“Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you are willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it.” – Lou Holtz
It’s hard to overstate how disheartening it is to hear or read the phrase, “If you’re good enough, college coaches will find you.” In truth, there may be no worse advice when it comes to college recruiting.
According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), there are approximately 24,000 public and private high schools in the U.S. with athletic programs. Imagine, then, being a college coach with a staff of one to three assistants trying to evaluate even 1% of those schools within a single recruiting season. For context, most coaches are fortunate if they can evaluate 100–200 prospective athletes each year per coach on their staff.
In reality, talent alone isn’t enough to “get noticed” by college coaches. A strategic approach is essential. So, let’s set aside the myth of being discovered by talent alone and focus instead on five critical reasons why a promising athlete might be overlooked by college recruiters—and actionable steps to address each one.
1. Lack of Exposure
- Explanation: If a prospect isn’t competing in high-profile events, attending showcase tournaments, or actively marketing themselves, they may not be on the radar for many coaches. College coaches can only recruit players they know about or have seen perform.
- Solution: Prospects should attend events where college coaches are likely to scout, actively maintain a strong online profile with updated game highlights, and consider sending their game footage directly to college coaches or using reputable recruiting platforms.
2. Limited Highlight Footage or Poor Quality Video
- Explanation: Coaches rely heavily on video to evaluate athletes remotely. If a player doesn’t have accessible, high-quality footage showing their skills and game impact, they’re at a disadvantage compared to others.
- Solution: Create a professional highlight reel that showcases the player’s strengths, unique skills, and game IQ. Keep videos concise (3-5 minutes) and place key moments up front to capture attention.
3. Not Meeting Academic or Eligibility Standards
- Explanation: Colleges have specific academic and eligibility standards, and coaches prioritize athletes who can qualify without risking team eligibility. If a student-athlete’s academic standing is weak, they’re less likely to be considered.
- Solution: Ensure academic performance meets or exceeds the NCAA eligibility requirements. Consider tutoring or extra help in challenging areas and keep transcripts updated in recruiting profiles to show coaches you’re college-ready.
4. Geographic Limitations and Program Fit
- Explanation: Sometimes coaches are focused on recruiting within certain geographic regions or specific player profiles. They may overlook players in other regions, particularly if the program already has a roster filled with similar player types or skill sets.
- Solution: Be proactive about reaching out to a wider range of schools across various regions. Also, make sure to target schools that align with your skill set, player profile and personal priorities (like major and size of school) while exploring divisions and programs that might be a better fit.
5. Failure to Build Relationships with Coaches
- Explanation: Recruiting is often about building relationships over time. If a prospect hasn’t taken steps to connect with coaches, update them on their progress, or show genuine interest, they may be overlooked for more proactive recruits.
- Solution: Reach out to coaches via email or social media with a personalized message expressing interest in their program. Follow up periodically with updates on achievements, recent games, and academics to build rapport and stay on their radar.
Ultimately, if you’re being overlooked, the responsibility lies with you. Take charge: get organized, sharpen your focus, and take the leap. Progress begins when you commit to making it happen.
Looking for Coach Rogers’ book on college recruiting? Get your copy here: https://coachmattrogers.com/book/
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