NCSA caught up with football standout Brian Courtney about his high school career and the opportunity to compete at the college level.
NCSA: How do you show a college coach that you are really interested in their program?
Courtney: I show a coach that I am interested in them first by sending them an email with an introduction. I send them game and highlight films and I send them update emails when I go to a combine or camp to let them know what I am accomplishing. I also make a point to research the school, find out what positions they may need, and find out something about the coach (ie: where he went to school). It lets them know that I have done my homework.
NCSA: What are you doing to “take charge” of your recruiting process?
Courtney: I am constantly contacting coaches with introduction emails. It lets them know who I am. I include a link to my NCSA profile so that they can watch my film and I let them know that I will send them game film. I don't wait for someone to contact me. I send out a lot of stuff and then see who responds.
NCSA: Have you had coaches evaluate you in person yet? Tell us about how that feels.
Courtney: I have met four coaches from different schools. It has been very positive. I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from them. I make sure after I meet with them that I send them an email thanking them for their time and letting them know that I am interested. It feels good to get the positive feedback; one coach emailed me back and said that they were "tremendously impressed with me."
NCSA: How do you handle nerves when communicating with college coaches?
Courtney: It was intimidating calling my first coach. I tried to remember that he was a person too. He asked me to call him so he must want to speak with me. It gets easier as you build up your confidence.
NCSA: How do you deal with disappointment in the recruiting process? Can you give an example?
Courtney: I haven't really been disappointed yet, but I think that it is important to move on. There will other schools who will be interested. It teaches you not to put all your eggs in one basket.
NCSA: What makes you a unique athlete that stands out from a crowd?
Courtney: I would say my size. I am big so I stand out. Coaches who meet me and have watched my film comment on how I have quick feet for a big guy.
NCSA: What are your goals for this club/high school season? How is the season going?
Courtney: For this high school season I would like to win the Division ll Superbowl. I would also like to be named to the All Stars and go to the Shriners game.
NCSA: Who is your favorite college athlete?
Courtney: I don't have a favorite.
NCSA: Overall, how has the recruiting process been for you so far?
Courtney: The recruiting process has been good. I have learned a lot about how the process works. NCSA has helped me get my name out there, but you still need to do a lot of work to make yourself standout.
