Your roadmap from youth football to college recruitment. Everything athletes and parents need to know about the recruiting process.
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.
Focus: Skill Development
Focus: Exposure Begins
Focus: Get on Radar
Focus: Active Recruiting
Focus: Decision Time
Focus: Finalize
~~13,000 players
85 (full)
GPA 2.3+ / SAT 900+ / ACT 75+ (sliding scale)
Elite. Top 1% of HS players. Heavy recruiting starts junior year.
~~16,000 players
63 (can be split)
GPA 2.3+ / SAT 900+ / ACT 75+ (sliding scale)
High-level football with scholarship opportunities. Often stepping stone to FBS.
~~17,000 players
36 (often split)
GPA 2.2+ / SAT 840+ / ACT 68+
Competitive football with partial scholarships. More academic flexibility.
~~26,000 players
0 (academic/merit aid only)
Varies by school
Football + strong academics. No athletic scholarships but often great financial aid.
~~25,000 players
24 (can be split)
2 of 3: GPA 2.0+, Top 50% class, ACT 18+ / SAT 970+
Great option. Less restrictive than NCAA. Many scholarship opportunities.
~~15,000 players
Varies
HS diploma or GED
2-year programs. Great development path to 4-year schools. Second chances.
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.
Coaches watch thousands of films. You have 30 seconds to grab their attention. Put your absolute best plays first. Quality over quantity, always.
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]
September-November (fall camp follow-up) and January-March (spring eval period).
If no response in 2-3 weeks, send ONE polite follow-up. Then move on.
Research each school. Don't send generic mass emails. Coaches can tell.
Higher GPA = lower required test score (and vice versa).
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.
Create your GIC profile, get verified at a combine, and start building your path to college football.
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