In my last post, I discussed things that freshman should be doing to put themselves in line to get recruited. Now don’t get me wrong, this guide is not to make sure you get offers as a freshman. Typically, what leads to early offers are unusual skill sets. Players that are abnormally large, fast or hyper skilled as 9th graders get the offers.
With that said, high school does not only consist of your 9th grade year. Even though the game has gotten shorter because of the early signing period and the transfer portal, it’s still a long term game. This means that you have to take certain steps to be in position to cash in at the end. The end is your senior year of high school and national signing day.
Along those lines, here is part II of the things freshman need to do to get recruited by college football programs.
Build Relationships with Coaches:
Initiate contact with college coaches and build relationships with them. Attend college football games, visit campuses, and communicate with coaches through emails, phone calls, or social media. Express genuine interest in their programs and inquire about their recruiting processes. Coaches often appreciate proactive athletes who take the initiative to reach out.Never blow off a coach.Yes,it can be time consuming but the coach you blow off today could be the coach that ends up at the school you want to go to tomorrow.
Stay Active on Social Media:
Maintain a positive and professional presence on social media platforms. College coaches may review a recruit’s social media profiles to gauge character and behavior. Avoid controversial or inappropriate posts that could negatively impact recruitment opportunities. Use social media platforms to share highlights, accomplishments, and updates on football-related activities.It’s best to create a separate account on Twitter for your recruiting information.It is also ultra important that you create an account on the GridironStuds App.Either way,be very aware of what you post on social media.You don’t want it coming back to haunt you.
Seek Guidance from High School Counselors and Coaches:
Engage with high school counselors and coaches who have experience with college recruitment. They can provide valuable insights, assist with academic planning, and help navigate the recruitment process. Attend college recruitment seminars or workshops to gather information on eligibility requirements, NCAA rules, and timelines.You may think that you don’t have the time or that these things may be boring.Change your mindset.When these things pay off for you down the road,you will be very glad you did them.
Stay Physically Fit and Take Care of Health:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient rest. Focus on strength and conditioning to improve physical capabilities. Stay injury-free by practicing proper training techniques and seeking appropriate medical attention when needed.The focus as a high school football player is on lifting and running but don’t forget your diet.Realize that what you eat plays a bigger role in how you look and how you perform than lifting weights does.A great combination of both will give you the edge over many others.
Remain Persistent and Resilient:
The recruitment process can be challenging and may involve setbacks or rejections. It’s essential to remain persistent, motivated, and resilient throughout the journey. Stay committed to personal growth, continue to work hard, and seize every opportunity to showcase skills and character to college recruiters.Just like your journey to becoming a good football player,the journey towards getting recruited will have sticking points.The same way you didn’t quit lifting weights when you failed in the bench press is the same way you are going to keep pushing when you don’t get what you want initially in recruiting.The only failure is in not trying.
Combined with Part I of this guide, the freshman that follows these steps has the edge over all others with most things being equal. No amount of steps can overcome a physical inability to compete at the next level. Assuming that this is not an issue that you face, staying on top of the steps outlined in this article will have you inline to acheive your goal of obtaining a college football scholarship.
Football fans across America continue to obsess over the most simple drill in the game of football. Is there anything more discussed than the 40 yard dash? Every Spring, this drill takes center stage and undoubtedly the question is asked 1,o00’s of times. What’s the fastest 40 yard dash?
Just as sure as you get the question asked 1,000 times, you will get dozens of ridiculous answers. For starters, let’s find out why the 40 yard dash? When and why did 40 yards become so significant? It started in the 1960’s with the NFL team that had the most developed and comprehensive scouting department and that was the Dallas Cowboys. Prior to this time period, NFL coaches chose the 50 yard dash as the mark of measure to determine a player speed worthiness. In 1960, Gil Brandt, the director scouting for the Cowboys along with his department came up with the 40/20/10 measurement. The 40 was used for all players. The 20 yard split time of the 40 was of great significance for linemen since the thought was that they rarely run 40 yards in a game. The 10 yard split was important for wide receivers as a measure of their burst off of the line of scrimmage. With this, a drill was born and almost 50 years later, it has become the center piece of info on a prospective high school, college or professional football player.
So who had the fastest 40 yard dash ever? Research confirmed what I already knew and that there is no way to really tell. Here are some important things to know about the 40 yard dash:
Run your fastest 40 ever. Click on the pic.
– A hand time (use of a stop watch) will usually be faster than an electronic time
– There are two types of electronic times:
1. When a watch is started by a coach and an electronic beam records the time when it picks up the player crossing the end point
2. When an electronic beam picks up the movement of a player from the start and starts the clock. An electronic beam also detects the player at the end point and stops the clock. This time will be slower than version #1 and even slower than a hand time in which a coach starts his stop watch when he sees the player begin the run and then stops the watch when he sees the player cross the finish line.
– An accurtrack time will be the slowest of all. Accutrack is what is used at track meets. The clock in accu-track timing starts when the starter’s pistol is shot. The runner’s time for the event is recorded digitally when the technology detects the player crossing the finish line.
Studies have shown that that average reaction time by a human to a starter’s pistol is .25 seconds. For this reason, anyone who compares a 40 yard split time in a 100 meter event and compares it to reported hand timed 40 yard dash marks is making a big mistake. If you want compare the 40 yard split of a runner in a 100 meter event, subtract .25 seconds from the recorded time. So, Olympic runner Justin Gatlin’s 4.42 forty yard dash split recorded during his Gold Medal winning 9.85 100 meter run, would convert to a 4.17 forty yard dash by football standards.
After much research a few things have come up over and over and over. These things plus my own two eyes would lead me to believe that Darrell Green, Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders were the fastest football players to ever play the game.
