Notes On The Recruiting Process

care of Dave Peloquin (Notre Dame Recruiting Assistant)

THE PROSPECT

A) Academics are important and can really help in the long run – Don’t wait until Senior year.
Identify schools you are most interested in

• Narrow down to manageable number
• Research each school
• List pro/cons of each with and without football

B) Should approach decision like any other student; sit with parent and decide where YOU want to go.
C) Summer camps

• 2 way street for colleges and prospects
• Different level coaches are in attendance

D) Combines

• Make sure you are prepared to perform

E) Tape

• Highlights are good for skill players. Linemen tape is better

ACADEMICS
A) Develop a protocol with the counseling office to monitor grades.
B) Understand the difference between NCAA eligibility and University admission requirements
C) NCAA requires 16 core courses.
D) Encourage all student athletes to take ACT/SAT in fall of Junior Year

• Encourage taking some sort of class in preparation of the test
• Take as many times as needed.
• There are ways around the cost of the test.

RECRUITING PERIOD

A) Understand when it’s a contact period and when its an evaluation period.
B) Spring recruiting – Colleges are allowed to visit your school twice during a 4 week period from the last 2 weeks in April through the end of May
C) During this time, coaches can view video, watch practice, and gather information. Coaches may not talk with prospects at this time.

RECRUITING IN GENERAL

A) Encourage your players to attend college, there is a level for everyone
B) Internet services have no rules – don’t allow them to dictate or interfere in the process
C) Understand NCAA rules

• If you think there is a small chance that it is illegal, it probably is

D) Coaches and prospects need to take control of the process

• Set ground rules

E) If possible establish an assistant coach as the liaison for all general recruiting issues

• Let schools know when the best time to contact you and your staff
• Establish a protocol for video tape requests / transcripts / phone calls
• Understand who on your team wants to be recruited and what level do they think they are

F) Be proactive not reactive with recruiting;

• In the long run it will help your program
• Athletes will want to play in your program

G) Establish relationships with college coaches at all levels

• You never know (coaches move, their prospect database moves with them)

H) Meet with your prospects and their families to go over the recruiting process.