Unfortunately, the college recruiting process is not a predictable one as many coaches use their own criteria to fill the needs of their team. So, while you may try your best to get your name and abilities out there for the coaches to see, the final decision will rest with them on who they choose to provide scholarships.

For parents and their children looking for the right college or university, it pays to look at the big picture, then narrow down the options over time. Too many will start with a shortsighted perspective and try to expand from there, which normally works against getting a scholarship when the original choices are gone. Putting all your eggs in one basket works against your interests primarily because of the unpredictability of recruiting.

The Unpredictability of Recruiting

Recruiting for colleges is a fluid, ever-changing process that often changes the perspective of how a high school athlete is viewed over the course of two to three years. In addition, coaching changes at universities are frequent as well. This means that an athlete who was highly prized may be forgotten as the new coach takes over.

Another issue is the opinions of those who may be a part of the recruiting process who may advise you and your child that the chances of getting a scholarship are not worth much until the offer is presented. You should never put much faith in what anyone tells you until the scholarship has been offered. Plus, focusing on what one coach says may cause you to miss out on other opportunities that may work out better in the long run.

The unpredictability increases with the lack of knowledge parents and their children have about the colleges and universities themselves. All schools that are worth serious consideration should be thoroughly researched so that their recruiting strategies are understood. For example, a coach will recruit athletes that best fit the system they have created. If your talents are not normally part of that system, then your chances are diminished in terms of getting a scholarship.

How SportsForce Helps You

You can avoid putting all your eggs in one basket by getting SportsForce on your side. We provide the resources you need to help your child get recruited by colleges and universities around the country. In a nutshell we maximize the chances of your son or daughter getting a college scholarship that pays for their higher education.

We help you see the big picture with all the possibilities to consider then narrow down in the right manner. The knowledge, experience, and talents that SportsForce brings to the table means that your child stands the best chance of getting selected by the appropriate college or university.

SportsForce offers a complete line of services designed to get the attention of college coaches so that your child will have their name, abilities, and potential placed front and center for consideration. While there are no guarantees in getting your child a sports scholarship, having SportsForce on your side increases the chances far above the normal recruiting channels that are available. Get a free evaluation from an expert HERE.

While the basic approach college coaches and scouts use to recruit high school athletes have remained the same, one of the more notable changes is the use of social media. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are just a few of the social media sites that allow people to stay connected and enhance the recruiting process.

Combined with the advent of the smartphone, social media has changed the way people stay in touch and has become a method for high school athletes to reach out to colleges and universities.

With colleges reaching out to their fan bases using social media, it’s no surprise that coaches also use it as part of their recruiting efforts. This has created both positive and negative aspects for athletes in terms of how it can affect their chances at being recruited. In fact, there are several cases in which a promising high school talent cost themselves a chance for a scholarship because of their misuse of social media.

How You Can Use Social Media to Your Advantage

For high school students who are looking to get scholarship opportunities from colleges, here are a few tips that will help improve your chances.

Presentation: How you are portrayed on social media is how people like college coaches and recruiters will see you. So, while your friends and family may know one side of you, those who are considering you for their team do not unless that is portrayed on your social media. Keep in mind that this does not mean staying away from subjects like racism, sexual orientation, or political points of view. Rather, it is the use of coarse language, unsettling photos, and vulgarity that will have a negative effect.

Photographs: All it takes is one image of something controversial such as weapons, nudity, or drugs to pull you from consideration. You can use your privacy settings to ensure that your photos are protected and to ensure that you are not tagged in a photo by someone else that is controversial in nature.

Language: If you post something that will have your mother or grandmother disapproving, then you shouldn’t post it. This is mostly about keeping your language in check because the use of profanity is the most eye-catching of all ways to have college coaches lose interest in recruiting you for their team. Go over your posts and tweets over the past several months and remove or at least clean-up those that have profanity.

Keep in mind that your social media presence should still represent who you are, but it needs to be presentable to anyone who views it.

Why SportsForce is the Ultimate Solution

To make the most of your efforts in getting recruited, SportsForce provides proven solutions to help in the preparation and marketing of your abilities. In addition to the many services SportsForce provides, one of them is to advise you on your social media accounts so they are more presentable to college coaches.

This does not mean changing who you are, but simply presenting yourself on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media accounts as your best self. Let SportsForce show you how to reach college coaches to help achieve your goals. Sign up for a free evaluation Here.

We would like to congratulate Tristen Alesi on his commitment to the College of Idaho. Here’s Tristen’s recruiting story and interview after his commitment. Good luck as a Yote!

1. Share your recruiting story and status

The process was pretty easy going. The hardest thing about everything was the waiting game of talking to coaches and seeing if they would reply to you and how long it would take.

2. What school are you going to, and why did you choose them?

I am attending the College of Idaho and I chose them because I like the atmosphere here. The coaches have their head in the right place in changing the program into one of the best NAIA programs in the league.

3. How did SportsForce help in the process?

SportsForce helped me contact lots of colleges in a small amount of time and getting my name out there. Creating my highlight videos and sharing my stats was huge in my recruiting process.

