Recruiting Guide

Your roadmap from youth football to college recruitment. Everything athletes and parents need to know about the recruiting process.

Important: Focus on Development First

While this guide covers recruiting from 7th grade through signing, remember that for youth athletes (ages 7-18), the primary focus should be on skill development, enjoying the game, and building good habits. Serious recruiting doesn't begin until high school. Use GIC to track development and build a foundation for future opportunities.

Recruiting Timeline

7th Grade

Foundation Year

Focus: Skill Development

Focus on fundamentals and multiple positions
Attend local camps and showcases
Create basic highlight video (optional)
Begin tracking academic grades
Get GIC Verified at combines

Priority: Development > Exposure

8th Grade

Positioning Year

Focus: Exposure Begins

Create/update athlete profile on GIC
Attend regional camps and combines
Build quality highlight reel (2-3 min)
Research target high school programs
Maintain strong academic standing

Priority: Skills + Early Exposure

9th Grade (Freshman)

Evaluation Year

Focus: Get on Radar

Compete for varsity or JV playing time
Attend prospect camps at target schools
Update highlights after each season
Build relationships with HS coaches
Register with NCAA Eligibility Center (eligibilitycenter.org)

Priority: Game Film + Camp Performance

10th Grade (Sophomore)

Engagement Year

Focus: Active Recruiting

Start contacting college coaches directly
Attend college camps (junior days)
Take PSAT; begin SAT/ACT prep (aim for SAT 900+ or ACT 18+)
Create recruiting resume/profile
Visit schools of interest

Priority: Coach Contact + Academics

11th Grade (Junior)

Critical Year

Focus: Decision Time

This is THE year for D1/D2 offers
Official and unofficial visits
Take SAT/ACT — higher scores = more flexibility on GPA sliding scale
Narrow school list to top 5-10
Communicate consistently with coaches

Priority: Offers + Visits

12th Grade (Senior)

Commitment Year

Focus: Finalize

Commit and sign (NLI if scholarship)
Complete NCAA eligibility process
Maintain grades (don't slack!)
Stay healthy and finish season strong
Prepare for college transition

Priority: Sign + Finish Strong

College Football Divisions Explained

NCAA Division I (FBS)

~~13,000 players

Scholarships:

85 (head count — full rides)

Academic Requirements:

Core GPA 2.3+ / SAT 900+ / ACT 75+ (sliding scale)

Path:

Elite. Top 1% of HS players. Heavy recruiting starts junior year. Revenue-sharing model now in effect.

NCAA Division I (FCS)

~~16,000 players

Scholarships:

63 (equivalency — can be split)

Academic Requirements:

Core GPA 2.3+ / SAT 900+ / ACT 75+ (sliding scale)

Path:

High-level football with scholarship opportunities. Often a stepping stone to FBS.

NCAA Division II

~~17,000 players

Scholarships:

36 (equivalency — often split)

Academic Requirements:

Core GPA 2.2+ / SAT 840+ / ACT 70+ (sliding scale)

Path:

Competitive football with partial scholarships. More academic flexibility than D1.

NCAA Division III

~~26,000 players

Scholarships:

0 (academic & merit aid only)

Academic Requirements:

Set by each school (no NCAA minimum)

Path:

Football + strong academics. No athletic scholarships but often great financial aid packages.

NAIA

~~25,000 players

Scholarships:

24 (equivalency — can be split)

Academic Requirements:

Meet 2 of 3: GPA 2.0+, Top 50% class rank, ACT 18+ / SAT 970+

Path:

Great option. Less restrictive than NCAA. Many scholarship opportunities. Register at play.mynaia.org.

JUCO (Junior College)

~~15,000 players

Scholarships:

Varies by division (D1 JUCO up to 85)

Academic Requirements:

HS diploma or GED (no minimum test score)

Path:

2-year programs. Great development path to 4-year schools. Earn an associate degree, then transfer.

Pro Tip: Don't sleep on D2, D3, and NAIA programs. Many offer excellent education, playing opportunities, and financial aid. The best fit isn't always the highest level.

