A comprehensive position-by-position breakdown of the metrics, attributes, and skills that college football coaches evaluate during the recruiting process
College football recruiting is a complex process where coaches evaluate hundreds of players across dozens of positions. Understanding what coaches look for at YOUR specific position can give you a significant competitive advantage in the recruiting process.
Whether you're a quarterback reading defenses, an offensive lineman protecting the pocket, or a defensive back covering receivers, each position has unique evaluation criteria. This comprehensive guide breaks down what college coaches prioritize when recruiting each position group.
While measurables like height, weight, and 40-yard dash times matter, college coaches prioritize game film showing technique, football IQ, and coachability above all else. A player with excellent fundamentals and work ethic will often get recruited over a more athletic player with poor technique.
Quarterbacks are evaluated more comprehensively than any other position. Coaches want field generals who can read defenses, make quick decisions, and lead the team.
What Coaches Look For in Film: Decision-making under pressure, accuracy on timing routes, ability to go through progressions, and leadership when plays break down. Completion percentage above 60% is a good baseline.
Running backs must be versatile playmakers who excel in multiple facets: rushing, receiving, pass protection, and special teams.
What Coaches Look For in Film: Vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage, ability to make the first defender miss, yards after contact, and willingness to pass protect. Look for 5+ yards per carry average.
Wide receivers need a combination of speed, hands, and route-running precision to separate from defenders and make plays downfield.
What Coaches Look For in Film: Route precision and ability to create separation, concentration catching in traffic, yards after catch, and willingness to block downfield. Look for minimal dropped passes.
Offensive linemen are the foundation of any successful offense. Coaches look for size, strength, technique, and most importantly, the right mentality.
What Coaches Look For in Film: Consistent technique with hands inside, ability to sustain blocks, athleticism to reach second level, and most importantly - a nasty, physical mentality. Pancake blocks are a huge plus.
Defensive linemen must combine size, strength, and explosiveness to disrupt the offense. Different techniques require different body types.
What Coaches Look For in Film: Get-off speed at the snap, variety of pass rush moves, ability to collapse the pocket, and high motor that doesn't quit. Tackles for loss (TFL) and sacks are key stats.
Linebackers are the heart of the defense - they must be versatile players who can stop the run, cover in space, and rush the passer.
What Coaches Look For in Film: Ability to quickly diagnose plays and flow to the ball, sure tackling technique, coverage versatility, and vocal leadership. Look for high tackle counts and splash plays (sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles).
Defensive backs need elite speed, quick-twitch reactions, and ball skills to shut down receivers and make plays on the ball.
What Coaches Look For in Film: Fluid hips and ability to run with receivers, ball production (interceptions and pass breakups), tackling ability in open field, and understanding of route concepts. Look for low completion percentage allowed.
Kickers, punters, long snappers, and return specialists are often overlooked but can earn scholarships through their specialized skills.
These positions are typically evaluated and recruited earliest:
These positions often get recruited later in the cycle:
Regardless of position, start building relationships with coaches during your sophomore year and send film updates regularly.
Compare your current measurements and skills against the benchmarks for your target division level.
Focus your highlight video on the key skills coaches evaluate for your position.
Use coach contact lists to reach out to programs that match your skill level and measurables.
Identify gaps in your skill set and work with trainers or coaches to improve before your senior season.
Understanding what college coaches look for at your specific position is crucial for maximizing your recruiting opportunities. While measurables and physical attributes matter, remember that technique, football IQ, and work ethic often separate recruited players from those who get overlooked.
Focus on excelling in the key areas coaches prioritize for your position, document your progress with quality film, and reach out proactively to programs where you fit their system and requirements. Need help navigating the recruiting process? Contact TNS for personalized guidance.
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