Bring Recruiting Back to the Future
Wouldn't it be great if we could jump into our Delorean and go back in time to when the college decision was made by seniors. Believe it or not, 20 years ago High School senior student-athletes used to make their college decision. And then over time, it was juniors, sophomores, freshmen, and even some 8th graders who were verbally committing to a college. Crazy right? And then a few years ago, a couple sport specific coaching groups pleaded to the NCAA to try and slow it down by tightening restrictions on college coaches and their programs. And they complied, working together they adopted rules that would restrict any contact, incoming and or outgoing between prospective student-athletes and coaches prior to junior year, which in essence would prevent early commitments.
But today, we are in a different world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many states have shut down youth sports, college seasons were cancelled, college programs cut, and recruiting as we know it came to a screeching halt. And for the classes of 2021 and 2022 that was a devastating blow. These student-athletes have had limited opportunities to be evaluated, visit college campuses, and have face to face interactions with college coaches. The 3 most important things to do in order to be recruited. There are actually high school seniors who have committed to schools without ever meeting their coach in person, only over a screen via face times and zoom meetings.
But the hit that these two classes are taking might bring the recruiting cycle back to how it should be, when a senior, typically a 17 or 18 year old student will be making the biggest decision of their young adult life, rather than a 15-16 year old. I believe those two years make a world of difference. The responsibility a senior carries is much more than that of a sophomore. They might have a job and have their license. It only makes sense that a 17 or 18 year old is more equipped to make a decision about college than a 15 or 16 year old.
In no way I am saying that the pandemic arriving and shutting down recruiting is a good thing for anyone but it just might relieve the pressure of the current 2023, 2024, and 2025’s who have aspirations of playing their sport at the next level. I am a proponent that high school freshmen should not have to start worrying about college and what they want to study, etc. They are just beginning to make the transition of adolescence to young adulthood. They should have some time for that adjustment. This is a time to enjoy getting to this part of their life, making new friends and experiencing new things and ideas. There will be many life lessons along the way that will prepare them for making this big decision in a couple of years. But not now! In their first couple years of high school they will begin to be molded into the person they are to become. They will begin to discover their interests academically, athletically, and socially. The kids don’t need the added pressure of thinking about college before they barely get their feet wet in high school.
With all of that said, I am for student-athletes to be educated about the recruiting process before they jump right in. There are so many factors and aspects to consider. It is important to understand the intricacies of academic eligibility, the recruiting rules, what coaches are looking for, how to market yourself, and then how to stand out from the crowd. And these are things that can be taught and learned prior to starting the process.
From a college perspective, being able to primarily focus on Juniors and Seniors might relieve some of the added stress and pressures a coach might face in the world of recruiting. The recruiting cycle is never ending for a college coach and his/her staff. They are inundated with hundreds, if not thousands of emails and videos to watch of potential prospects across a variety of recruiting classes. I can only imagine how relieved a coach might be if they didn’t have to focus on identifying freshmen and sophomores who aren’t fully matured yet, physically or mentally and could just focus on identifying and evaluating juniors and making final decisions on the seniors on their list. I bet life would be grand!
In an ideal world what would my recruiting cycle or timeline look like for a prospective student-athlete.
Spring of Sophomore Year
- Begin Recruiting Education Process
Summer prior to Junior year
- Attend ID Events, Showcases, Camps, and Clinics
Fall/Winter of Junior Year
- Build a List of Schools (20-30 minimum)
- Research School and Programs
- Contact College Coaches
- Attend College ID Events (Showcases, Camps, and Clinics, etc)
Winter/Spring of Junior year
- Begin prioritizing communications with college coaches
- Narrow List of Schools (8-10 schools)
- Start setting up unofficial visits to top choices
- Attend ID Events
Summer prior to Senior Year
- Narrow list of schools (4-5 schools)
- Attend college specific camps and clinics
- Make Verbal Commitment
Fall of Senior Year (If not committed)
- Set up Official Visits
- Begin Weighing options
- The Decision
We obviously do not live in an ideal world but there would be huge benefits to the next generation if the recruiting cycle returned to the way it was 20 years ago.
