HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS
COLLEGE  RECRUITING INFORMATION

Link to Howell Football Recruiting: https://view.gogipper.com/page/3022200

Preparing to Compete in College: A Guide for Howell Athletes and Families

Be Proactive

Don’t assume that being All-Conference, All-Region, or All-State means colleges will come calling. Start early and take initiative:

Create an athletic résumé that includes stats, honors, academic info, test scores, GPA, height, and weight (where relevant).

Promote yourself through highlight videos, emails, and social media.

Be Honest and Accurate

Never exaggerate your stats, awards, or physical attributes.

College coaches will verify what you report.

Integrity matters—misleading information can hurt your chances.

Be Realistic

Aim high, but keep your options open.

A small percentage of high school athletes compete at the collegiate level—fewer still at the Division I level.

Respond to all questionnaires and outreach from schools of any level.

Don’t overlook smaller programs—these might be the best academic and athletic fit for you.

Take the Right Classes

Your academic eligibility starts your freshman year of high school.

The NCAA requires specific core courses for eligibility.

Work with your school counselor to stay on track.

Learn more at: https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2014/10/8/student-athletes-future.aspx

Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center

To compete in college athletics (Divisions I or II), you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Register here: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/

Don’t wait—early registration is important.

Create Highlight Videos (if applicable)

Your video is your athletic résumé.

Keep it concise: 3–8 minutes.

Start strong—the first few clips should show your best moments.

Use game footage rather than just practice clips.

Complete your online profile (on Hudl, YouTube, or sport-specific platforms).

Ask your coach for help compiling or sharing your video.

Attend College Camps, Combines, and Showcases

These events give you exposure and allow coaches to evaluate your skills.

Combines/Showcases offer verified measurements.

College camps are most beneficial when you’ve introduced yourself to coaches ahead of time.

Reach out before attending—include your résumé and video link.

Promote Yourself on Social Media

Social media can help you connect with coaches, programs, and recruiters:

Follow college programs and admissions offices.

Post videos, academic updates, and achievements.

Use relevant hashtags (e.g., #studentathlete, #recruit202X, #yourposition).

Keep all posts positive, respectful, and professional—your online presence matters.

What to Post:

Game highlights and training clips

Academic accomplishments

Community service or leadership activities

Encouragement for teammates or program successes

Goals and personal development milestones

Build a College List

Don’t try to contact every college—be strategic.
Create a list of 12–15 schools:

Dream schools – high aspirations

Academic fits – schools that match your GPA and goals

Realistic options – schools that align with your athletic level

Fallbacks – just in case

Share this list with your coach so they can help with outreach.

Complete College Athlete Questionnaires

Almost every school has a prospective athlete questionnaire on their athletics website.

Fill them out accurately.

This helps get your name into their recruiting system.

Research Schools

Learn about academics, athletics, coaching staff, admissions requirements, and student life.

Go beyond the athletics page—find out what your life as a student will look like.

Use the school’s official website for the most accurate information.

Reach Out to College Coaches

When you’re ready:

Send polite, concise emails.

Include your name, sport, position/event, grad year, GPA, test scores, résumé, and highlight video link.

Personalize each message—don’t use a mass email.

Be respectful and prompt in all communication.

Making Your College Decision

When the time comes, evaluate all offers carefully. Consider:

Financial aid and scholarship packages

Academic programs and career pathways

Team culture and coaching

Campus size, location, and student life

How each school supports you as a student-athlete and person

The right school is the one that fits you—not just your sport