Creating an Effective Highlight Film

Do's and Don'ts

DO

✓Start with your best plays (first 30 seconds matter most)
✓Include game film (not just practice)
✓Show plays from multiple games
✓Keep it 2-4 minutes max
✓Include your jersey number and position
✓Add contact info at the end
✓Show plays that demonstrate your role
✓Include measurables (40 time, height, weight)

DON'T

✗Lead with mediocre plays
✗Only show practice clips
✗All highlights from one game
✗Make it 10+ minutes long
✗Assume they'll find you
✗Leave out how to reach you
✗Only show touchdowns
✗Leave out key stats

Coaches watch thousands of films. You have 30 seconds to grab their attention. Put your absolute best plays first. Quality over quantity, always.

Contacting Coaches

Sample Introduction Email Template

Subject: [Your Name] - [Position] - [Grad Year] - [HS Name] - Prospect Introduction

Dear Coach [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Position] at [High School Name] in [City, State]. I am in the Class of [Grad Year] and am very interested in [College Name] and your football program.

[1-2 sentences about why you're interested in this specific school/program]

Here are my current stats and measurables:
• Height/Weight: [X'X" / XXX lbs]
• 40-yard dash: [X.XX]
• GPA: [X.XX] / [Core GPA if different]
• SAT/ACT: [Score] (if taken)

[1-2 sentences about your season/accolades]

I have attached my highlight film and would love the opportunity to learn more about your program. I will be attending [any upcoming camps/events].

Highlight Film: [Link]
Hudl/Profile: [Link]

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Twitter/Social Handle if appropriate]

When to Send

September-November (fall camp follow-up) and January-March (spring eval period).

Follow Up

If no response in 2-3 weeks, send ONE polite follow-up. Then move on.

Be Genuine

Research each school. Don't send generic mass emails. Coaches can tell.

Academic Eligibility (NCAA)

Core Course Requirements

NCAA Division I — 16 Core Courses

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of Math (Algebra I or higher)
• 2 years of Natural/Physical Science (1 must be a lab course)
• 1 additional year of English, Math, or Science
• 2 years of Social Science
• 4 additional core courses (any category above or foreign language)

10-of-16 Rule: 10 of your 16 core courses must be completed before senior year, and 7 of those 10 must be in English, Math, or Science. Your core GPA for these 10 courses is locked at that point.

NCAA Division II — 16 Core Courses

• 3 years of English
• 2 years of Math
• 2 years of Natural/Physical Science
• 3 additional years of English, Math, or Science
• 2 years of Social Science
• 4 additional core courses

D1 GPA/Test Score Sliding Scale

Higher GPA = lower required test score (and vice versa). Based on the SAT (out of 1600) and ACT sum score.

Core GPA 3.55+SAT 400 / ACT 37

Core GPA 3.00SAT 620 / ACT 52

Core GPA 2.50SAT 820 / ACT 68

Core GPA 2.30 (full qualifier min)SAT 900 / ACT 75

Core GPA 2.00–2.29Academic Redshirt

Academic Redshirt (D1): Athletes with a core GPA between 2.0 and 2.299 can receive financial aid and practice with the team but cannot compete during their first year.

Warning: Academic eligibility is NON-NEGOTIABLE. No grades = no eligibility = no scholarship. Start building good habits NOW. Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center in 9th grade at eligibilitycenter.org.

SAT/ACT Note: The NCAA temporarily waived test score requirements during COVID. Check with the NCAA Eligibility Center for the latest policy on whether test scores are required for your enrollment year. Even if optional, strong scores strengthen your academic profile.

NIL, Transfer Portal & Recent Rule Changes

NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)

• Athletes can earn money from their name, image, and likeness while in college
• The NCAA's revenue-sharing model (House v. NCAA settlement) now allows schools to share revenue directly with athletes — up to ~$20-22 million per year per school
• Start building your personal brand early — social media presence matters
• NIL does not affect eligibility, but follow your school's and state's specific guidelines

Transfer Portal

• Football has two transfer windows: Spring (April 16–30) and Fall (10-day window in August)
• First-time transfers can play immediately
• Athletes who transfer more than once may need to sit out a year
• The portal gives athletes more flexibility, but plan wisely — it's not guaranteed you'll find a better fit

Other Key Changes

• Roster Caps: FBS programs may have formal roster limits (~105 players) under new settlement rules
• Recruiting Calendar: The NCAA has simplified contact/evaluation periods into clearer windows
• NAIA: Register at play.mynaia.org — more flexible eligibility and NIL rules than NCAA
• JUCO Path: Earn an associate degree or 48+ credits with a 2.0 GPA to transfer to a 4-year NCAA school

Stay Current: College football rules are evolving rapidly. Always check ncaa.org, play.mynaia.org, or njcaa.org for the latest requirements for your enrollment year.