It has been said consistently that Darrell Green recorded a time of 4.09 at the Washington Redskins’ training camp in 1986. That’s a hard time to swallow but Green’s obvious speed has been put on display many times while he was in the NFL. Green ran down from significant distances two of the fastest running backs to play in the NFL (Tony Dorsett and Eric Dickerson). Green has said in interviews that the fastest time he has ever been aware of running is 4.15. To his credit, Green does have a verifiable and official time of 10.08 in the 100 meters while he was a college student at Texas A&I University. If anyone could run a sub 4.1 forty, it was Darrell Green.
Many sources report a 4.12 forty yard dash time for Bo Jackson and if you watched him turn the corner and run down the sidelines in 1987 versus the Seattle Seahawks, you would not doubt any time reported by this freak of nature. Repetition does not make it a fact but if enough sources have reported this time to make me believe it. Jackson has an official 10.39 time in the 100 meter dash in college.
Deion Sanders has the closest thing of the three as a verifiable 40 yard dash time. Sanders ran a 4.21 forty yard dash at the 1989 NFL combine and kept right on going through the finish line into the first round of that year’s NFL draft. Like Green and Jackson, anyone who watched Sanders play would have little trouble believing that Sanders pulled off this feat. Sanders recorded a 10.21 100 meter mark while at Florida St.
Of course there are scores of reported 40 yard dash times that have made the rounds on the Internet. Some are ridiculous like the 3.9’s attached to a couple of players and some 4 flats that were attached to some others.
Here are some of the problems with reported 40 yard dash times from team workouts. Some times you can’t be sure that the distance run was indeed 40 yards. There’s always the chance that the distance was not properly marked. When teams do individual private workouts for teams, often times the scout has not brought the necessary tool to mark off the distance. There’s also the chance that player’s will cheat the distance. I have first hand knowledge of a player starting in front of the starting point to run a forty, fully taking advantage of the fact that there was only one scout on hand and that he could not tell if the player was indeed starting at the correct mark. Another problem is the angle of the surface. There are plenty of practice fields across the country that have a slope. Coaches see great value in having their players run on a slight decline to record eye popping times. Savvy scouts will insist that players run up one way and then down the other. An average of the two times is taken to get the most accurate time. One other problem is that some players run the 40 yard dash with cleats on grass while other places have their players run on a synthetic track with spikes on. Guess who would record the fastest time.
In my personal experiences, I have seen some sub 4.3 forty yard dashes in my time. Kevin Williams of the University of Miami (1989-92) ran a 4.28 forty yard dash before my own eyes. Former Hurricanes Tremain Mack (4.25) and Al Shipman (4.27) ran sub 4.3 forties before my own eyes. Track star Henry Neal recorded a 4.20 forty yard dash before my own eyes in a workout for the Miami Dolphins in 1996. The Dolphins did not sign Neal since his football background was quite limited. I never watched him run an actual 40 yard dash but after having to cover him in training camp, I am inclined to believe every second of Joey Galloway’s reported 4.18 forty yard dash.
One player that is not on the list is Bob Hayes of the Dallas Cowboys. No doubt, Hayes was one of the fastest men, if not
the fastest man to put on an NFL uniform. However, as it relates to the 40 yard dash, I could find no time recorded for this Olympic Gold medalist. Hayes has the fastest 100 meter time for an NFL player at 10.05. Should current Florida Gator Jeffery Demps make it to the NFL for any significant amount of time, he will own the fastest time at 10.01. Demps ran this as a high schooler and owns the national prep record for the event.
The fastest recorded 40 yard split on record belongs to Olympian Maurice Greene. During his World Record 60 meter run of 6.33, a mark that still exists, Green crossed the 40 yard mark at 4.18. Remembering that .25 seconds must be subtracted from that time due to Accu-track timing and you come up with a 40 yard dash time of 3.93 seconds. What’s the problem with that time? It was run on an indoor track with spikes on giving the runner an advantage over the football players who have run on grass with cleats.
In an effort to centralize all the reported 40 yard dash times. I will start what we call the SUB 4.3 Club. I will attempt to keep a running record of the sub 4.3 forty yard dashes and their owners in this list. I will refrain from adding times of the ridiculous and will do some research on all times that qualify. I will say one thing, can you web surfers stop reporting that Deion Sanders ran a 4.57 forty yard dash backwards. That’s just flat out ridiculous.
Enjoy the following list of reported (and somewhat believable) 40 yard dashes run under 4.3 seconds. We will continue to add on to this list over time. Did I miss someone? Comment on this article and make your case. Please do not quote high school forty yard dash times. Nothing against them, let’s just stick to college and pro football right now.
Listings in bold are new ones added since last update.
Note Updated: 3/03/24
We are getting annual additions to this list and 2024 was no different. However, 2024 will be special in that it provided us with a new combine record. Before we get to that, let’s take a look at the other new addition to the list in Nate Wiggins of Clemson (cornerback) who dropped an official 4.28 to end up on the list:
Nate Wiggins just dropped a 4.29.
The NFL teams he spoke to told him they were expecting a time in the 4.5’s.
Now, let’s talk about the record. Texas wide receiver, Xavier Worthy, who trained at EXOS In Phoenix, Arizona broke the 7 year old combine record of 4.22 set by Washington receiver John Ross when he unloaded a 4.21 official time. You will see in the video below that his unofficial time was a 4.22. It was later announced that his official time was 4.21 besting that of Ross. Here is the clip below:
Note Updated: 3/5/23: It would’ve been hard to top what we saw at he combine in 2022 as three guys entered the list (an all time high) This year’s combine didn’t disappoint though as players continue to get faster and faster. This year, DJ Turner from Michigan entered the list with a blistering 4.26 forty (see video below). Though the video shows 4.27, his official time ended up being 1 hundreth of a second faster at 4.26. Turner trained at XPE in Ft. Lauderdale who, by the way, was responsible for all three of last year’s entries onto the list. It appears that XPE headed by Tony Vilani and Matt Gates is onto something.
4.27u 😳😳😳@UMichFootball DB DJ Turner II is turning heads.
