College football recruiting is often associated with star ratings, viral highlights, and social media hype, but former Penn State and UMass standout Adam Breneman is setting the record straight. He shared that recruiting isn’t always about talent—it’s about habits. And surprisingly, there are only five that matter.
Adam Breneman Reveals 5 Essential Traits College Football Recruiters Look For
In a recent Instagram post, Breneman shared his insight by breaking down five essential traits that top recruiters actually look for. This proves that character, effort, and strategy outweigh empty hype.
“Everyone talks about offers… But here’s what actually gets you recruited,” Breneman wrote. “It’s not just talent — It’s how you show up, what you put on film, and how you carry yourself. You don’t need hype. You need habits.”
And, he outlined five key traits that truly matter in the recruiting process in a slide:
Great Film
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.
Strong Academics
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.
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Athletic Traits
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.
Coachable Mindset
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.
Proactive Outreach
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.
KEEP READING: Adam Breneman’s Top 5 Teams Most Likely To Go Undefeated in 2025
These traits aren’t just ideas—they’ve helped real athletes earn scholarships. Look at Bryce Underwood, the top quarterback in the 2025 class. His highlight film showed smart, intelligent making. His grades kept him eligible. And his athletic skills made him stand out right away.
Another great example is Dylan Raiola, a five-star quarterback committed to Nebraska. He showed a strong work ethic and always stayed coachable. He also reached out to coaches and built genuine relationships, which made a huge difference in his journey.
So, those who show up, work hard, and take initiative will always have an edge.
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