NCSA Athletic Scholarships and College Recruiting Blog

Recruiting involves a lot of uncertainty.  Recruiting can be very difficult.  Many times the recruiting process can be downright cruel.  However, just because something is hard it doesn’t mean that someone should shy away from it.  Recruits meet every athletic challenge head on, so why wouldn’t they do the same with recruiting?

One things is for certain; The best college coaches attack recruiting with a passion.  ESPN at down with Monte Kiffin who joined his son, Lane, at Tennessee to turn things around.  They both know that it starts with recruiting.

“I’ve got news for those coaches recruiting against us, and I’m not going to say who they are, that are telling kids who want to come play for us that I’m going to retire. I ain’t retiring. Haven’t even thought about it. We’ve got too good a thing going here. I’m fired up. Every day I come to work, I get a little more fired up.”

And with good reason.

His Tennessee defense is playing lights-out. The Vols haven’t given up an offensive touchdown in eight quarters, a span of 133 minutes since an opposing offense has reached their end zone.

For that matter, they’ve only allowed one trip inside their 20-yard line in the past two games.

And here’s the best part as they prepare for South Carolina’s visit Saturday night at Neyland Stadium: This is just the beginning.

Kiffin, the gray stubble on his face telltale evidence of the long nights spent in the film room, nods glowingly when asked how much more he’ll be able to do as the talent improves and players have a whole year in his system.

“I think we’re going to be pretty darned good, especially with the way it looks like recruiting is going right now,” he said.

His son, Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, is even more confident.

“I have to hold myself back sometimes because I look down the road and get so excited about how great we’re going to be as we get people in that fit our system and we develop more depth and recruit more depth,” Lane said. “It’s going to be real exciting to see this team when you look at what’s going on now with our defense — some of the injuries, not a lot of depth and playing with some players that we love, but aren’t necessarily system-fit players.

“I can’t wait.”

If he sounds like he’s recruiting, he is.

Monte jokes that Lane and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron are never not recruiting.

“I look at him on Friday night before our game with Alabama last week, and he’s got a phone to his ear,” Monte said. “Some of the kids were calling him.

“I’m just having fun sitting back and watching it all, because this recruiting in the SEC is dog-eat-dog. Lane’s not going to back down, either, and he’s not going to quit on guys. That’s not going to happen. He never quits thinking about recruiting. It’s 24 hours.”

And so is Monte.

Student-athletes hoping to play in college can’t sit back.  They need to take the same attitude as the UT (and pretty much every staff in the country) and realize this is a crazy time in their lives.  They will never have this opportunity again.  It’s now or never!

So much in the college search process on the research side, is put into academic research. Do they offer my major, would I be admitted, etc. But, for athletes a far overlooked part of the process is seeing if you would be fit in the program athletically. Before considering a program take a look at the team rosters.

What should I look at?

1. Graduation years for players at your position, i.e. is a coach recruiting your position this year (you wouldn’t apply to a job that wasn’t being offered would you?)

2. Height/Weight, (How do you size up with players at your position)

3. Location (where are the current players coming from, this will give you insight on if a school recruits your state, or out of state in general)

4. Take a look at some of the player bios, do you fit what they accomplished in high school?

This morning I was talking with a father of an athlete being recruited by several Division I football schools.  The athlete is undecided, but has several scholarship offers on the table.  However, he is still pursuing more schools in the hopes of receiving more scholarship options.

During this process he has visited several schools, both officially and unofficially.  His father made an extremely interesting remark about his latest visit.

“The coaching staff tells him there are two receivers ahead of him, who have scholarship offers.  They don’t think both will accept their offers and my son is next on the list.”

He then followed up his comment with the extremely important, “But, we all know what that means.”

The father understands the process and knows they need to keep all of their options open.  Its no coincidence that they are on the NCSA program and understand how to read between the lines.  When the process is complete, his son will be able to realistically assess his options and make the best decision.  They wont be taken for a ride by a coach because they already understand his recruiting language.

One of the huge benefits of using a trusted third party like NCSA is the guidance that we provide our families.  Recruits can learn and understand the recruiting language used by college coaches.  Most importantly, they know how to react to what they hear and make the best decision.

I recently had an opportunity to ask Steven Fisher, of San Marcos High School in California, a few questions about his experience at the Team One Futures Game which was recently played on October 23^rd in Peoria, Arizona. Here is the quick interview:

It is quite the honor to be invited to play in the Team One Futures Game. How did you receive the invitation?

I was noticed for the Futures Game at a Team One event located at Orange Coast College. From there I was invited to play in a Team One All American preseason event where I was a standout among others from across the nation. The Team One preseason event was a compilation of all the best kids from this 36 team, preseason event. Again, all the kids from the pre-season event were seen somewhere in the nation and were the best from whatever state they came from. From there the best kids from the pre-season event were selected for the Team One Futures Game.

It sounds like a lot of fun; can you describe your time at the Futures Game?