Note Updated: 3/7/22: We may have just experienced the fastest NFL combine in history. It stands to reason as training has developed at a rapid pace over the last decade for the 40 yard dash. Three new entries are on the list now after the combine which is a record for the list since it was created. We thought we had a new all time combine record when the receivers went several nights ago. The unofficial time for Tyquan Thornton out of Baylor was 4.21. Somehow the official time ended up being .7 slower so he enters with a 4.28. This is still majorly impressive for a taller athlete at 6’2″ Everyone wondered how the defensive backs would look when it was their turn and at first it did not see as though they would match the wide receiver output. However, in the exact opposite of what happened with the wide receiver group, the defensive back official times all ended up being quite a bit faster than the unofficial times posted on the screen during the NFL Network broadcast. With that, we ended up with two more additions to the list with Tyriq Woolen from UT San Antonio putting down a 4.26 official time and Baylor’s Kalen Barnes putting up a 4.23 official time just missing a chance to tie the best combine time ever by .01. My list has now swelled to 59 members.
Below is a look at Barnes nearly record run. It was shown as a 4.29 on the NFL Network broadcast but was later amended to a 4.23
Note Updated: 4/19/21: Two new additions to the all time list. Anthony Schwartz wide receiver from Auburn (4.25) and Eric Stokes defensive back from Georgia (4.29). Of course, you all know that there was no combine this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. This means that the only thing we had were pro day times. Much has been said and speculated about the pro day results. I will make this careful observation based on what I know, I’ve seen and I’ve heard.
With no combine, players had more time to prepare. That alone will yield better results. In addition, the combine is a rigorous process that does not lend itself to tip top athletic results by all. Some manage that process better than others for a number of reasons.
The biggest discrepancy with the times seems to have come from agents and schools trying to promote their players vigorously in an attempt to boost their draft stock. As such, I did my research and found the sources that I could trust on the times and went with those. At the end of the day, these two athletes seem to have been the ones whose sub 4.3 times are able to stick. Both Schwartz and Stokes were high school sprint stars running 10.05 and 10.39 respectively. While that does not guarantee them sub 4.3 yard dash times, it does give their run more credibility.
Note Updated: 2/28/20: Alabama’s Henry Ruggs has been added to the list. Ruggs turned in a time of 4.27 at the NFL Combine on 2/27/20. Many had speculated that he would break the combine record of 4.22 recorded by John Ross in 2017, Ruggs came up short. Nevertheless, 4.27 is an outstanding time that puts him at #37 on our list.
Note Updated 3/05/19: Added Zedrick Woods of Ole Miss to the list. There were many fast times at the 2019 NFL combine but only one guy was able to go sub 4.3 and get on the list.
Note Updated 2/03/19: We’ve all wondered what Usain Bolt would do in a 40. Well, wonder no more, kind of. At the NFL Experience during Super Bowl LIII, Bolt, ran the 40 yard dash in sweatpants and sneakers. He casually came through the line in an unofficial 4.22. Mind you, I doubt he went through a full warm-up and the set up was such that he could not run through the line at full speed. There’s little doubt that under the type of conditions that the NFL players run the 40 at the combine, Bolt, who is retired at age 32, would surpass anything any of us have ever seen in the 40 yard dash.
Note Updated: 3/8/17: University of Minnesota DB Jaylen Myrick has been added to the list with an official NFL combine time of 4.28. Myric joins a small list of NFL combine participants who have run under 4.30. Myrick’s time would have been the talk of the combine had John Ross from Washington not broken Chris Johnson’s long standing record with his time of 4.22.
Note Updated 3/4/17: University of Washington’s John Ross broke the combine official 40 yard dash record with a 4.22 laser time. He will be placed on the list with this time. With that said, several scouts had him under 4.20 with their hand times. Lowest I heard was 4.16. This would put Ross amongst the fastest ever. Ross cramped up immediately after his run and only ran one. Looking at the tape, he may have cramped near the end of his run. Truly an amazing performance.
Note Updated 3/5/16: The NFL Combine provided two new additions to the list. I do accept hand times to the list. In fact, hand times make up the majority of this list for any of you who may have been curious. The NFL Network, which televises the NFL Combine, uses former NFL GM Charlie Casserly as their timer for 40 yard dashes run at the combine. Casserly’s hand time makes up the “unofficial times” that you see on NFL Network during the telecast of the NFL Combine. This year, Georgia RB Keith Marshall cranked out a 4.29 according to Casserly’s watch during his 40 yard dash and Auburn DB Jonathan Joseph was the fastest hand time at the 2016 combine with a 4.28. Both have been added to the list as it has now grown to 48 members.
Note Updated 4/3/15: Pro timing days are still going but we do have two highly publicized entries onto the list. UCF’s Breshad Perriman cranked out a 4.22 forty at UCF’s pro timing day at 6’2″ and weighing 215 lbs. Only Randy Moss is taller than Perriman on this list. After running a 4.35 at the combine, Miami’s Phillip Dorsett cranked out a 4.25 at the University of Miami’s pro timing day. If you’ve had a chance to see video, it looked every bit of 4.2. Dorsett becomes the 5th Miami Hurricane added to the list.
Note Updated 2/24/15: Similar to last year we have only one new entry from this year’s NFL draft. After talk leading up to the combine of Miami’s Phillip Dorsett possibly breaking Chris Johnson’s record, only University of Birmingham Alabama’s JJ Nelson who was able to go under 4.3 seconds. Nelson earned his way onto our esteemed sub 4.3 list with a mark of 4.28 unofficially (4.29 officially). The next fastest mark at the 2015 combine came from Michigan St. cornerback Trae Waynes at 4.31. Dorsett did put a blazing time at 4.33 but it is quite short of Chris Johnson’s standing combine official record mark of 4.24. Stay tuned for some mutant clocking a ridiculous time at one of the upcoming Pro Days.
