5 Things You Should Know About...

From time to time, we'll post on a topic we feel will benefit you.  Keeping up with the spirit of National Signing Day, here are 5 things you should know about getting recruited.

5. Make a list - Setting goals is a big step in reaching new heights.  Every player with aspirations of playing at the next level should make three lists, with five schools in each: one that includes your dream schools; one that includes a list of schools you have a better shot of attending given your skill set; and one that includes those you view as "slam dunks."  Put this list in highly visible places.  Print off a few smaller copies and put them in your notebooks.  The more you see it, the more likely you are to go the extra mile.

4. Create a Video - This should show your strengths and highlight your big play potential.  What that entails differs from position to position.  Offensive skill positions obviously want to show long scores, but it's important to also show your willingness to dish out and take hits.  Offensive linemen should include battles with other highly regarded recruits, which will show your level of play.  Linebackers and d-linemen should mix in plays where their pursuit skills and motor is shown.  Defensive backs need to remember to highlight their willingness to defend the run.  The point of your film isn't to make you look like the next Gatorade Player of the Year; it's to show schools why you are a guy they should be spending their time on.

3. Be Proactive - An extremely small amount of players  are lucky enough to sit back and have the schools of their choice come to them.  Being aggressive and making your interest known are the best ways to put yourself on the radar.  This includes reaching out to the coach of the position you would like to play, making the school aware of what camps and clinics you will be apart of, and (when ready) attending that schools' off-season offerings. 

2. Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse - This one is simple: if you do not register, you can not be offered any form of athletic financial aid.  Here is the link for registration: http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.html.  

1. Handle Business in the Classroom - The importance of grades can not be stressed enough.  There is no player, no matter how freakishly gifted, that will be able to play at the next level without having the proper grades and SAT scores.  Scoring well in Physical Education and electives won't cut it, however; you need to make sure you are excelling in your core classes (math, language arts, science, etc.).  Your best chance of catching the eye of the schools on your "Dream List" is to make the focus of your free time two things: getting better, and getting smarter.