RECRUITING ROADMAP
BUILDING A FOUNDATION PHASE (K-2ND)
WHAT MATTERS
Fun, confidence, and participation
General athletic development (running, balance, coordination)
Learning teamwork and listening skills
Multi-sport participation
WHAT FAMILIES SHOULD DO
Choose programs focused on development over winning
(e.g., leagues aligned with safety standards like USA Football)Encourage playing multiple sports
Keep football seasonal — avoid year-round specialization
WHAT TO AVOID
Private recruiting services
Highlight videos
Position specialization
Expensive camps promising exposure
SKILL DEVELOPMENT PHASE (3-5th)
WHAT MATTERS
Proper tackling and blocking technique
Physical literacy (speed, agility, coordination)
Coachability and effort habits
Positive team environments
WHAT FAMILIES SHOULD DO
Seek qualified coaching environments (look for programs that require the coaches to be certified and attend trainings)
Begin teaching goal-setting and accountability
Prioritize academics and classroom habits
WHAT TO AVOID
Paying for “recruiting exposure”
Social media promotion of children
Early strength training programs focused on size
Travel teams that emphasize exposure over development
PREPARATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL (6-8th)
WHAT MATTERS
Solid football IQ (film study))
Work ethic and practice habits
Physical preparation appropriate for age
Character, discipline, and academic consistency
WHAT FAMILIES SHOULD DO
Learn about local high school programs and expectations
Focus on fundamentals that translate to high school systems
Introduce basic strength and conditioning with proper supervision
Begin understanding the long-term recruiting pathway (high school → college)
WHAT TO AVOID
Paying “scouts” or recruiting advisors
Believing middle school rankings predict future success
Overtraining or year-round football-only participation
Showcases that claim college exposure