It’s a delicate balance between showcasing your unique abilities and meeting the conventional standards that college coaches are looking for.
Standing Out: Being First, Faster, or Different
To stand out, you need to be exceptional in some way. This could mean being first, faster, or different in a way that makes a coach take notice. Coaches want to be able to pinpoint something about you that sets you apart from the hundreds of other recruits they’re evaluating. Here are a few ways to stand out:
Be the Best at Something:
You need to have that one thing a coach can look at and say, “He’s the best at this.” It could be a record for the longest field goal, the fastest 40-yard dash, or even the most consistent performance during their campus visit. Whatever it is, make sure you’re the standout in that category.
Showcase Unique Skills:
Perhaps you’re ambidextrous and can kick with both feet, or you have an accent and a background in a sport like soccer or rugby that adds a unique flavor to your football skills. For example, Australian punters have dominated in this area for years, bringing a distinct skill set and different style of play that makes them hard to ignore. They’re not only good but also different—creating a double whammy effect.
Fitting In: The Conservative Nature of Recruiting
While standing out is crucial, it’s equally important to fit in.
The recruiting market is highly conservative. Coaches, after all, are in a high-stakes profession where sticking their neck out too far can jeopardize their careers. Once they land a coaching position, they want to keep it, which means they are often hesitant to take risks on unconventional recruits.
To fit in, you need to check the measurable boxes that most coaches are looking for:
Physical Metrics: Height, weight, and physical appearance matter. Do you look like a football player? Are you the right size and shape for the position you’re playing? Coaches want recruits who pass the “eyeball test.”
Academic Standards: Your GPA, SAT, or ACT scores need to be within the acceptable range for the schools you’re targeting. Coaches don’t want to battle admissions to get you on the roster.
Performance Metrics: What are the distances you can hit on your kicks? How do you perform under pressure? Do you have the stats and highlight reel that align with what coaches are looking for?
The Challenge: Balancing the Paradox
The real challenge lies in finding the sweet spot where you stand out just enough to get noticed, but not so much that you’re seen as a risky or unconventional pick. You need to be remarkable in a way that still fits into the mold of what coaches are comfortable recruiting.
Leverage Your Uniqueness Smartly: Use your unique skills to complement the conventional ones. If you have a background in another sport like soccer or rugby, show how those skills translate to football.
Meet the Standards First: Make sure you meet the basic criteria that coaches are looking for before showcasing your unique abilities. You want to be seen as an asset, not a gamble.
Communicate Clearly: When reaching out to coaches, be clear about how your unique skills can be an advantage to their team while also emphasizing that you meet all their standard requirements.
The paradox of standing out while fitting in is a tough nut to crack, but understanding it is the first step to mastering it. Strive to be the best at something unique, while ensuring you check all the conventional boxes. That’s the path to catching a coach’s eye without raising too many red flags.
That’s all for now,
BC
P.S. When you're ready, here are three ways I can help you:
Kicking and Punting Coaching: I can work with you on your technique, whether in person or remotely, to help you refine your skills and reach your full potential.
Free Initial Consultation: Let’s set up a free consultation to discuss your recruiting journey and explore how I can support you through the process.
Recruiting Strategy Session: We can dive into a personalized strategy session to create a clear roadmap for your recruiting efforts, targeting the right schools and maximizing your opportunities.