Start Your Recruiting Journey Today

Create your GIC profile, get verified at a combine, and start building your path to college football.

Create Free Profile View Prospect Board

More Resources

Parent Resources|Combine Prep Guide|FAQ

Recruiting Timeline

7th Grade

Foundation Year

Focus: Skill Development

Focus on fundamentals and multiple positions
Attend local camps and showcases
Create basic highlight video (optional)
Begin tracking academic grades
Get GIC Verified at combines

Priority: Development > Exposure

8th Grade

Positioning Year

Focus: Exposure Begins

Create/update athlete profile on GIC
Attend regional camps and combines
Build quality highlight reel (2-3 min)
Research target high school programs
Maintain strong academic standing

Priority: Skills + Early Exposure

9th Grade (Freshman)

Evaluation Year

Focus: Get on Radar

Compete for varsity or JV playing time
Attend prospect camps at target schools
Update highlights after each season
Build relationships with HS coaches
Register with NCAA Eligibility Center (eligibilitycenter.org)

Priority: Game Film + Camp Performance

10th Grade (Sophomore)

Engagement Year

Focus: Active Recruiting

Start contacting college coaches directly
Attend college camps (junior days)
Take PSAT; begin SAT/ACT prep (aim for SAT 900+ or ACT 18+)
Create recruiting resume/profile
Visit schools of interest

Priority: Coach Contact + Academics

11th Grade (Junior)

Critical Year

Focus: Decision Time

This is THE year for D1/D2 offers
Official and unofficial visits
Take SAT/ACT — higher scores = more flexibility on GPA sliding scale
Narrow school list to top 5-10
Communicate consistently with coaches

Priority: Offers + Visits

12th Grade (Senior)

Commitment Year

Focus: Finalize

Commit and sign (NLI if scholarship)
Complete NCAA eligibility process
Maintain grades (don't slack!)
Stay healthy and finish season strong
Prepare for college transition

Priority: Sign + Finish Strong

College Football Divisions Explained

NCAA Division I (FBS)

~~13,000 players

Scholarships:

85 (head count — full rides)

Academic Requirements:

Core GPA 2.3+ / SAT 900+ / ACT 75+ (sliding scale)

Path:

Elite. Top 1% of HS players. Heavy recruiting starts junior year. Revenue-sharing model now in effect.

NCAA Division I (FCS)

~~16,000 players

Scholarships:

63 (equivalency — can be split)

Academic Requirements:

Core GPA 2.3+ / SAT 900+ / ACT 75+ (sliding scale)

Path:

High-level football with scholarship opportunities. Often a stepping stone to FBS.

NCAA Division II

~~17,000 players

Scholarships:

36 (equivalency — often split)

Academic Requirements:

Core GPA 2.2+ / SAT 840+ / ACT 70+ (sliding scale)

Path:

Competitive football with partial scholarships. More academic flexibility than D1.

NCAA Division III

~~26,000 players

Scholarships:

0 (academic & merit aid only)

Academic Requirements:

Set by each school (no NCAA minimum)

Path:

Football + strong academics. No athletic scholarships but often great financial aid packages.

NAIA

~~25,000 players

Scholarships:

24 (equivalency — can be split)

Academic Requirements:

Meet 2 of 3: GPA 2.0+, Top 50% class rank, ACT 18+ / SAT 970+

Path:

Great option. Less restrictive than NCAA. Many scholarship opportunities. Register at play.mynaia.org.

JUCO (Junior College)

~~15,000 players

Scholarships:

Varies by division (D1 JUCO up to 85)

Academic Requirements:

HS diploma or GED (no minimum test score)

Path:

2-year programs. Great development path to 4-year schools. Earn an associate degree, then transfer.

Pro Tip: Don't sleep on D2, D3, and NAIA programs. Many offer excellent education, playing opportunities, and financial aid. The best fit isn't always the highest level.

