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.

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