“Move in silence. Only speak when it’s time to say checkmate.” — Unknown
I’m an old-school coach, and every now and then it takes me a minute to catch up with the latest trends—especially when technology and recruiting collide. When those two things work together, real efficiencies and opportunities can happen. But when they’re misunderstood or misused, they can also create red flags and unnecessary problems for recruits.
As I tell every athlete I work with, I’m never going to tell you what to do or what not to do. That’s not my role. My job is to share my experience—both the good and the hard lessons—so you have the full picture and can make the best decisions about your future.
That brings me to something I’ve seen more and more over the past few years on social media, and it gives me pause.
Many college coaches now create graphics of recruits who have visited campus—putting them in the school’s uniform, assigning them a number, and presenting a very polished visual of what could be.
It’s clever.
It’s exciting.
And it’s powerful.
For a recruit, it’s easy to think:
“Look—I’ve got the uniform, the number… I’m basically already there.”
But here’s the reality that matters.
It’s just a graphic.
It’s not a letter of intent.
It’s not a scholarship agreement.
It’s not a commitment.
And it’s not a guarantee of loyalty—from either side.
In fact, sometimes it can mean the exact opposite of what you hope it means.
So let’s slow this down and add some perspective. Why might a coaching staff be creating and sending these graphics?
- Maybe they genuinely love you and want you to know they’re already visualizing you in their program.
- Maybe they’re still undecided and want to keep you excited while they sort through other options.
- Maybe they’ve made you an offer and want you to post the graphic to discourage other coaches from recruiting you.
- Or maybe—just maybe—they know posting those graphics turns some coaches off, and they’re hoping it quietly limits your other opportunities.
All of those possibilities exist.
And here’s the important part: none of them are automatically bad.
Truthfully, I like those graphics. Many of them are extremely well done. They create excitement, confidence, and a sense of belonging. They send a message—at least on the surface—that a program can see you as part of its future.
Personally, I love it when my recruits post one of those graphics after they’ve committed.
To me, that’s the equivalent of putting a “SOLD” sign in the front yard. It tells everyone else clearly and respectfully: I’ve made my decision. I’m no longer on the market.
So here’s my advice.
Don’t be afraid to collect those graphics like Pokémon cards or baseball cards. Just be intentional before you post them.
Before you share, put yourself in the shoes of the other coaches who are recruiting you—or might recruit you in the future. Ask yourself:
How would I feel if I kept seeing a recruit I really liked posting themselves in other schools’ uniforms over and over again?
That question alone usually gives you the answer you need.
If you want to hear more perspective on this topic, I encourage you to check out this week’s podcast with Coach John Payan, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Coe College (D3), as well as my upcoming conversation with Coach Emily Kohan, Head Volleyball Coach at Colorado State University (D1). Both provide outstanding insight into how coaches actually think, recruit, and evaluate beyond the graphics.
🎧 Listen to the Significant Recruiting & Significant Coaching podcasts here:
👉 https://coachmattrogers.com/podcast
And that perspective matters.
Want More Perspective on the Recruiting Journey?
If you’re a recruit or a parent trying to make sense of the recruiting process—and avoid costly mistakes along the way—these resources were built to help you stay organized, intentional, and in control of your decisions.
📘 Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes
👉 https://coachmattrogers.com/books
📓 The Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific)
👉 https://coachmattrogers.com/books
🎯 The Significant Recruiting Launchpad
👉 https://coachmattrogers.com/significant-recruiting-launchpad
Until next time—stay focused on what you can control, stay humble, and keep chasing significance.
