to join that program, tell the coach that you want him or
her to continue considering you for the roster position. You
also want to increase your leverage in the process. Coach, I
appreciate that you think there might be another player that can
play my position better than me. Your program is my first choice,
and I look forward to demonstrating that I’m the type of player
you’re looking for. I’m talking to (two, three) other coaches about
their programs, so if you choose not to include me in your plans,
would you please let me know so I can sign with another college?
Then, be quiet.
While your profile is important, football coaches rarely
recruit players without first seeing videotape of them playing.
That is why the creation of a video is so vital to your being
successfully recruited. Refer back to the section concerning
creating an effective videotape.
Many football coaches sponsor or attend football camps or
combines. Be sure you know which coaches will be working or
attending the combine or camp you attend. Combines are usu-
ally organized around a number of activities that allow attend-
ing coaches to evaluate speed, power, courage, and strength of
prospects. Camps are designed with football skill evaluation
and development as the primary objective. Many coaches
attend the best camps in order to evaluate prospects they are
recruiting. Rarely do college coaches attend camps searching for
prospects. However, the wise football prospect will be certain to
attend at least one combine.
Basketball
Basketball is the toughest recruiting challenge for a prospect.
Why? There are fewer roster positions and scholarships avail-
able than in most other major sports.
126 The Sports Scholarships Insider’s Guide