Creating an Effective Highlight Film

Do's and Don'ts

DO

✓Start with your best plays (first 30 seconds matter most)
✓Include game film (not just practice)
✓Show plays from multiple games
✓Keep it 2-4 minutes max
✓Include your jersey number and position
✓Add contact info at the end
✓Show plays that demonstrate your role
✓Include measurables (40 time, height, weight)

DON'T

✗Lead with mediocre plays
✗Only show practice clips
✗All highlights from one game
✗Make it 10+ minutes long
✗Assume they'll find you
✗Leave out how to reach you
✗Only show touchdowns
✗Leave out key stats

Coaches watch thousands of films. You have 30 seconds to grab their attention. Put your absolute best plays first. Quality over quantity, always.

Contacting Coaches

Sample Introduction Email Template

Subject: [Your Name] - [Position] - [Grad Year] - [HS Name] - Prospect Introduction

Dear Coach [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Position] at [High School Name] in [City, State]. I am in the Class of [Grad Year] and am very interested in [College Name] and your football program.

[1-2 sentences about why you're interested in this specific school/program]

Here are my current stats and measurables:
• Height/Weight: [X'X" / XXX lbs]
• 40-yard dash: [X.XX]
• GPA: [X.XX] / [Core GPA if different]
• SAT/ACT: [Score] (if taken)

[1-2 sentences about your season/accolades]

I have attached my highlight film and would love the opportunity to learn more about your program. I will be attending [any upcoming camps/events].

Highlight Film: [Link]
Hudl/Profile: [Link]

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Twitter/Social Handle if appropriate]

When to Send

September-November (fall camp follow-up) and January-March (spring eval period).

Follow Up

If no response in 2-3 weeks, send ONE polite follow-up. Then move on.

Be Genuine

Research each school. Don't send generic mass emails. Coaches can tell.

Academic Eligibility (NCAA)

Core Course Requirements

NCAA Division I — 16 Core Courses

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of Math (Algebra I or higher)
• 2 years of Natural/Physical Science (1 must be a lab course)
• 1 additional year of English, Math, or Science
• 2 years of Social Science
• 4 additional core courses (any category above or foreign language)

10-of-16 Rule: 10 of your 16 core courses must be completed before senior year, and 7 of those 10 must be in English, Math, or Science. Your core GPA for these 10 courses is locked at that point.

NCAA Division II — 16 Core Courses

• 3 years of English
• 2 years of Math
• 2 years of Natural/Physical Science
• 3 additional years of English, Math, or Science
• 2 years of Social Science
• 4 additional core courses

D1 GPA/Test Score Sliding Scale

Higher GPA = lower required test score (and vice versa). Based on the SAT (out of 1600) and ACT sum score.

Core GPA 3.55+SAT 400 / ACT 37

Core GPA 3.00SAT 620 / ACT 52

Core GPA 2.50SAT 820 / ACT 68

Core GPA 2.30 (full qualifier min)SAT 900 / ACT 75

Core GPA 2.00–2.29Academic Redshirt

Academic Redshirt (D1): Athletes with a core GPA between 2.0 and 2.299 can receive financial aid and practice with the team but cannot compete during their first year.

NIL, Transfer Portal & Recent Rule Changes

NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)

• Athletes can earn money from their name, image, and likeness while in college
• The NCAA's revenue-sharing model (House v. NCAA settlement) now allows schools to share revenue directly with athletes — up to ~$20-22 million per year per school
• Start building your personal brand early — social media presence matters
• NIL does not affect eligibility, but follow your school's and state's specific guidelines

Transfer Portal

• Football has two transfer windows: Spring (April 16–30) and Fall (10-day window in August)
• First-time transfers can play immediately
• Athletes who transfer more than once may need to sit out a year
• The portal gives athletes more flexibility, but plan wisely — it's not guaranteed you'll find a better fit

Other Key Changes

• Roster Caps: FBS programs may have formal roster limits (~105 players) under new settlement rules
• Recruiting Calendar: The NCAA has simplified contact/evaluation periods into clearer windows
• NAIA: Register at play.mynaia.org — more flexible eligibility and NIL rules than NCAA
• JUCO Path: Earn an associate degree or 48+ credits with a 2.0 GPA to transfer to a 4-year NCAA school

Stay Current: College football rules are evolving rapidly. Always check ncaa.org, play.mynaia.org, or njcaa.org for the latest requirements for your enrollment year.