Obligations of the Student-Athlete in the Recruiting Process

1. Dedication to the Classroom.

College coaches understand that not all student-athletes perform the same on tests. They do, however, know the difference between trying hard and being lackadaisical. The harder a student-athlete works in school along with his attendance record is strongly considered by colleges prior to a scholarship being offered. Coaches do believe there is a correlation between effort in the classroom and effort on the athletic field of play. Dedication and reliability go hand-in-hand.

2. Communicate with the High School Coach.

It is important that the student-athlete let their high school coach know their intentions in relation to going on to the next level. A student-athlete can not be afraid to let the coach know what type of academic interests they have and what colleges they are interested in possibly attending. The student-athlete should ask the coach to be honest about his talents and potential.

3. Work to improve your physical skills.

Playing a sport at the college level demands great physical skills and discipline. Each level of competition is more demanding and the student-athlete needs to continually improve. In order to complete and to stay injury free, the student-athlete most stay in top physical condition. It is absolutely vital for the player to work on improving their strength, speed, flexibility, agility and individual position skills.

4. Make a positive impression on college coaches.

The way a student-athlete talks, dresses and carries themselves is important when talking with a college coach. The student-athlete that comes across as arrogant, selfish, foul mouthed or rude is someone who will quickly be eliminated by college staff. Colleges want team players who are a positive reflection of their program on and off the field.

5. Be honest with recruiters.

College coaches like student-athletes to be honest during the recruiting process. A student-athlete should not lead a school on if there is no genuine interest. The student-athlete and the high school they come from are viewed more positively by the colleges if they are up front and honest during the recruiting process. College coaching staffs do not have time to waste on an athlete that doesn’t have a genuine interest in their institution and program.

Bill Conley worked at Ohio State for 17 years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

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