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.