Here's What You Need To Know About Earning A College Football Scholarship
If you're like most football players in high school, you're probably looking to earn a football scholarship so you can afford to go to college. Here are a few things you need to know about earning that scholarship.
It Can Take Years to Impress Recruiters
Recruiters start looking at football players years before they are ready to be recruited. Freshmen are just as noticeable as seniors, especially when they appear to have exceptional abilities on the field. So it's never too early to start impressing recruiters.
Every time you're on the field whether for practice or a game, keep in mind that there very well might be a recruiter in the stands checking out your moves. Recruiters like to keep tabs on the progress of players they are interested in to see how they develop as they make their way through high school.
So don't be surprised if it takes a year or two after being noticed by recruiters before they begin actually talking with you. It can take all four years of high school to impress the recruiters, so never give up even if you don't feel like you're making the impression you want to. As time goes on, you just might grab the attention of the right recruiter.
It's Crucial to Be Proactive
There is so much competition for football scholarships that should not just sit around and wait for recruiters to contact you. Being proactive and contacting college coaches and recruiters yourself can help put you in the limelight and enhance your chances of being discovered and offered a scholarship before all is said and done.
Don't be afraid to send your portfolio to coaches and your online videos to recruiters. Make sure they know every time you achieve a new goal or earn a better spot on the football team. And keep tabs on when they plan to visit your area so you can request a meeting with them at an upcoming game or practice. Before long, the coaches and recruiters from colleges you're interested in attending will know all about you.
You May Not Get a Full Ride
Even if you do earn a college football scholarship, it may not be enough to cover your full college tuition. Depending on the needs and budgets of the colleges you want to attend, you might be offered a partial scholarship that will cover some of your tuition. But you will have to figure out how to cover the rest of the tuition and schools supplies yourself.
So be prepared to make other arrangements to get college paid for. Consider applying for academic and other scholarships at the college you'll be attending. Look in to work programs that are available at the college and surrounding areas. And consider a college class schedule that will allow you to work part time if you have to.
For more information about how to earn football scholarships, visit a website such as collegefootballrecruiting.com.