and I'm hoping to earn a scholarship to play in college. What should I focus on to get noticed by college coaches? Are there specific events or combines that I should attend to increase my visibility? Also, how do academics come into play when trying to secure a football scholarship? Thanks in advance for any guidance!
Hi there! It's exciting that you're interested in pursuing a scholarship as a football player. Coaches and recruiters will be looking at both your athletic abilities and academic performance when they're considering offering you a scholarship.
On the athletic side, it's important to constantly work on improving your game. This can mean attending football camps and combines where college coaches frequent - these provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and network with potential recruiters. It's often beneficial to attend events that are specific to your position as it gives you the chance to showcase your specialist skills.
Equally as important is to create a highlights reel of your best game moments. You can upload this to recruiting platforms and send it to coaches, as many colleges scour these platforms to find potential recruits. Be sure to include your academic information, athletic stats, and contact info when sending out your highlights reel to colleges.
On the academic side, you should know that NCAA eligibility rules require student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA in core courses which varies based on your division level, and an SAT or ACT score that matches their GPA on the NCAA sliding scale. Make sure you're keeping up with your coursework and maintaining a good GPA, and consider doing test prep if you haven't taken the SAT or ACT yet.
Remember to apply to a wide range of schools that align well with both your athletic and academic goals. It's not just about getting a football scholarship, but also finding a school where you can thrive for four years on and off the field.
The recruitment process can be long and complex, sometimes it's beneficial to seek help from your high school counselor or a mentor, who can provide you with guidance throughout. Keep in mind that even if you don't get a scholarship, there can still be opportunities to walk on to a team.
Best of luck on your football and academic journey!
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