How interested are they? Ways to guage interest from a college coach
September 26th, 2008 - byWe’re just about wrapped up with the first month of the high school season. Many seniors have built relationships with college coaches throughout the country, but have not received a full-ride scholarship offer. What many high school athletes are asking themselves is: just how interested is a college coach in offering me a scholarship? With where we are in the calendar, it is late for a Division 1 school to offer. But don’t close the door on a school just yet.
Here are some different examples of how college coaches express interest: 
1. “We want to see senior footage of you”
This is a way of telling a student-athlete we haven’t seen enough of you to make an offer. It can also be a nice way of saying “we’re not interested.” College coaches can be apprehensive about hurting a kid’s feelings. But they have to do what’s best for the program. My best advice would be to play hard on every play and show your athleticism on the field. Help the coach who is recruiting you by getting the film in early and asking if he needs any additional information. Then ask where you stand on a coaches recruiting board. Right now, yes and no’s, are your best friend. This way you know where you stand.
2. What happens when you call?
Making a simple call to a coach can be a way of gauging interest. If the coach is interested he will stop a meeting to talk to you. However, if you are constantly getting voicemails and getting the secretary you should understand that you are lower on a school’s need list.
3. What happens on a visit?
If you are getting offered to take a later visit date, this means you are probably number 2 or 3 on their need list. Don’t take this personally. College football is a big time business and this is just another way of expressing where you stand on their board. Also, are you getting a tour to see the locker room after a game? If not, then this may be another way to see how interested a school is in you.
These all may seem like minimal situations, but they could help define where you plan on playing. There is nothing wrong with moving down a division to compete. A question I ask my student-athletes is “Would you rather play at a smaller school?” or, “Do you want to sit and wait at a bigger one?” The question is for you to decide. I recommend you go somewhere where you’re wanted. This will make for a great college experience.