Note Updated 2/26/14: While the 2013 combine added four new members to our list, 2014 was not as generous. Kent St.’s Dri Archer was the only member of this year’s combine to go sub 4.3 and thus get added to the list. Archer listed at 5’7 3/4″ completed his dash in 18 steps which equals 6’5″ Calvin Johnson’s mark for the fewest amount of steps for the 40 yard dash at the combine. That is truly amazing power in his strides. With Archer, the list now grows to 45 in total.
Note Updated 2/25/13: 2013 Combine has done well to add to our growing list. First Tavon Austin blazed up the Indy track with an effort-less 4.25. Then Texas WR Marquis Goodwin refused to be outdone and posted up his own 4.25. Auburn’s Onterio McCalebb made them both sit down with his hand timed 4.21. Only Goodwin remained under 4.3 when the official times released as he ended up with 4.27. McCalebb and Austin both ended up with 4.34 official 40 times. I do count hand times for this list so all three make it.
Note Updated 3/05/13: Added Steve Williams from California who ran an unofficial 4.25 at the combine. Also added former Northern Iowa WR Terrell Sinkfield who ran a 4.19 at Minnesota U’s Pro Day on 3/04/13. Here’s an article discussing Sinkfield’s run.
Note Updated 1/11/12: Three new additions to the list. Clayton Holmes as prompted by a visitor named Kane who reminded me about the speedster front the Cowboys. After some research I was satisfied that he did indeed run a 4.23 forty yard dash during him time with the Cowboys. The other two additions came from an interview I happened to view from Tom Shaw who has trained some of the fastest men that have ever played and continue to play in the NFL. Ike Taylor of the Steelers who Shaw says ran a 4.25 coming into the NFL. Shaw also said Taylor once ran a 4.18 but I will stick with the 4.25 run before pro scouts. Shaw also mentioned how Rod Woodson ran a 4.28 at the NFL combine. I don’t know how that fact escaped me but it has escaped me no longer. So three new additions.
Notes Updated 3/05/11: Two new additions to the list. I added the 4.20 forty yard dash that I witnessed Henry Neal run at a Dolphin tryout in 1996. I remember it well because I had to run my 40 after his. My 4.44 clocking seemed pedestrian after Henry mowed the lawn for the scouts. Neal was not a football player but a track star that was well put together. He was 5’9″ 177 of all muscle. Perhaps some Dolphin scout saw him on his travels and flew him in for the workout.
The other addition is Walter Sutton. I was reminded of this by an ex-Miami teammate of mine named Kelvin Harris who resides from the Fort Myers area that Walter Sutton also came from. Sutton was drafted in the 4th round in 1991 by the Atlanta Falcons. Sutton unfortunately was not able to start his NFL career because he was prosecuted on a drug dealing charge. Sutton attended SW Minnesota St. and the best way to get drafted that high out of a school that size is to have speed and Walter did, clocking a 4.28 forty for the Falcons in a pre draft workout.
Notes Updated 3/02/11: DeMarcus Van Dyke is the latest addition to the list after clocking a 4.28 at the NFL combine. That’s about as legit as it gets. Van Dyke is the 4th Miami Hurricane to make the list.
Note Updated 1/11/12: Three new additions to the list. Clayton Holmes as prompted by a visitor named Kane who reminded me about the speedster front the Cowboys. After some research I was satisfied that he did indeed run a 4.23 forty yard dash during him time with the Cowboys. The other two additions came from an interview I happened to view from Tom Shaw who has trained some of the fastest men that have ever played and continue to play in the NFL. Ike Taylor of the Steelers who Shaw says ran a 4.25 coming into the NFL. Shaw also said Taylor once ran a 4.18 but I will stick with the 4.25 run before pro scouts. Shaw also mentioned how Rod Woodson ran a 4.28 at the NFL combine. I don’t know how that fact escaped me but it has escaped me no longer. So three new additions.
Notes Updated 1/24/11: Foolish me for not updating this sooner with Sam Shield’s 40 time since I witnessed it myself on his pro timing day last spring. While I still had my mouth open from his 11’3″ broad jump where he seemingly got stuck in the air, I watch Shields go out and chew up the first 40 yards like a 6 year old chews up a pack of bubbilicious. He then smoothly coasted through the 2nd twenty and had scouts huddling up like they were calling a play on 4th and 1. There were times all over the place ranging from 4.30 to 4.22 but the one most heard was 4.25 so that’s what I went with. Johnny Knox is also deserving to be on this list. Knox, from the Bears, ran a 4.34 at the combine when he was coming out but he also ran on his pro timing day and there are may reports that put his time in the 4.26-4.29 range. 4.29 is what I have heard the most, so that is what I went with.
Notes Updated: 3/04/10: USC’s Taylor Mays has been added to the list with his unofficial 4.24 at the NFL Combine. Eventhough his official time was a 4.43, I must include Mays’ time since several of the times on the list are hand times just like his. Pretty amazing given Mays size (6’3″, 230 lbs.). I may say that’s outside of Bo Jackson’s time, Mays’ may be the most impressive when you take in the size factor. Trindon Holliday has also been added for his unofficial 4.27 run at the combine on 3/01/10.
Notes Updated 3/01/10: Clemson’s Jacoby Ford and CJ Spiller were added to the list today. Ford’s time at the Indianapolis NFL combine was a 4.27 unofficially and 4.28 officially. CJ Spiller’s unofficial time was also a 4.28 but his official time ended up being a 4.37. I am taking the 4.28 because there are many times on this list that are unofficial hand times. Any way you look at it, CJ Spiller can fly.