The Futures Game was tons of fun, not only did I have the chance to show my talents in front of many college recruiters, I also got to play against the best kids in the nation that are my grade. We started the night off by going through a major league style workout. First we stretched, took batting practice, took grounders and prepared for the game. We played in the Peoria Stadium Complex where many great major leaguers have played.

Did you learn anything while you attended the event?

Oh yes, one thing that I learned while I was there was that baseball is such a fun and simple game and can be seen in so many ways. We were around coaches from around the nation and they knew so many little things about the game. Just being around those coaches rubbed off and created a relaxing atmosphere and brought the fun in the game out. Even though this was the biggest event I had been to the coaches seemed to really lighten the mood and bring the best out of us, keeping the game loose and competitive. I really enjoyed myself.

What kind of exposure did you receive while playing there?

There were more than 30 college recruiters sitting in the stands with radar guns pointed directly at home plate all writing. It was pretty neat.

Since you have gained experience playing in a big game with a lot of scouts, what advice can you give to other student-athletes if they ever have an opportunity like that?

Take a step back and look at the big picture. The game of baseball is very simple and hasn’t changed much since it was created. When you step into the batter’s box and see your name on the score board, go ahead take in the moment, it’s pretty awesome, but make sure you step out of the batter’s box and clear your head before the at bat begins. Go out there with confidence, but remember to play your game and not try to impress the scouts.

Tell us about what you’ve learned since being with NCSA. 

Since I have been with NCSA I have learned many valuable tips from the coaches and advisors there, but most importantly I’ve learned from the coaching calls where I had a coach or player or somebody talk to me or the group about their lifetime experiences and what they would do if they had a second chance. Now, as I am getting older, I am starting to understand that you only get one chance at life. This is definitely one thing that drives me to continuously get better and to chase my dreams full speed ahead. NCSA is definitely a place that can help me if I have questions about college, future, or daily life.

Letter from Coach, Sample #1

“Dear Susan:

I am pleased to learn of your interest in our athletic program. Your accomplishments in your sport and in the high school classroom are quite impressive. We look forward to continuing a correspondence this year and evaluating you at various competitions. Please return the enclosed profile sheet as soon as possible and include a copy of your schedule so that we can arrange to see you compete.

Thank you,

Coach Anderson”

What this letter means, and how a student-athlete should respond:
A coach who sends a letter like this is responding to a letter from the student-athlete. Something in the letter caught the coach’s attention, and effort is being made to evaluate the student. The athlete should complete the profile form, send her schedule, and keep in touch. This represents an opportunity to call the coach, and the athlete might as well take advantage of it, especially if this is a top school.

Notice that the coach did not invite the student-athlete to call with questions. If an athlete receives such a letter, the student-athlete should follow up with the coach upon receiving the letter if she has an interest in the program. If the coach is not receptive to the student’s call, the coach is probably not interested in the student-athlete.

This sample letter and advice were taken from Athletes Wanted – The Game Plan for Maximizing Athletic Scholarship Potential.  If you liked this information, I encourage you to check out the complete book here.

If you are a serious recruit who has yet to receive letters from college coaches, you might be falling behind.  In order to take the right steps, click here.

Before I jump into the FAQs, I wanted to point out that understanding official visits is critical for student-athletes of ALL ages, not just seniors!

What is the definition of an official visit vs. unofficial visit?

By definition an Official visit is paid for by the college, an unofficial is paid for by the family.  On an official visit, the NCAA allows a school to pay for lodging, transportation, meals, and entertainment.  That includes airfare, rental car, and three meals a day.  Be aware that the school is NOT allowed to pay for your parents.  The school may only pay for expenses related to the student-athlete.  So for example, if you and your parents stay in a hotel the coach is able to pay for it.  If you stay overnight with a member of the team on campus, the coach may not pay for your parents hotel. Official visits cannot be made until the opening day of class senior year.  So, that date will be different depending on your school.  The NCAA allows 5 visits to D1 and D2 schools combined.  You are allowed an unlimited number of unofficial visits to all divisions.  You may only take ONE official visit per institution.  Each official visit may be up to 48 hrs.

Are all D1 & D2 schools able to offer official visits?

No.  Remember that each school differs in policy.  Just because official visits are allowed by the NCAA does not mean each school offers them.  You should always ask the coach.

Can you visit a D3 school officially?

There is a common misconception that D3 schools do not offer official visits because they do not offer athletic scholarships.  That is false!  You are allowed an unlimited number of official visits to NAIA & D3 schools.  Unfortunately, D3 schools tend to have a limited recruiting budget and therefore aren’t usually able to offer paid airfare, hotel, etc…Some D3 schools do not offer official visits at all.  It’s a case by case basis.

What does it mean if the coach doesn’t offer an official during senior year?

