Your Recruiting Clock: What to Do Each Year in High School

The college recruiting process doesn’t begin junior year — it begins now. Whether you’re a parent of a freshman or a senior trying to catch up, this year-by-year guide breaks down exactly what to focus on and when.

📅 Freshman Year

• Focus on grades early — GPA counts from day one.

• Start building athletic habits: lifting, speed, fundamentals.

• Begin filming games — everything becomes potential highlight material.

• Clean up social media presence.

📅 Sophomore Year

• Build your first highlight reel.

• Introduce yourself to coaches (email, Twitter DMs).

• Research 5–10 colleges that fit your athlete’s academics and skill level.

• Attend 1–2 regional exposure events or camps.

📅 Junior Year

• This is the big evaluation year.

• Register with NCAA Eligibility Center.

• Schedule unofficial visits.

• Communicate consistently with 3–5 schools.

📅 Senior Year

• Follow up with coaches weekly.

• Send updated film (mid-season, playoffs).

• Know when Signing Day is.

• Commit — and continue leading as a student-athlete.