Recruiting Wars: How Top Programs Compete for the Best High School Talent for NFL

When it comes to the NFL, college football is where it’s at. Before these colleges can really get into churning out NFL-type athletes, they have their own high-stakes game they first need to win—recruiting top high school talent. The battle for such players is fierce, with every top program jostling for an edge. Let’s take a closer look at how these recruiting wars go down and what schools need to do in order to bring in the nation’s top prospects.

The Lure of Top Programs

First and foremost, elite college programs have a decided advantage. There are schools like Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, and Georgia that are synonymous with the NFL. These schools are known for taking that raw high school talent and somehow sending first-round draft picks into the league—future stars that we’ll soon be placing bets on. You can click here to get in on the action early and follow these rising talents from college to the pros. 

For most high school athletes, the goal is not just to play collegiate-level ball but to make it to the NFL. And when a school has already produced several pros, attending that particular school will be attractive. These programs boast the best facilities, coaching staff, and national exposure. Perhaps just as important, they provide a stage for any player desiring to make it to the NFL. Games broadcast on major networks, playoff appearances, and bowl games give players the showcase needed to get noticed by NFL scouts.

Recruiting Strategies

Recruiting is more than just name recognition; it’s about strategy. At the collegiate level, programs employ a myriad of different methods in order to round up the best available talent. Following are some of the most common ways in which this takes place.

Building Relationships

The coaches begin relationships with the players—and often their families—well in advance of when the players can sign. This advanced courtship can include everything from campus visits and personal letters to a great deal of phone contact. It is all about making the athlete feel wanted and special.

Selling the Program

Every program has its unique selling points. Some schools boast a “family atmosphere,” while others emphasize their track record of sending players to the NFL. Schools often showcase their facilities, academic support, and alumni’s success in the professional league to make their case.

Providing Early Playing Time

While all players want to be part of a successful program, they also want to play. Often, the top recruits are told that they can make an immediate impact on the field. This promise of early playing time can be a decisive factor for some players as they look to quickly build their stats toward becoming NFL draft-eligible.

National Exposure and Media Presence

Programs use their media presence to show recruits what life could be like. Highlight reels, social media showcases, and televised games give recruits a taste of the limelight. Being part of a program that gets national attention means more opportunities to impress NFL scouts.

Utilizing Alumni and NFL Connections

Those who have made it to the NFL return to their alma maters and are living proof of what the program can do. Schools with good connections to the NFL will make those ties known, telling recruits that they will have the support and guidance needed to make that next step.

The Dark Side: Pressure and Competition

The recruiting process is a multi-million dollar business, and with so much on the line, it gets extreme, and sometimes not in a positive manner. So many of these kids have loads of pressure placed upon them to make the “correct” decision. Coaches may make constant calls, texts, and house visits. The NCAA has devised rules to scale back contact and offer players at least a little bit of space, but the process can easily get overwhelming.

This competition can also lead to some very questionable ethics. Under-the-table inducements, bending the rules, and negative recruiting—talk down the other programs—have all seen their share of use. While many regulations regarding recruiting exist, the high-stakes game means some programs push the envelope to try and gain an advantage.