How To Get Recruited 101

MT Football Recruiting : A Comprehensive Guide

Getting recruited for football can be challenging, especially for kids in Montana. Many people are unsure where to start or the specific steps that can make a difference. Others may know the basics but struggle to get noticed by coaches. I'm here to be a valuable resource, offering insights based on my firsthand experience. In this blog, I'll walk you through every tip that can help you on your recruiting journey.

Tip #1: Use Hudl Effectively

Hudl is an essential app used by coaches and athletes to watch game film and create highlight reels. You should be posting a highlight reel every week on Twitter and a comprehensive one at the end of the season. I'll link a video at the bottom explaining how to create effective highlights, but here’s the gist:

1. Log in to Hudl.com, hover over your name, and click “Your Highlights.”

2. Click “Create Highlight” and title your highlight. For example, use titles like “Week One vs [Opposing Team Name]” or “[Your Grade] Season Highlights.”

3. Create a title page by selecting the “+” icon and choosing “Slides.” Include your name and your game or season stats on this page.

4. Add your starred clips from previous weeks. You can edit these clips by clicking on the pen icon. Always circle yourself in every play so coaches know who you are.

5. You can add music, but I prefer keeping the highlight silent to avoid distracting coaches. This keeps the focus on your plays.

6. Order your clips strategically—put your best plays first. After showcasing your standout moments, include clips where you made an impact, such as routine catches or tackles. Finish with clips highlighting your technique (e.g., footwork, positioning) to show coaches your fundamentals, even if they don’t lead to big plays.

Once your highlight is complete, click “Publish” to get a direct link to post on Twitter. When posting, caption the tweet with the same title as your highlight page.

Hudl Highlight Creation Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cQv9KjnPYI

Tip #2: Excel Academically

This one’s simple; Keep up good grades. Many coaches won’t even look at your film if your GPA is low. A strong GPA demonstrates work ethic, discipline, and a willingness to learn—traits coaches value in football players.

Tip #3: Leverage X/Twitter for Exposure

X/Twitter is a powerful platform for recruiting. Coaches actively scout and connect with athletes on social media, making it a crucial tool in your recruiting strategy. Here's how to maximize its potential:

1. Build Your Profile
   Ensure your profile is professional and complete. Your bio should include your name, position, graduation year, high school, GPA, city you live in, phone number, and a link to your Hudl highlights. Use a clear and athletic profile picture that showcases you as a football player.

2. Post Regularly
   Consistency is key. Post your weekly highlights, end-of-season compilations, and any athletic or academic achievements. Coaches want to see that you're active and continually working to improve your skills.

3. Engage with Coaches and Programs
   Follow coaches and programs you’re interested in. Engage with their posts by liking, commenting, or sharing—this shows your interest and keeps you on their radar. However, be professional and respectful in all interactions.

4. Direct Message Coaches
   When you post highlights, send them directly to coaches via DM with a brief, polite message. Mention your name, position, high school, and graduation year, and provide a link to your highlight reel. Keep the message concise but clear.

5. Retweet and Support Fellow Athletes
   Help boost other recruits by retweeting their posts, and encourage them to do the same for you. This not only builds camaraderie but also expands your reach to coaches who may be looking at other athletes’ profiles.

Why X/Twitter Matters
X/Twitter is one of the most effective ways to communicate directly with coaches and programs. It’s an essential tool for building your network, gaining exposure, and showcasing your athletic journey. By staying active and engaging on the platform, you increase your chances of being seen and contacted by coaches.

Tip #4: Attend Camps to Get Noticed

Camps are one of the most important elements of the recruiting process. Attending camps provides an opportunity for coaches to see you in person, evaluate your skills, and get a sense of your personality and character. Here’s how to approach camps strategically:

1. Responding to Camp Invitations
   When a coach responds to your direct message with camp dates, it’s a positive sign—they’ve watched your film and are interested in seeing you perform in person. Don’t be discouraged if all they do is invite you to their camp; this is a common way for coaches to assess your potential further.

2. Choosing Which Camps to Attend
   If the coach or program aligns with your interests and you could see yourself playing there, make it a priority to attend one of their camps. Many coaches attend multiple camps across different locations, so if you can’t make it to their home facility, check if they’ll be at other regional camps closer to you. Remember, the more camps you attend, the greater your exposure.

3. Preparing for Camps
   Before attending, prepare by working on the specific drills and skills that will likely be evaluated. This might include position-specific drills, speed tests, agility drills, and one-on-one matchups. You want to show up ready to perform at your best, so stay sharp and focused during your preparation.

4. What Coaches Look for at Camps
   Coaches aren’t just looking at your physical abilities; they also pay attention to your attitude, coachability, and how you interact with others. Show that you’re engaged, focused, and a good teammate. Even simple things like how you hustle between drills or encourage others can make an impression.

5. Follow Up After Camps
   After attending a camp, follow up with the coaches you interacted with. Thank them for the opportunity and ask for feedback on your performance. Even if you don’t receive an offer, the feedback you get can help you improve and make a stronger impression the next time you’re in front of coaches.

Why Camps Matter
Camps are the best way to showcase your skills and get direct, in-person evaluation from coaches. Like Kaden Huot mentioned, “Camps are the most important thing to do in your recruiting process.” There’s no right or wrong approach, but the more camps you attend, the greater your chances of getting noticed. It’s a numbers game, so take advantage of every opportunity to perform and show coaches who you are as a player.

Optional Tips to Supplement Your Recruitment

Now that you understand the basics, here are some additional tips that can enhance your recruitment journey:

1. Play Other Sports
   Coaches love multi-sport athletes because it shows versatility and competitiveness. Running track, playing basketball, or participating in another sport demonstrates athleticism in various scenarios, like speed, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork. It also helps prevent burnout from football, as you get to enjoy different athletic experiences. If you decide to play college football, you might not have the chance to participate in other sports, so enjoy it while you can.

2. Post Personal Records (PRs) and Achievements
   If you’re not getting attention from local coaches, showcase your talents by posting your PRs in track, the gym (bench, squat, and clean), or highlights from other sports you play. You can also highlight academic achievements (e.g., making the honor roll, GPA, or awards). This lets coaches see your athletic and academic abilities beyond football.

3. Get Involved in Your Community
   Engaging with your community shows coaches you’re more than just an athlete. Whether it’s coaching camps, volunteering at a food drive, or participating in other events, share your involvement on Twitter. Community engagement is important in college football, and coaches want to see that you’re committed to giving back.

Summary of Tips:

1. Create Hudl Highlight Film

2. Post Hudl Highlights to X/Twitter

3. Leverage X/Twitter for Exposure

4. Attend as Many Camps as Possible

5. Maintain Strong Academic Performance

6. (Optional) Play Other Sports

7. (Optional) Share PRs and Achievements

8. (Optional) Highlight Community Involvement