Freshman Year
Focus on development: strength, speed, and football fundamentals
Start building your athletic profile with measurables and academic info
Get varsity reps if possible and begin collecting game film
Research college programs and divisions to understand where you might fit
Sophomore Year
Attend 2-3 college football camps at programs you are interested in
Create your first highlight film from varsity game footage
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
Begin introductory outreach to coaches with short, position-specific emails
Track your measurables: 40-yard dash, shuttle, vertical jump, bench press
Junior Year
This is when most D1 offers are extended, so treat this as your main window
Update highlight film with your best junior year footage
Increase coach outreach volume with personalized emails to 30-50+ programs
Attend elite camps and showcases to get measurables verified
Take unofficial visits to top-choice programs
Take the SAT or ACT and ensure your academics are on track
Senior Year
Take official visits (you get 5 for football)
Continue outreach to programs still building their class
D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO recruiting is very active during senior year
Make your commitment decision and sign your National Letter of Intent
Complete NCAA Eligibility Center requirements and final transcripts