NCSA recently caught up with rising football star Colin Hulse to discuss his recruiting process.
NCSA: How do you show a college coach that you are really interested in their program?
Hulse: You should take the time to research everything you can about their program as well as what the school has to offer. It is smart to send e-mails and make calls to keep the coach informed of your interest. Most coaches have given positive feedback when I take time to contact them.
NCSA: What are you doing to “take charge” of your recruiting process?
Hulse: I sent early introduction e-mails to as many coaches as I could to inform them of my interest in their program. I then put together a packet with a letter from my coach, my transcript and a DVD of my recent year's highlights. Now I am proactive in follow up and I keep logs of everything that I do. I feel like I have a strategy that is helping.
NCSA: Have you had coaches evaluate you in person yet? Tell us about how that feels.
Hulse: I have been on unofficial visits and coaches have visited my school. I have enjoyed the meetings and the coaches’ evaluations of my talent. I enjoy the positive feedback and it motivates me to keep working hard.
NCSA: How do you handle nerves when communicating with college coaches?
Hulse: I try to practice ahead of time and be prepared. It’s just like on the field. If you go over a play enough times you aren't as worried when you have to execute it in a game.
NCSA: How do you deal with disappointment in the recruiting process? Can you give an example?
Hulse: This past fall was a difficult time transferring to a new high school. Because of it, I am kind of "flying under the radar" of most colleges coaches who can't find my stats or other info. I realize I have to get out there and let them know where I am and make sure they follow my performance in my senior season. Hard work always pays off and I am confident things will work out and I will find the right "college fit." Not to mention that some college coach is going to feel very fortunate when he finds me.
NCSA: What makes you a unique athlete that stands out from a crowd?
Hulse: Besides being 6' 3" and still growing? Without sounding like I'm bragging, I am a very intelligent athlete. Whether it is in the classroom, in the community or on the field, I use my head to improve myself and those around me. Challenges are what make us grow. There is nothing like out thinking your opponent and making a play that helps your team win! When ten other guys are looking at you for direction in a huddle it is a great feeling to know they know you know what you are doing.
NCSA: What are your goals for this club/high school season?
Hulse: I moved up to 5A-1 this year and the team is already good. They won the state champioship 3 years ago and went to the playoffs this last year. I am competing for the starting QB position and plan to lead my team farther than they went the year before. It would be nice to finish with a state championship.
NCSA: Overall, how has the recruiting process been for you so far? Has NCSA made a big impact for you?
Hulse: Challenging but rewarding because of the experiences, the coaches I meet and the places I visit. I am very blessed to have a family that is helpful and supports me. They have sacrificed a lot! NCSA has had a big impact in this process. The best word to describe them is "educators." Coach McDole continues to give helpful advice and although I have never met him, I get a sense that he cares about me not just getting a scholarship to play a sport, but that I find the right college that will benefit me long after I can't play anymore. That's invaluable!
