It’s recruiting time for College Football – that time of year when the typical High School hallway resembles a hotel lobby at the AFCA coaching convention. Seriously though, now more than ever, a High School Football Coach plays a critical role in the future of his athletes.
These three scenarios are presented as “food for thought” and hopefully will provide some insight to all H.S. coaches, but particularly those new to this ritual.

Scenario 1: ” I have nobody that can play for you”

College recruiter visits with a High School Coach who just comes off winning a State Championship. High School coach tells the college recruiter “I have nobody that can play for you”.

College coach scratches his head, but is appreciative. Why?

This coach has, over the years established credibility both in his player assessment as well as his knowledge of what it takes to be successful at each level. His candor will save the college coach and his (the college coach’s) coaching staff both time and money.

In addition, it will help his H.S players set realistic expectations.

Scenario 2: “This kid is a Division I player”

High School Football Coach talks up the player like a pro agent would do. He fudges the numbers a bit, adding a few inches in height, 30 or 40 pounds and cuts a few tenths of a second off the 40. College recruiter brings back game tape with much excitement. A blue chip prospect that might have fell through the cracks!

He hands the film over to the college position coach to review. Position coach reviews and says, this “kid could not play for us”, what is that guy thinking?

This High School Coach’s credibility comes into question, along with his knowledge of what it takes to be successful at any level. This doesn’t help anyone.

Scenario 3: “I will push this kid to go to your school” or “I won’t send any kids to play for that guy”

Saving the worst for last……

Here the H.S. Coach lets personal feelings about a school or one or more of its coaches influence the decision of his players about the college they plan to attend. Sometimes its the “alumni thing”. Other times its just a personal thing.

In the final analysis, this coach’s credibility comes into question. What type of “professional” gets satisfaction out of using a player as a “pawn” in a personal grudge match?

With so many variables beyond athletic ability affecting whether a student-athlete will “work out” in a particular college athletic situation, its important that the process starts off on the “correct foot”. The HS coach who is impartial and realistic when recommending players will establish himself as a trusted and credible “partner” of the college coaching community. Most importantly, he will be acting in the best interest of his players and “doing right” by his profession.