Recruiting Timeline Guide

Freshman Year

Build Your Foundation

• 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

Start Getting Evaluated

• 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

Peak Recruiting Window

• 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

Close and Commit

• 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