<p>My husband and I, along with our 11th grade son, are stumbling through this football recruiting process and had a question about preparing “the tape”. How do you make an exciting tape that will pull in a college coach for a lineman? He’s played four years of varsity, captain next year…both O & D line…We’ve got the full year of tapes to work with but we’re not sure how to proceed. It’s not like he’s running hundreds of yards a game, making amazing catches, running in TDs…but he’s in there doing his job - he’s got great leadership skills and an amazing work ethic. I know linemen must get recruited too…just not sure how to make him stand out. Thanks!</p>
<p>Hi - I wouldn’t get too concerned about making it ‘exciting’ -coaches see so many tapes with fancy video effects and dramatic music. Opt for simple and clear. I’d say 3-5 minutes of good, clear footage without distractions and offer to provide a longer game film if requested.</p>
<p>My experience with recruiting tapes (brief summary), they should include the following:</p>
<p>1) Intro page (Slides) showing a picture of your son, your sons school, location, division he plays in, his weight, height, 40 yd dash time, and bench press stats. You can also list any accolades such as division champs, most valuable player, all star ect. This can easily be put on a single slide or page.</p>
<p>2) 6-8 Game clips showing him making key blocks in different situations both offensive and defensive (clips should be 5 seconds each and your son needs to be highlighted in the tape so the coaches can easily pick him out in the game clips) DO NOT INCLUDE MUSIC-most coaches typically do not like it. If you do include it make sure it is very low background music only.</p>
<p>3) An actual Game segement, which should include a at least whole quarter of a game, pick a game where he shows versatility and if possible speed (pulling blocks on sweeps, chasing down then tackling opponents…ect.) All coaches are looking for Size, Speed, and Athleticism.</p>
<p>Send the tape out after you have made initial contact with coaches via college athletic websites (recruiting area), received a return email or letter of interest from coaches, or have received a direct interest from a program.</p>
<p>Most importanly make sure your son looks at colleges that meet his academic and social profile as well as his playing ability. It will make him much happier if he does play in college, sitting on the bench is no fun, or if he decides he does not want to play anymore or is injured he still has to attend the school.</p>
<p>Here’s a good overview:</p>
<p>[Ask</a> Coach Taylor – What Exactly Do Coaches Look For In Recruiting Videos That Recruits Send To Them? | College Recruiting Blog - Athletic Scholarships Blog | NCSA](<a href=“http://www.ncsasports.org/blog/2010/12/01/ask-coach-taylor-what-exactly-do-coaches-look-for-in-recruiting-videos-that-recruits-send-to-them/]Ask”>http://www.ncsasports.org/blog/2010/12/01/ask-coach-taylor-what-exactly-do-coaches-look-for-in-recruiting-videos-that-recruits-send-to-them/)</p>
<p>I also just sent you a private message.</p>
<p>Thank you all so much for your suggestions…Your input is very appreciated. Mary, I look forward to hearing back!</p>