Notes Updated 1/04/09: Who knew this article would become so popular. This has ended up being one of the most popular sports articles on the Internet since I wrote. Just goes to show how much of a hot topic 40 yard dash times are. I have received so many comments and emails about 40 yard dash times. Please understand this 40 yard dash list is an “official” list meaning the times on it can be verified. I am sure there have been some sub 4.3’s run out there but they have been done in a way that can not be verified. There are a 100 stories about some boy name “D-Rock” who ran a 4.17 with some high tops on at lunch time on the grass field. I can’t put those times on there. There are even times that may be closer to official that I won’t even include. For instance, anyone who has seen C.J. Spiller or Jacoby Ford from Clemson or Trindon Holliday from LSU run could guess that these guys probably run sub 4.3 forty’s. I am sure they have probably run them for some coach or strength and conditioning guy. In fact, Ford is said to have run a 4.26 at Clemson. Holliday’s high school coach claims he ran a 4.27 but I am suspicious of high school forty yard dash times. I need to tell you that up front. Spiller has an alleged low time of 4.28. However, he also has a high time of 4.47. On situations like that, I will just wait to see what they run at the combine or in their private NFL workouts. Sometimes, they don’t hit the times you expect them to hit.
NOTE: Some of the times listed above may have been run on a track with spikes on. In cases where I know that to be true, those players are excluded from this list. Football is not played on a synthetic rubber surface with track spikes on. DeAngelo Hall’s reported 4.15 on Virginia Tech’s indoor track when he was a junior in college would be an example of that.
Is there someone missing from the list? Comment on this article with name and the time. I will check it out and add it if research dictates that it should be there. Comment on this article.
Few things in life having undergone more changes over the last three years than college football recruiting. From NIL to transfer portal to early signing periods, college football recruiting now resembles computer programming in the way that players and parents need to stay updated. All of the changes have made it even more important for high school freshmen and their parents to be on point early on so that things can work out in their favor at the end. In part I of this two part series, I will layout five very important things that high school freshmen should do if they want to put themselves on course to get a college football scholarship.
Focus on Academics:
Maintaining strong academic performance is crucial for college recruitment. High grades and a solid GPA will demonstrate discipline, dedication, and the ability to balance academics with athletics. Student-athletes should prioritize their studies and aim for academic excellence throughout high school.Don’t get fooled by guys who seem big time without doing their best in the classroom.It catches up with them at some point.Don’t follow that path.
Develop Football Skills:
Dedicate time to honing football skills through practice, training, and participation in organized football activities. Attend offseason camps, clinics, and combine events to showcase abilities and gain exposure to college coaches and recruiters. Seek guidance from experienced coaches and trainers who can provide valuable instruction.As you progress through the levels,your football skill will be the thing that moves you beyond the next man.
Join a Competitive High School Program:
Playing for a competitive high school football program can offer exposure and opportunities to compete against top talent. Seek out schools with successful football programs and coaches who can help develop skills and provide valuable guidance. Perform at a high level in games and practices to attract attention from college recruiters.This tip won’t be popular with some high school coaches.Those coaches will be the ones who aren’t dedicated to giving their players the best opportunity to play beyond high school.For some coaches,it’s just a paycheck and for others,helping young student athletes reach their goals is a passion.Find the passionate coaches and programs.
Create a Highlight Reel:
Compile a highlight reel showcasing the athlete’s best plays and skills. Include footage from games, practices, and showcases. The reel should be well-edited, highlight the athlete’s strengths, and demonstrate their potential as a college-level player. Share the highlight reel with college coaches and recruiters to showcase abilities and generate interest.Show your best plays first and go in descending order.When it comes to highlight tapes,shorter is better.Two to four minutes is all you need to entice a coach’s interest.Besides,you are better off having them watch your top 15 plays over and over than having them watch 30 plays for 8 minutes that include routine plays that bore them.
Attend College Camps and Combines:
Participate in college football camps and combines organized by colleges and universities. These events provide exposure to college coaches and allow athletes to showcase their skills directly in front of recruiters. Research and attend camps hosted by schools of interest to increase visibility and create opportunities for evaluations.Use the Rivals and 247 type camps as practice for the college camps.Don’t worry about trying to become the MVP of the Rivals camp.Focus more on learning how to perform so that you can do that when you are actually in front of coaches who can offer you a scholarship.
These five things are a great way for you to get yourself on the right course. As freshmen, you have a hard time thinking about the future. Often times, at this age, you live very much in the moment and find it difficult just to focus on the day you are living in. Getting acclimated to high school and football as a 9th grader is challenging enough. However, scholarships for high school players are getting tougher to get. If you want to give yourself an edge then you must have an eye to the future. If you are a parent, you must insert yourself here and be sure that your young man is doing these things.
In part two next week, I will have more very useful tips for you to take advantage of. There are over 1 million high school football players each year in the United States. Most of these young athletes have an eye towards playing in college one day. What you do as a freshman will increase your increasing slim odds of achieving that goal.
For many high school football players, the dream of playing college football is one that’s cherished from a young age. The thought of wearing a college jersey, competing on a bigger stage, and receiving an education is incredibly enticing. However, the path to becoming a college football player is competitive and challenging. To help you get recruited and live your dream, here’s a playbook for high school football players and their parents.
1. Start Early
Recruitment often starts well before your senior year. College coaches look for young talent, so make sure to impress early. Attend football camps and showcases during your sophomore and junior years to get noticed.In your freshman season go to local camps or smaller camps just to get used to the atmosphere of how to compete in camps.This will prep you for the bigger and more important camps that will come down the road.
2. Maintain Good Grades
Academics play a crucial role in college football recruitment. Maintaining a strong GPA and taking challenging courses will make you a more appealing candidate to coaches. Many scholarships require a minimum GPA, so don’t let your grades slip. This advice typically gets skipped over by young players but not the parents.Listen to your parents because this part is more important than you realize.When things get competitive at the end of your recruitment,typically your GPA is the deciding factor.The less trouble it will take to get you into school,the better a prospect you become.
3. Create a Highlight Reel
Film is essential for recruiters. Compile a highlight reel showcasing your best plays. Include a mix of your top tackles, interceptions, touchdowns, and crucial moments. Make sure it’s easily accessible on a platform like Hudl or YouTube.I have a ton of info on how to best put your highlight video together on this website.There is an art to it and how you put it together should not be taken for granted.Coaches look at 100’s of highlight videos.You have to take the steps to make yours stand out or they may skip it.