4. What advice would you give to other players and parents with the recruiting process (ex. start early, get a highlight video)?

Start early in the recruiting process. The sooner coaches know your name and you develop a relationship, it puts you in a better place for being recruited and being reached out too.

5. How excited are you for your future in college?

I am very excited for my future in college!

6. How much money do you anticipate your family saving in college expenses because of you being recruited?

I am saving thousands of dollars that otherwise would’ve been spent on college and will not be in debt out of college.

7. Would you recommend SportsForce to any other student-athletes? Why?

Yes, but be aware that the process takes time and since college coaches have restrictions on expressing their direct personal interest in you, you may not have as much personal interaction with a coach right away, but if you trust the process, it will be worth it in the end.

Over the last five years, SportsForce has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

1. Why did you decide to sign with Nicholls State University?

After weighing my options and comparing the good vs. bad I decided Nicholls State had the best offer for me. I will be starting as a true freshman at linebacker and special teams. I am close to home so there are no out of state fees. The school is smaller; therefore I will get more one-on-one time with the coaching staff. The coaches are genuinely concerned with my academics and overall it was the best pick for me. I feel like it was a win-win situation. I get to play as a freshman and I have a full scholarship.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I cannot describe how excited I am to be able to continue playing football at the next level. This is something I live for and to go to the next level is just wonderful. I can’t sleep sometimes thinking about it. I am ready to get on campus and get started.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

I would say first and foremost keep your grades up. Be a student first and then an athlete. I would say stay humble and sincere about playing ball; respect your coaches and the game. Be a good leader and example for your teammates. Stay focused and in shape.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My coach Michael Roach. He took me under his wing and basically nurtured me. He made sure I kept my grades up and stayed focused. He spent a lot of extra time with me getting me into good football camps and getting me exposed to the right people. He was there even if I just needed a man to talk tom, being that I am raised in a single parent home by my mother who did a wonderful job. He lives by what he preaches and I respect him for that. He is a great role model.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

To be the best football player and teammate I can be and to make a mark so when I leave I will be remembered at Nicholls State. Also, to receive my degree and, of course, to go to the NFL.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with Sterling College?

The reason I chose Sterling College was not for the money, campus size or the size of the stadium. I chose Sterling because of the sense of community and family I witnessed on campus. The coaches looked at me as a person, instead of just an athletic instrument.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am beyond excited. Football is what I love and the fact that it is helping pay for my education is the biggest blessing I could ever imagine.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

The biggest advice for younger athletes is to START WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG! Start emailing coaches early and getting your name out there. If you are starting your senior year it is already too late.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

The biggest influence throughout my sports career has been my parents. My dad has coached and trained me in football, basketball and baseball since I was 5 all the way until high school; and my mom has been at every one of my games.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

By the end of my collegiate athletic career I would like to achieve a couple of things. First, I would like to grow in my faith and become a stronger man of God. I would also like to use college sports to build long lasting friendships and memories that I will always remember.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with Cornell University?

I decided to sign with Cornell University for many reasons. My journey with Cornell started with my recruiting coordinator, Coach Travis Burkett staying in contact with me throughout the whole process. He was always very confident and upbeat about the program. His excitement about the upcoming football season was beyond contagious for both my family and I. I went on my official visit in November of 2011 and instantly fell in love with the Cornell football program. Every coach showed a lot of enthusiasm and were beyond excited about telling me all about the program. I felt welcomed as a family member by the coaches and players right away. I had an opportunity to eat breakfast with the team, go to a game, and spend quality time with the coaches and players after. It was everything I had hoped playing college football would be like. Everything I saw, the campus, the football program etc…told me that this was the college of my dreams. This was an opportunity I just could not pass up. I will be able to play college football and graduate with an Ivy League education.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am very excited to become a student-athlete at Cornell University. I am beyond anxious to expand my knowledge in the classroom and prove myself on and off the football field. I will work hard in everything I do at Cornell University in order to be successful as both a student and an athlete.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

My advice toward other athletes getting recruited would be to let the college football team choose you. Yes, have your dream schools and work your hardest in all that you do. However, you should not go to a school just because it has always been your dream; you need to feel wanted and needed by your future team. Also, don’t expect everything to come to you just by playing. You need to put yourself out there and send emails to colleges stating your interest in the program, a short biography about you and your highlight film.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My biggest influence in my sports career would have to be my brother who is 2 years older than me. My parents always supported me in everything that I did and always set me up to train with the best athletes including former professional football players and always pushed me to be the best that I could be. They also attended every sporting event I have ever had to support me. However, I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today if I hadn’t been constantly competing with my brother Adam since we were little kids. We always competed with each other and if one person did more in something, then the other would beat it. This started when we were young kids in youth football when I was around the age of 7. A prime example of our competitiveness between each other was every night we would both do about 350 pushups and sit-ups and call it even, then leave the room and knock out more on our own to beat each other. Then the next morning we would tell each other how many we did and whomever did less would then knock out the difference. This has gone on between us ever since.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

During my college sports career I would like to become a leader and a captain on my Cornell Football team. I would like my fellow teammates to come to me for help and guidance, whether it be on or off the football field. As for my selfish goals, I would like to become the starting running back and help my team win an undisputed Ivy League Championship.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with Trinity Valley Community College?

