College coaches don’t need hours of footage—they can often decide within a minute whether a player is worth pursuing. A well-edited highlight reel can make all the difference.
Talent alone isn’t enough. You won’t be eligible to play if your academics aren’t strong. Plenty of athletes have missed out on scholarships simply because they didn’t take school seriously. Coaches want players who can succeed in the classroom, too.
Coaches look for players who naturally stand out in speed, movement, and physical ability. While skills can improve with practice, raw athleticism often decides a recruit’s long-term potential.
Players with strong character, work ethic, and a willingness to learn often stand out to recruiters. If you show strong character and a desire to learn, that can take you a long way.
Recruits need to take action to get noticed. Sending direct messages to coaches, sharing film, attending camps, and actively networking can open doors that might not have been available otherwise. Many overlooked recruits have earned scholarships simply by taking the initiative to market themselves effectively.
