‘Edgy’ Tim O’Halloran: How can I get more recruiting attention from college football coaches?

One of the most asked questions I get, especially at this time of the year, is what parents and kids can do to get more recruiting notice.

I can be on the sidelines of a high school game, in line at the Jewel (hold the “s”) or just walking my dog. No matter the day or the place or the time, here comes that question again.

What can I do to help my son get noticed by recruiters?

It's a great question, but it seems to be harder and harder to provide a good answer. The recruiting process for high school kids and college football is always changing. If it seems like the odds are stacked against high school kids, you might be on to something.

Over the last handful of seasons we've seen college football go from those old-school values such as playing for school pride and hoping to get some or all of your college education. Now? It's all about getting paid, banking some serious money via NIL along with hitting the transfer portal the moment you have any sort of college success on the field.

Can't build your brand without moving upward and onward, right? College coaches at all levels need players, whether they are high school kids or veteran college grown men. High school players are now in direct scholarship competition with experienced college players all seeking that same scholarship and opportunity. Understanding the playing field for recruiting purposes has never been more important.

Let's put those larger issues aside for now. I want to keep the focus on a few key points to focus on for senior players and parents.

What is your goal?

If you are a senior and you still feel it's not too late to play for a full scholarship, it's too late. So what now? Refocus on your primary goal, which at this late stage should be playing college football and getting a good education. That primary goal is still possible, but time is ticking.

Another important question is simply do you want to play in college? College football at any level is demanding and a huge commitment. Make sure this is what you want before moving forward.

Communication can be a huge issue in recruiting.

It's never been easier to reach out and contact someone than it is today between social media, various apps, websites and such. It's also never been harder to get in touch with kids, and that comes directly from college coaches as well as from my own recruiting coverage purposes.

If you have been blowing off that coach at the nearby Division III or NAIA school who's been trying to get in touch with you, now is the time to seriously rethink that strategy. Nothing says you can't go online, find that coach’s email and drop your video highlights to him.

Find a way to reach out and connect with as many coaches at as many schools as possible. The best ability you can show off right now? Availability. Return phone calls and texts and start to get yourself in front of coaches.

Fill out recruiting surveys (again not sure how impactful those are for seniors at this late stage, but they can't hurt) and be proactive. Also get out and visit some schools. Be seen by the coaches. Meet and talk to those same coaches and get to know them, because they want to get to know you. Show real interest in as many schools as possible.

Are you working with your high school coach? Have you even talked to your high school coach about recruiting?

Having a good relationship with your high school coach is paramount in having recruiting success. High school coaches remain the initial point of contact with college coaches, and this relationship in many cases can benefit you in the recruiting process, even at this late stage. Talk to your coach about your next step.

Now is the time to put together and market your 2025 season game video highlights.

You should have two games to use so far in putting together a highlight video from this season. Generally college coaches want to see 10-15 of the best plays from the first 2-3 games this season.

Once you have those 10-15 top plays, send them out to as many college coaches as possible. Tag as many coaches on social media as you can. Not hearing from college coaches? Reach out to them via email, text or any other way you can. Market yourself to as many schools and coaches as possible. The more schools get involved with you, the more options you'll hopefully have to choose from at the college level.