Becoming a college football player is no easy task. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication both on and off the field.
In this blog, we will discuss four key areas to think about in order to make the best impression on coaches and increase your chances of being recruited.
First, we'll discuss eligibility. Then, we'll talk about the type of football training needed to play at the college football level. Next, we'll help you understand more about college football summer camps and their role in recruiting. Finally, we'll give you some practical lifestyle and training tips to help you rise above the rest of the pack and stand out to coaches.
First and foremost: Make sure you are eligible for college football!
This is the first, most crucial, and most overlooked step in the recruiting process - make sure you are eligible! You may not be trying to go to college to "play school," but you won't even have a shot if you aren't eligible.
In order to be eligible to play football for an NCAA college, you must meet these two requirements:
-You must be a high school graduate or have earned a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
-You must also register with the NCAA Clearinghouse. This is the organization that determines if you meet the eligibility requirements to play college football at the DI and DII level. This is a required step in your recruiting process, so make sure you have it done! You can find more information on their website.
Secondly, train for college football above and beyond your high school training
While your high school training program is important, and high school coaches are key in your development as a player, you also need to work on your skills outside of school. In order to play college football especially at the D1 level, you need to have developed a strong skill set.
There are many ways to improve your football skills, and the best way to do that is by finding private coaches or training groups. These coaches can help you develop the specific skills required of your position including footwork, technique, and even strength and conditioning.
Look for a coach who is passionate about the game and has experience working with athletes at your level. You should also make sure that this coach will take into consideration the training you are doing at your high school. The training you are doing in the private setting is a supplement to your high school program, not a replacement. You only have four football seasons in high school, and typically commitment is made prior to finishing your senior year, so training for college recruiting specifically can make a huge difference in your development as a football player. Don’t be afraid to invest in a private football coach.
Next, Get exposure to College Coaches at Summer Camps
When it comes to making a good impression on college football coaches, one of the best things you can do is attend summer camps. Camps and combines are your opportunity to show off your skills to some of the best coaches in the country. Make sure you arrive on time, stay focused during drills, and listen to all instructions. If you can demonstrate your dedication and willingness to learn, coaches will take notice.
Picking the right camps is crucial to the recruiting process. For this reason, it is important that you show up to these camps prepared. Working with a private coach on skill and technique development can help you make the most of this opportunity.
Reaching out to coaches in advance with your highlight videos can help them notice you more too. Some high school athletes in your recruiting class might receive a scholarship offer or even a full ride. For some tips on how to choose which camps to go to, check out our blog on How to Choose Which College Football Camps to Attend!
Lastly, Put in the time and work harder than anyone else
If you want to become a college football player, you need to be prepared to work harder than anyone else. This involves putting in extra time and effort both on and off the field. You need to be focused and driven, always working to improve your skills.
Think of it this way: The average high school football player does not play football in college. So if you have your sights pegged on a college scholarship, you have to be above average. If the average high school football player trains with his team 3-4 times a week in the off-season, goes to 95% of their practices during the season, and spends 30 minutes on film each week, you need to do more - a lot more.
You should be training 5-8 times a week in the off-season, never miss a practice, during the season, and spend five times as much time studying film each week. You also need to be discipline with your grades, nutrition, and sleep. These are all important factors in your success as a football player.
Make no mistake about it, if you want to be a great (above average) player, you will have to sacrifice some things that average players do.
What things? Here’s a list:
-Hanging out with your friends on Friday and Saturday nights
-Sleeping in late on the weekends
-Eating whatever you want, whenever you want
-Spending hours playing video games or watching TV
These are all things that the average player does on a frequent basis. This doesn't mean you can never hang out with your friends or sleep in every now and then, but if you want to be above average, you need to be willing give these things up when needed. This may sound unfair, but the reality is that everyone has the same number of hours in a day. How those hours are spent are what separate average from great.
If you want to become a college football player, it's going to take a lot of hard work and dedication. You need to be willing to do more training than just your high school program, attend summer camps, and put in extra time and effort both on and off the field. If you're willing to make the sacrifices necessary, you'll have a much better chance of achieving your goal.
We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of what it takes to become a college football player.
At the OH Line Academy in central Ohio, we train the most elite Offensive Linemen in middle and high school football to help them play at the D1 level. Check out our facility and programs on our website to find out if it would be a good fit for you to join our football training programs.