As a general rule, you are not likely a top recruit if it’s a D1 or D2 school.  Always ask questions and find out where you are on the recruiting list before visiting a school.  Also ask what the schools policy is on official visits.  Many schools are not fully-funded enough to provide airfare, but will offer to pay for meals and lodging.  If they do, that IS an official visit.  Always clarify with the coach whether it’s an official and unofficial.   

Are student-athletes allowed to tryout or practice with the team?

As an NCAA rule, D1 and D3 schools do not allow tryouts.  On an official or unofficial visit you may participate in workouts that are not organized or observed by coaching staff.  They must not be designed to test your athletic ability though.  D2 schools are allowed to conduct one tryout in the off-season of your sport.

Are there any times when visits are not allowed?

Yes.  There is a Dead Period in which it is not permissible to make in-person recruiting contacts or evaluations on- or off-campus or permit official or unofficial visits.  Dead periods generally fall right before the singing periods. 

When should visits be scheduled?

You should be trying to schedule visits right away.  The best time to make visits is between now and the initial signing date.

Should a student-athlete bring up a visit or wait until a coach offers an official?

You should always bring it up!  Many NCSA athletes are far ahead of others in the recruiting game.  You should really let the coaches know what YOUR recruiting timeline is.  This is your recruiting experience and college choice; you have every right to inquire about how it’s going to work.

How do these students and parents schedule these visits?

The key to setting up visits is coordinating with the coach.  You must call or email the coach to inform him or her that you are coming to campus and would like to set up a meeting.  Always contact the coach well in advance. If you do not let a coach know about your visit you are not maximizing your time and you will miss out on opportunities.

Next week I will explain how to set up official visits and provide an example itinerary of what recruits should expect!  If are a senior and have not yet taken an official vist or even spoken with a coach about the potential, click here.  If you are an underclassmen who would like to put yourself in the best possible position to be offered official vistis when you are a senior, click here.

Reason Number 5,359 that we love college sports: When LeMoyne Happens!

Congratulations to the LeMoyne Basketball team for their incredible upset of the Syracuse Orangemen.

“If I’m good enough, they will find me.”  This could be the single most damaging myth about the college recruiting process.  The country is too spread out.  There are too many teams.  Players blossom at different times.  Evaluating players is too hard. Recruiting Budgets are too thin.

These are just a few of the reasons that great players ending up getting missed by big-time schools and miss out on the chance of a life-time.  Yet, despite seeing multiple examples on TV every weekend recruits fail to apply the lesson to their own recruiting process.

The latest example of an under the radar players bursting onto the national stage is Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver Miles Austin.  He didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school and ended up at tiny Monmouth College.  Despite setting school records he wasn’t drafted and toiled on the Cowboys practice roster until getting an opportunity this season.  He now has 21 catches for 482 yards and five touchdowns in his last three games.  He overcame obstacles by working extremely hard and finally catching that lucky break he needed.

Austin’s story is the lucky exception.  There are thousands of Miles Austins across the country playing all types of sports.  If they wait around hoping for scouts to find them, chances are their stories wont end with the Dallas Cowboys.  Athletes need to be realistic about their options early on, and relentlessly pursue every opportunity.  Otherwise, they just might not find you.

The other week, this article was posted on Rivals about who is the best college basketball coach under 40.

GERRY AHERN SAYS …

It would be easy to attribute Brad Stevens’ stunning success at Butler to the players he inherited from Todd Lickliter when Lickliter left for Iowa after the 2006-07 season.

In his first season, Stevens led Butler to a school- and Horizon League-record 30-4 mark, 19 consecutive weeks in the AP Top 25 (including three in the top 10), a first-round NCAA tournament victory and an overtime loss in the second round to fifth-ranked Tennessee.

MIKE HUGUENIN SAYS …

I’m cheating a bit by choosing Arizona’s Sean Miller, who turns 41 next month. But, hey, he’s 40 now, so I’m going with him.

He faces a tough task in following Lute Olson (well, sort of) at Arizona, but Miller has the X’s and O’s skills and recruiting ability to get it done.

To read the full article, click here.

Coach Taylor:  My son has been outstanding this year, breaking records and leading his team.  My concern is that we are from a small school.  He has yet to hear from any college coaches.  When should he expect to hear from college coaches or should he have already heard from some?

Although the real answer depends on how old your son is and which sport he plays since coaches have different restrictions, the easy answer is that he should have already heard from college coaches.  College coaches want to contact recruits on their list as early as they can (every recruit remembers their first letter) so if your son has received nothing, then chances are he has not been recognized. 

Keep in mind that college coaches can send freshmen questionnaires and brochures, so regardless of your son’s age; he would have received SOMETHING if he was on a list. 

Do not let him get discouraged.  Despite the fact that he plays for a small school, he can take proactive steps to get his name on the recruiting lists of college coaches.  Have him begin taking these five steps or click here to get started!

Send your recruiting questions to askcoachtaylor@ncsasports.org

To get your questions answered immediately, call 866-579-6272 to speak with a NCSA Recruiting Coordinator.