Navigating the college football recruiting timeline can be overwhelming. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand when to take key actions throughout your high school career:
Freshman Year: Foundation Building
Focus: Academic performance and skill development
- Maintain strong grades (GPA matters for eligibility)
- Start building your highlight reel
- Attend camps and combines to get exposure
- Focus on skill development and learning the game
Key Action: Begin creating a recruiting profile and collecting game film.
Sophomore Year: Early Evaluation
Focus: Getting noticed and understanding your level
- Continue strong academic performance
- Build relationships with high school coaches
- Submit early film for professional evaluations
- Attend college camps and showcases
- Start researching programs that might be a good fit
Key Action: Get professional evaluations from verified scouts to understand where you stand and what to improve.
Junior Year: Peak Recruiting Period
Focus: Maximizing exposure and building relationships
Fall (September-November):
- Continue submitting updated film
- Reach out to college coaches (after September 1st for most divisions)
- Attend games at colleges you're interested in
- Maintain strong grades and test scores
Spring (March-May):
- Attend college camps and combines
- Take official visits (if offered)
- Continue building relationships with coaches
- Update your highlight reel with junior year film
Key Action: This is when most offers come in. Be proactive in communication and continue improving your game.
Senior Year: Decision Time
Focus: Making your college choice
Fall (September-December):
- Take official visits
- Continue communication with interested programs
- Make your commitment decision
- Sign National Letter of Intent (NLI) during early signing period (December)
Spring (January-April):
- Complete any remaining official visits
- Finalize your decision
- Sign during regular signing period if needed (February-April)
Important Dates to Remember
- September 1st (Junior Year): Division I coaches can begin contacting prospects
- Early Signing Period: Mid-December
- Regular Signing Period: February-April
- Dead Periods: Times when coaches cannot have in-person contact (varies by division)
The Role of Professional Evaluations
Getting professional evaluations early (sophomore/junior year) can help you:
- Understand your recruiting level
- Identify areas for improvement before peak recruiting season
- Get feedback on your highlight reel
- Build confidence in your recruiting journey
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Waiting too long: Start building your profile and getting evaluations early
2. Ignoring academics: Grades and test scores are non-negotiable
3. Poor communication: Respond promptly to coaches and be professional
4. Overlooking fit: Consider academic, athletic, and personal fit, not just division level
The Bottom Line
The recruiting timeline moves quickly, and being prepared is essential. Start early, get professional feedback, and stay proactive throughout the process. Professional evaluations from verified scouts can provide the insights you need to navigate this journey successfully.
Ready to get started? Submit your film for professional evaluation today.