“Decision making is easy when your values are clear.” – Roy Disney
As I guide my seniors through the end game of their college recruiting journeys, I thought it was important to have a conversation about what I call the “Dirty Dozen” of college recruiting red flags. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of being wanted, but being wanted alone rarely translates to a happy and healthy college career. Below are the 12 key red flags for parents and athletes to be aware of during the college recruiting process before they decide to travel on a visit or commit to a college:
1. Overpromising Without Commitment
- A coach guarantees a scholarship or playing time before an official offer is extended.
- Promises of a future offer without clear timelines or conditions.
2. Lack of Genuine Interest
- Minimal communication or generic responses from the coaching staff.
- Coaches don’t take the time to ask questions about the athlete’s goals, personality, or academics.
3. Pressure to Commit Quickly
- Coaches push for an immediate verbal commitment or give an unreasonably short time to decide.
- Programs that use fear tactics, like saying the spot will be gone tomorrow, might not have the athlete’s best interests at heart.
4. No Academic Discussion
- A coach shows no interest in discussing academic programs or how the athlete can balance school and sports.
- A school’s lack of academic support resources for student-athletes.
5. Unclear Scholarship Details
- Vague information about scholarship amounts, duration, or renewal policies.
- Scholarships contingent on performance alone without clear support for injuries or other circumstances.
6. Unrealistic Promises about Playing Time
- Guarantees of immediate playing time without assessing the team dynamics or the athlete’s readiness.
- Coaches may mislead athletes about the current roster’s competitiveness.
7. Poor Program Reputation
- High rates of player transfers, poor team morale, or a toxic team culture.
- A coach or program with known ethical or behavioral concerns.
8. Limited Campus Access or Transparency
- Refusal to allow visits or access to meet with current players and staff.
- Avoiding questions about facilities, resources, or program challenges.
9. Coaches Avoiding Hard Questions
- Evasive answers about their coaching style, expectations, or support for injured players.
- Hesitation to discuss the program’s retention rates or academic graduation rates for athletes.
10. No Emphasis on Character or Fit
- A program focused only on athletic performance without considering personality or long-term goals.
- Programs that ignore an athlete’s questions about their role in the team culture.
11. Financial Red Flags
- Pressuring families to pay for unnecessary recruiting services or camps.
- Hidden fees or requirements for participation in exclusive showcases or tournaments.
12. Coaches with a History of Frequent Turnover
- High turnover among coaching staff may indicate instability in the program.
- This can leave athletes in a tough position if their coach leaves after a commitment.
By being vigilant about these red flags, families can better identify programs that truly align with their values and the athlete’s goals. Get excited when coaches call and express interest, but my hope is that the red flags above will enable you to ask good questions before going down a path of regret.
Interested in Coach Rogers’ book on college recruiting? https://coachmattrogers.com/book-significant-recruiting/
Want to schedule a free 30-minute college recruitment strategy session with Coach Rogers? https://coachmattrogers.com/contact/#