Benefits of the Recruiting Cycle Returning to the 2000’s
- Relieve the amount of pressure on freshman and sophomores to perform at high levels to impress college coaches.
- Freshman and Sophomores can focus on learning ,loving their sport, and improving.
- Limit the burnout rate of elite level student-athletes.
- Allows more equipped young adults to make a life altering decision.
- Save parents time and money invested into the college process
- Allow college coaches to focus on 2 recruiting classes , not 4.
- College coaches will be able to identify and evaluate more physically mature athletes, rather than projecting where a student-athlete might be in 2 years.
In the end, we need to do it for the mental health of the student-athletes. There are so many challenges academically, athletically, personally, and socially they need to deal with. We don't need to pile on the added pressure of college talk at 14-15 years old. It is hard enough just being a kid and making the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. They are not equipped to begin thinking about college and the rest of their lives. Let’s give the decision back to Seniors!
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💡 What It Means to Be a SMART Recruit If you're a high school student-athlete with dreams of playing at the college level, you’ve probably heard how competitive and confusing the recruiting process can be. It’s true—navigating the world of college athletics, eligibility rules, academic requirements, communication with coaches, and scholarship opportunities can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go through it blindly. Being a SMART Recruit means more than just athletic talent. It means you’re Educated , Empowered , Engaged , and Inspired . You take ownership of your journey by staying informed , organized , and committed to your future—both on and off the field. Let’s break it down. 🎓 Educated: Know the Landscape Smart Recruits take the time to understand the recruiting process. They know the rules, eligibility requirements, timelines, and what college coaches are looking for. They research the differences between NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, and NJCAA, and they understand how academics, athletics, and personal fit all play a role in finding the right school. Knowledge is power. When you're educated, you're able to avoid common mistakes, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions. 💪 Empowered: Own Your Journey Smart Recruits don’t wait for opportunity—they create it. They know that recruiting isn’t something that “just happens” to them. They take control by reaching out to coaches, attending the right events, and building a strong recruiting profile that reflects who they are as a student-athlete and a person. They recognize that no one will work harder for their future than they will . That sense of empowerment fuels their actions and keeps them moving forward—even when the journey gets tough. 🧠Engaged: Be Proactive and Present The recruiting process is not passive—it requires you to stay active and engaged. Smart Recruits use tools like communication trackers, college lists, and visit checklists to stay on top of their outreach and deadlines. They’re not afraid to follow up, ask questions, and stay consistent. Being engaged means showing up: in your inbox, in the classroom, on the field, and in your mindset. Consistency beats luck every time. 🌟 Inspired: Stay Motivated by Your "Why" Every successful recruiting journey starts with a clear sense of purpose. Smart Recruits know why they’re pursuing college athletics, what they hope to achieve, and who they want to become in the process. That vision fuels their daily habits and decisions. Whether it's waking up early to train, studying late for a test, or rewriting an email to a coach—they’re motivated by a bigger goal and inspired to keep going, even when it’s hard. 🧠Stay Informed. Stay Organized. Stay Ahead. Being a SMART Recruit also means staying informed about deadlines, program updates, and coach responses—and staying organized enough to manage it all. Whether you're managing communication, video links, or academic transcripts, having a system in place is crucial. That’s why tools like The Smart Recruit Tool Kit exist—to help you streamline the process, stay accountable, and make progress every week. 🎉 Coming Soon: The Smart Recruit Toolkit Get ready to take control of your college recruiting journey! The Smart Recruit —a comprehensive DIY toolkit designed to help student-athletes become educated, empowered, engaged, and inspired—will be launching soon. Packed with worksheets, templates, and expert guidance, this resource is your ultimate playbook to navigate the recruiting process with confidence and clarity. Stay tuned for the official launch! 🔚 Final Thought: Be the Recruit Coaches Want to Coach College coaches are looking for more than just athletic ability. They want students who are driven, self-aware, academically committed, and coachable. When you approach the process like a SMART Recruit , you show coaches you’re ready—not just to play at the next level, but to thrive there. ✅ Educated. ✅ Empowered. ✅ Engaged. ✅ Inspired. ✅ Informed & Organized. That’s what it means to be a SMART Recruit.
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