I chose Trinity Valley because it was the best choice financially, academically, and athletically.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

It has always been my dream to play football collegiately and now that this dream is becoming a reality, I’m extremely excited and ready to get to work.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

To any high school athlete pursuing the next level I would tell them, “Never give up on your dream, not if you want it more than anything else. Never let any one tell you what you can and can’t do. Go big or go home as a teammate is what I would always say.”

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

The most influential person in my career, despite never meeting him, would have to be my late grandfather. He was a high school football coach in Ohio who loved the game and that passion has been passed down through my family. When I got that passion I found what I do best and turned all of our dreams into a reality.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

I want to help my team win multiple conference and national titles. But first and foremost I want to be the best student athlete I can be in my double major of business management and communication.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with Bethany College?

I selected Bethany College because of their history program as well as their football program. Their history program helps you increase your intellect and they elaborate on modern history and ancient history. Their football program last year earned a record of 8-3. Their coaches were very supportive in my process of helping me decide what educational institution to attend. Their program has won numerous league championships and has the ideal potential to win a national championship.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I’m extremely excited about becoming a college student-athlete. It’s an honor and privilege to play the game of football at such a high level. It’s been a dream to play college football and my ultimate goal is to make it to the NFL. I was ecstatic and jumping for joy when I finally made the decision to play college football and attend Bethany College. I realize the blessings of God because without him I wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in college football. I will never forget the excitement level; it was comparable to someone winning the lottery.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

The advice I would give to other athletes is to work hard in their respective sport, and to never give up. They should realize that they are a student- athlete and that academics are a priority. Without a successful academic career colleges won’t pursue you. It’s a great idea to fill out a questionnaire to a college you are interested in and send film to college coaches so they can discover you just in case you’re not on the ESPN top 150 high school athletes. When you are competing for your respective high school team, always have a respective attitude and compete on a level that you thought wasn’t even imaginable; always compete to win and never to lose.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

The biggest influence has been Jerry Rice, because he is the greatest wide receiver to play in the NFL. Coincidently, I play the same position as Jerry Rice. He never gave up and two weeks after the season ended he would start his off-season workout. His reason was chasing a championship because that was his ultimate goal. He also inspired me to be a respectful, hard-working young man and to dress well. He never had any attitude problems and displayed great respect for his fans. To this day he inspires me to be great because if he can do it I can do it. And I will do it with desire, dedication, and determination.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

I would like to become a league champion, national champion, and an All-American.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with The College of Wooster?

I chose Wooster because I felt that it was the best fit for me, both on and off the field. The school itself is very prestigious, and has high academic standards. Another huge factor were my teammates and coaches. Wooster was a place where I truly felt like I fit in.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am extremely excited to be a student-athlete in college. I know that it will be time consuming, and sometimes very difficult to balance schoolwork and football, but I look forward to embracing the challenge. Ultimately I feel that being a student-athlete will better prepare me for life after college.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

Advice to athletes looking to get recruited: get yourself out there. There are tons of recruiting websites available, you should take full advantage of them. Go to camps as well. Camps are a great way to showcase your abilities, talk to coaches, and get recruited. Start early! One mistake that I made was that I started a little too late in my high school career. The earlier you start, the more time coaches will have to recruit you. The process of getting recruited by colleges can be daunting, and can sometimes feel like too much to deal with. Take your time, and do not get in a rush to choose a school. When you are ready to commit, you’ll know.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

The biggest influence throughout my entire sports career without a doubt was my parents. They have supported me since 3rd grade when I started playing football. They were so helpful during my recruiting process as well. My parents were always so open to check out any school I had interest in. They helped me settle down when I felt overloaded. Without them, it’s hard to tell where I’d be.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

In my college career I have plenty of things I’d like to accomplish. I’d love to bring a conference championship back to Wooster. I’d also like to make a big run in the D3 playoffs. Aside from that, I’d really just like to prove to myself, and everyone else that I did what I set out to do.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families

1. Why did you decide to sign with Kentucky Christian University?

I went to the campus and it was not that big but I loved it. It’s a small school, but I like it because of the class sizes, where you can have one-on-one with the teachers. The football program just started under a new young coach. It’s a young team but I like it because of the recruiting class the coach is bringing in.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am so excited; I can’t wait until the first day I step foot on campus as a college student-athlete. I know it is going to be harder than being a high school student-athlete, but I am up for the challenge.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

Just keep working hard. Don’t ever take a day off, because if you do, just know that there is another kid working to be better than you. That’s one thing I wish I could go back and do.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

Two good friends of mine, because when I first moved to the US from Ghana I had no idea what football was, but they helped me get better every day, and to this day they are still on me, trying to make me better.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

I would love to be able to hang a national championship banner in my school and also become an All-American.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

Learn How We Help Families