For some of our players, the opportunity to play football at the next level (college) is their athletic dream and goal. We want to help your student athlete succeed in this goal. It will be a combination of the coaches, parents, and athletes that make playing at the next level happen.
Here are some things that parents and student athletes can do to help improve the chances of being recruited:
- Maintain a high GPA and work hard in the classroom. (Always the first question a recruiter asks a coach)
- Play multiple sports. (Great way to evaluate overall athleticism)
- Off season dedication to the weight room. (Coaches want to know the level of dedication an athlete shows)
- Attending summer camps hosted by prospective schools: individual, team, Junior Days (at least three a summer. Our team Bobcat Camp is great for MSU)
- Create highlight films on Hudl (Varsity Tape Only)
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center in 10th Grade (Click HERE)
- Check with your councilor that you are taking the Core Classes that you need to be NCAA eligible.
- Take the ACT at the end of 10th grade.
- Understand there are lots of levels of football and lots of opportunity to play, but be realistic about what level of football you want to play. (Div. 3 (no athletic scholarships), Div. 2, NAIA, Div. 1)
- Always respond to contact by recruiters, even if it is to say that you are not interested.
- Remember, you have to impress the school, but the school also has to impress you. If it doesn't feel like the right fit it probably isn't.Below are the eligibility standards for both the NCAA and NAIA.
- The NCAA will also have a variety of recruiting periods. CLICK HERE to see the Official FBS Recruiting Schedule. CLICK HERE for the Official FCS and Division 2 Recruiting Schedule.
NCAA:
To be academically eligible to participate at the NCAA Division 1 or 2 level you must meet all of the following criterial
- Minimum 2.3 GPA in your CORE COURSES
- 16 Core Classes: 4 years English; 3 years Math; 2 years natural/physical Science; 1 additional year of English, Math, or Science; 2 years Social Science; 4 additional years Math, Science, English, Social Science, Foreign Language.
- Earn an ACT or SAT sum score that Matches your Core Course GPA. (Lower GPA means higher score needed.)
- Click HERE if you want more information or clarification on the requirements and sum score calculator.
To be academically eligible to participate at the NAIA level athletes must graduate from high school and meet two of the following three criteria:
- Graduate High School with a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Graduate in the top half of your class by GPA Rank.
- Have a cumulative score of 18 or higher on the ACT.