4. Reach Out to Coaches
Don’t wait for coaches to come to you. Take the initiative and reach out to college coaches. Send them your highlight reel, your statistics, and a well-crafted introductory email expressing your interest in their program.The old adage of play well and they’ll find you does not apply anymore.Coaches have access to 1,000’s of recruits now because of the Internet and social media.Every year,many talented high school football players worthy of scholarship opportunities go unnoticed and let their college football dreams die.Don’t let that be you,be proactive and reach out to coaches.
5. Attend College Camps
Participate in college camps and combines. This is a great way to get in front of college coaches, receive hands-on instruction, and showcase your skills. Many players get noticed at these events.By college camps,I mean camps on college campuses.These camps are where the actual offers get handed out.The recruiting camps run by the recruiting websites are great but when it comes down to actually being seen by a college coach with the power to offer you,college camps are the way to go.
6. Choose the Right Fit
It’s not just about the college football program; it’s about finding the right academic and social fit. Don’t overlook factors like location, campus culture, and your major when considering colleges. Remember, you’re not just committing to a team; you’re committing to an education.It’s normal to get attached to a coach or persuaded by a recruiters words.After all,it’s their job to convince you.However,collect as much information as you can,sit back and make a logical choice.Though there is a transfer portal nowadays,going through that process is not as easy as you may think it is.Having to pick up and change schools because you made a choice is a waste of time and momentum.If doesn’t work out most of the time for the guys who do it.
7. Network and Get Noticed
Build a network within the football community. Attend recruiting events, join local football organizations, and connect with current or former college players. The more people who know you’re looking to play at the next level, the better your chances of getting noticed.This is the hardest part for young athletes.Many are intimidated by and uncomfortable talking to adults.Quite simply,get over that.We are talking about your future.The truth is that may adults respect young student-athletes who are both willing and able to hold a conversation or take the initiative to secure their future.Some of the best conversations you will have will be with adults who can give you insight into how to reach your recruiting goals.It may be uncomfortable at first but the rewards are worth it.
8. Be Patient and Persistent
Recruitment can be a long and sometimes frustrating process. You may receive rejection letters or not hear back from some colleges. Stay persistent, keep improving your skills, and don’t give up on your dream.You may hit some roadblocks and that is to be expected.In football not every play works,not every defense call is successful and you don’t win every game.The same way that you line up for the next play or the next game is the same way you stay on your path in recruiting.Where there is not a way,you find one.Also,your success most likely won’t be immediate so don’t lose your mind when it isn’t.Others may get offers before you but that doesn’t mean that they will have better opportunities in the end.Recruiting is a marathon,not a sprint.
9. Prepare for the Interview
When a coach expresses interest, be prepared for an interview. They’ll want to know about your character, work ethic, and team spirit. Showcase your passion for the sport and your dedication to being a team player.It will also help for you to know something about the school and the coach as well.Impress them with your knowledge of that they do.This goes a long way in giving them a good impression of you.Remember,recruiting is competitive so get an edge wherever you can.
10. Showcase Versatility
Versatility is a valuable trait. If you can play multiple positions or excel in various situations, make sure to highlight that in your recruitment materials. Coaches love players who can adapt to different game scenarios.How you put your highlight video together will also go a long way in highlighting your versatility.Show as much of what you can do in the first 60-90 seconds of your highlight video.Don’t make them wait.Lock in their interest from the start.
11. Stay in Shape
Stay in peak physical condition year-round. Coaches are more likely to take notice if you’re consistently in good shape and working on your strength, speed, and agility.In fact,I highly recommend that you play other sports.Coaches are always looking for guys that are talented in other sports or have the discipline to do it.All the data shows that athletes that excelled in multiple sports make the best players in the long run.
12. Keep a Positive Attitude
College coaches want players who are not only talented but also coachable and positive. Your attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn can make a significant impact on your recruitment.There’s nothing worse than trying to get a talented athlete to cooperate for the good of the team.Coaches are humans and want to work with people that are easy to work with.Being constantly difficult drains the energy out of those around you that could be used for something more related to winning.At the end of the day,it’s about wins and losses.Having a bad attitude does not make a winner.
13. Consider All Opportunities
Don’t rule out smaller schools or programs. Sometimes, a smaller college or university can offer significant opportunities for playing time and scholarships. Keep your options open.Everyone one wants to play the 3:30 pm game on Saturday on CBS or Fox or ESPN.However,not everyone will or should.Sometimes a smaller program can provide you with a much better experience and opportunity.Logically look at your choices and don’t just cast out a school because your ego won’t allow you to go there.
14. Seek Guidance
Finally, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your high school coaches, mentors, or recruiting experts. They can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the complex recruitment process.Playing college football is a remarkable achievement that combines your passion for the game with higher education. Remember that while talent is crucial, the process requires dedication, hard work, and a strategic approach. Follow this playbook, stay focused on your goals, and never give up on your dreams of playing college football. It’s a journey that can change your life and create lasting memories on and off the field. Good luck!
I think we all know that this first week of college football had provided us with less impact matchups than year’s past so it was going to take a Herculean performance in some of these matchups to generate the kind of excitement that previous season debuts have provided.Deion Sanders enters the chat….
By 1 PM est. on Saturday on this first full week of college football,Twitter was abuzz with the performance Colorado was putting on vs. TCU.From the opening offensive series you could see that Coach Prime and the boys from Boulder were about to back up all the words they threw down from the day he stepped foot on campus.If you watched me on the Footballville podcast or checked out the 2 Chumps Podcast this past weekend,you know that I was not expecting an immediate turn around in Boulder.Hell, I laid the points with TCU as one of my college football picks this week.So I deserve a certain portion of the scorn Sanders was issuing in the postgame.Not a great size of that portion but a portion nonetheless. I am 100% a believer in Coach Prime’s ability to turnaround the Colorado program.I definitely support the moves he made with the roster despite not being a full supporter of the transfer portal combined with NIL.If those are the weapons available to go to war then you have to use them.No one wielded that sword with more vengeance than Sanders.He sliced some heads off in game one.
