By Lisa Meyers
Every day, NCSA’s Football Recruiting Coaches are on the front lines of collegiate recruiting in their communications with college coaches and college prospects. The Football staff noticed that many college bound football players and their parents share similar questions about the recruiting process. NCSA Recruiting Coach Director, Lisa Meyers, caught up with Football Recruiting Analyst, Bob Chmiel, in order to answer some of these frequently asked questions.
Meyers: What should I do about my high school coach playing me out of position?
Chmiel: First of all, do not complain! I definitely suggest that you attempt to get together with your coach and have a rational meeting. Perhaps appeal about playing another position, but if things do not go in your favor, do not get frustrated and continue to work hard. Your coach is going to play you where he thinks you will add the most to team. He will not sacrifice the team so you can get recruiting exposure.
Meyers: I play at a small school on a weak team and the coach only plays seniors - how can I be recruited?
Chmiel: When it comes to college recruiting, the size of the high school does not make a difference, nor does the team’s record. What matters is how you separate yourself from other players at your position that college coaches are evaluating. NCSA will help you through the recruiting process, and from your end you need to work as hard as you can in practice so the coach will put you on the field when the time is right. It is my experience that most coaches play to win, which means they will want their best players and hardest workers on the field at all times.
Meyers: I just got injured my senior year - do I have a chance to be recruited?
Chmiel: This is a setback, but yes, you still have a chance at being recruited. If you have footage from junior year, you can use that to market yourself. Be sure to send the DVD to NCSA right away if you have not done so already. If you do not have any video, you may want to consider an alternate approach and do a Post Graduate (PG) year at a prep school. This means you would complete a fifth year of high school. NCSA can still help market you while you are there. If you may be able to make a comeback at some point during the season, work hard in rehab and continue to communicate with college coaches. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that you are proactive. Do not give up!
Meyers: How often should I follow up with college coaches?
Chmiel: Whether contacted is initiated by you or the coach, at least once a week is perfect. The contact may increase when you get closer to signing date. Be persistent, but do not be a nuisance. Remember that coaches often find it difficult to make time to get in all their recruiting calls during season.
Meyers: I get lots of invitations for game day visits. Should I go to these?
Chmiel: Absolutely! Take as many game day visits as you can. However, do not miss a high school game and make sure you keep your high school coach in the loop.
The rest of Coach Chmiel’s FAQs are located inside your Football Recruiting Management System (RMS).