There’s a long road ahead for Colorado in this 2023 season.Their schedule is tough and now they have the added weight of expectation.You can bet that the pendulum will make a full swing now in Colorado’s favor.The oddsmakers,the media and social media will firmly plant themselves in Colorado’s corner.Never underestimate the flock’s desire to gather in the motion of the tide.Colorado is hot and this wave will get ridden.Colorado faces a huge task in gathering themselves after the hoopla of this win and readying themselves for a Nebraska team that had a good showing in week 1 vs. Minnesota.What Colorado has in it’s corner is a more talented group of playmakers and a remarkable belief in what they can accomplish.So many teams off of a 1-11 season would’ve folded at several tide turns in that TCU game.Another benefit of white washing your roster via the transfer portal is that you don’t have the battle scared emotions of the previous regime.Sanders has been able to download the mindset into his athletes without the obstruction of 2022’s PTSD.
We can’t talk about Colorado’s achievement on Saturday afternoon without acknowledging the individual performances on the field.Coach Prime’s initial press conference in Boulder was widely analyzed.One remark during that conference that stuck with me was Prime saying “I’m bringing my luggage and it’s Louis.”Well Louis made it through the rigors of the baggage loading and claim process to display it’s quality versus the Horned Frogs.Most of the talk post game was on Travis Hunter and rightfully so.Hunter finished the game with 11 receptions for 119 yards including two misfires on deep balls.Defensively,he had three pass break-ups and one amazing red zone interception to rob TCU and their faithful of some late game momentum.However,that was not the biggest stat for Hunter on the day.In the eye of the sweltering Dallas September heat,this “human being” lined up for 151 snaps for the Colorado Buffaloes.This is unheard of.At game’s end,Hunter was not carried off the field ala Kellen Winslow in the 1982 playoff game vs. the Dolphins.He was not connected to an IV drip like many others were around college football yesterday.Hunter took a lap around the field high fiving Buff fans and could be seen dancing in the locker room during the Colorado celebration.Hunter needs to be the subject of a Ted Talk.
Despite all the astonishing numbers I just regurgitated in reference to Hunter, I came away more impressed with Coach Prime’s offspring,quarterback Shedeur Sanders.I know far too well the scorn a coach can face when his son is a starter on the team you coach.One other bone of contention in his intro team meeting in Boulder was Sanders naming Shedeur the starter without benefit of competition.In Sanders’ mind,there was no need to waste time.If you doubted that,not only were your silenced yesterday but your tongue hath been cut out.From the firstseries,Sanders displayed the poise,decision making and accuracy of a veteran.Most must admit that they didn’t pay much attention to Jackson St. Shedeur.So it was as if they were watching a freshman at quarterback for Colorado.Well,he’s no freshman.Sanders’ final stat line was 38 of of 47 for 510 yards, 4 touchdowns and the all important 0 interception.In a game that required the 21 point underdog Buffs to play clean,Sanders was immaculate.Being anything less than that in this game and the stories would’ve been so different. A big shot out goes to Colorado offensive coordinator Sean Lewis.Adding former head coaches to your coaching staff typically tend to be a good move if they are not angling for your job.Sanders deserves kudos for this hire and for that of his entire staff.What most may be willing to admit or not admit is that Colorado looked more organized and together than they expected.For that,Sanders’ entire staff deserves a hand.
Who knows what the future holds in 2023 for Colorado but what we can be guaranteed are two things.First,is that it will be more than what most (including myself) were thinking and one way or another everyone will be watching.
Extra Points
Time for Gator fans to repent…
The painful tweets flowed like the tears of a 4th place finisher in a tough Olympic event on Thursday night.2023 began as 2022 ended for the Florida Gators.Yet another coach seems to be falling short of the lofty expectations of the Gator fanbase.No doubt,this was the worst thing that could’ve happened for Billy Napier and his staff.Now he finds himself standing firmly in the same spot the previous three Gator head coaches have found them standing in but at a sooner point than any of them.Through two athletic directors and four coaching staffs,the unrelenting Gator’s fanbase has continued to be a menacing force.They are oblivious to their contributing force in the demise of the program. Their undue pressure and impatience has led to a new face of the program virtually every 2.8 years. What’s worse,this wrong and strong fanbase has continued with this charade of blaming their most recent demise on Marco Wilson and a shoe toss.Perhaps some of these bellowing this misguided folktale actually watched the game against LSU that night but I am of the belief that most of them didn’t.Why should they have watched?It was a team angling for a SEC playoff taking on a 3-5 LSU team in steep decline.For those who watched,they have sensationalized the shoe toss and made Wilson the scape goat for their menacing destruction as a fanbase.On that night,Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Kyle Trask was off.He threw a pick 6 to Eli Ricks and fumbled deep in Gator territory on another drive resulting in a LSU touchdown.Those two plays directly contributed to 14 points to LSU in a game that was tied up in the waning moments leading up to the shoe toss.What Wilson’ toss amounted to outside of coming at an unfortunate moment in the game was a 15 yard penalty and 3 points.Those 3 points could have been recouped when Florida’s kicker Evan McPherson missed a field goal 7 yards shorter than the one successfully converted by the LSU kicker moments earlier.So many things went wrong on that foggy and fateful night.Perhaps all of it could’ve been overcome had Florida’s head coach Dan Mullen put aside his arrogance and played a healthy Kyle Pitts in the game.He was only the best player on the team.They say that God does not like ugly. Perhaps the good faithful of Gainesville,a town firmly planted in Florida’s Bible Belt,should fall on a knee and repent for their two + year irrational slander against Marco Wilson.Perhaps they should see that LSU game for what it was,a team loss for a team that was built on a house of cards.Just a thought and one I fully expect to be ignored.Slander on Gator Nation and enjoy the pain that comes with it.
Football camps are a big part of the recruiting process.With thousands upon thousands of prospects attending these camps looking to improve their recruiting chances,it is important that you have a sound plan for how you will achieve at camp.In this article,I will give you nine surefire ways to make your camp experience a success.Follow these steps and watch yourself move closer towards your goal of earning the college football scholarships that you desire.
Set Clear Goals
Define your goals for the camp, whether it’s improving specific skills, showcasing your abilities, or earning a spot on a team. Setting clear and realistic goals will provide you with a sense of purpose and motivation.Goals are like maps,they provide a sense of direction.This makes everything that you do during the camp meaningful.When you are heading to a destination,you don’t just drive on any street or make any turn.Every turn and street has a purpose and that is to get you to your destination.This is the same with goals.
Visualize Success
Spend time visualizing yourself performing well at the camp. Imagine yourself making key plays, executing techniques flawlessly, and displaying confidence. Visualizations help build mental confidence and familiarize yourself with success scenarios. Another thing that visualization does is giving you the sense of having done this before.When you have played something out in your mind so often,when the moment comes it feels natural.It’s almost like you get a sense of “this is supposed to happen.”Sometimes,without that element,the moment feels awkward and your mind can sabotage the moment because it is not ready for it.Visualization is prepping your mind for success so that it does not reject it.
Develop a Positive Mindset
Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on your strengths and past successes. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and maintain a can-do attitude. Surround yourself with positive influences and teammates who uplift and support you.This is a key element that a lot of camp goers fail to embrace.95% of the time you will experience some kind of failure at camp.Keeping a positive mindset keeps the failure from taking over and ruining the whole event.You will get beat in a 1-on-1s,you will slip in a drill,you might turn the wrong way.Delete that and get positive about the next rep.A big part of what is being evaluated at camps are the mental attitude of the players.Coaches know that this is a big factor in a player’s success as they move to the next level.
Manage Pre-Camp Nerves
It’s normal to feel nervous before a football camp, but learning to manage those nerves is essential. Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to calm your mind and body. Focus on positive self-talk to alleviate anxiety.One other big thing to do is realize that nerves are normal.Don’t feel like you are the only one who’s nervous.Embrace the nerves and trick your mind into believing that you love the nerves.Eventually,you will truly begin to love it.Many people get nervous going on a roller coaster.Once they are off,they are thrilled and off to the next ride in the park.A famous American President by the name of Franklin D. Roosevelt once said “there’s nothing to fear but fear itself.”Recognize that you won’t die at camp,so no matter what happens,you will be stronger after the camp.
Review the Playbook
If you have access to the camp playbook or any relevant information, review it thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with the terminology, formations, and concepts that may be used during the camp. Having a solid understanding of the playbook will boost your confidence and help you make quick decisions on the field.Sometimes playbooks are a part of longer more involved camps.Other camps like recruiting camps don’t have playbooks typically.However,they do have drills and instruction.The drills and instruction can all be found online at places like YouTube.Familiarize yourself with the different drills that are run at the camps.Formulate a plan on how you will perform at your best in those drills.This gives you a leg up on the next camper that hasn’t done this and will be figuring things out as they are happening.Preparation is key.
Visualize Adaptability
Football camps often involve working with new coaches, teammates, and systems. Visualize yourself adapting quickly to new coaching instructions, adjusting to different schemes, and building rapport with teammates. Mentally prepare yourself for the potential challenges of adapting to new environments.This is another element that coaches are evaluating especially at college camps.Coaches notice how you take instruction and communicate with them as well as with other camp goers.This gives them insight into what kind of teammate you will be.If all other things are equal between you and another prospect,your ability to show adaptability may result in you getting the offer or MVP over him.
Embrace the Learning Process
Football camps are great learning opportunities. Approach the camp with a growth mindset, embracing the chance to absorb new knowledge, refine your skills, and receive feedback from coaches. Adopting a mindset of continuous improvement will help you stay motivated and open to learning.This is the best thing that you get out of any camp that you go to.While many evaluate the camp by whether or not they made the all camp team,got invited to the super event or received an offer,those who evaluate a camp by how much they learned tend to do better in the long run.The NFL is littered with guys who did not get MVP at camps or weren’t invited to All Star Games after participating in a showcase.Development is power and you should seek that first.
Focus on Effort and Attitude
Rather than fixating solely on outcomes, prioritize effort and attitude. Give your best effort in every drill and practice session, and maintain a positive and coachable attitude. Coaches value players who demonstrate a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.Effort and attitude = dog.Guys who refuse to give up impress coaches the most.A coach knows that you will often find yourself down in a game.Having as many guys on the roster that refuse to fold means that you have a real chance to come back in a game or during a season when thing aren’t going well.Furthermore,scouts at a recruiting event know that these type of players tend to succeed too.Guys with effort and a positive attitude often figure out ways to win in any situation.You can’t put a price on that.
Stay Mentally and Physically Prepared
Ensure you get enough rest before the camp to maintain mental and physical freshness. Eat nutritious meals, hydrate properly, and engage in light physical activities to keep your body primed. Being physically prepared contributes to your mental readiness.It would be a shame to do all of the things above and fail because your body did not hold up.Fuel your body the right way so you can complete the mission.If you don’t have enough gas and water in your car for your trip,you’re never going to get there.Make sure you are in good shape before the camp and that you have provided your body with the nutrients needed for the intense level of competition.Some camp goers will crap out because they didn’t eat,ate wrong or failed to drink enough water both before and during the event.That sucks for them but is great for you.Move ahead when they can no longer carry on.
Remember, mental preparation is an ongoing process, so continue to reinforce these strategies throughout the camp. By focusing on mental readiness, you’ll be better equipped to perform at your best and make the most of the opportunities presented during the football camp. Most often,the little things have more of a meaning than camp goers think.Remember that you are performing in front of experienced individuals who have seen what it takes to reach where you want to go.Sometimes what you don’t think is important ends up being super important to the people running the camp.Follow all of these steps and take nothing for granted.You never know who’s watching and what they are looking for.Excellence in all things should be your motto.
