The truth about size and strength in college recruiting—and the proven strategies that help athletes of every build maximize their potential and catch coaches' attention.
Let's address the elephant in the room: yes, size and strength matter in college athletics. But here's what many athletes and parents don't realize—they don't matter in the way you might think, and they're certainly not the only factors that determine who gets recruited.
As recruiting specialists who've helped hundreds of athletes earn college opportunities, we've seen players of all sizes succeed at the collegiate level. We've also seen highly-recruited "prototypical" athletes fail to make an impact. The difference? Understanding what coaches really value and how to showcase your unique strengths.
This guide will break down the honest truth about physical attributes in recruiting, examine what each sport specifically looks for, and—most importantly—provide actionable strategies for athletes who may not fit the traditional mold but have what it takes to compete at the next level.
Physical attributes open doors, but skill, athleticism, IQ, and character determine who stays in the room. Coaches recruit players who make their teams better—and that comes in many different packages.
Before we dive into how smaller athletes can compete, it's important to understand why coaches consider physical attributes. This isn't about discrimination—it's about physics, biology, and the realities of competition.
In collision sports like football, hockey, and rugby, mass and strength provide tangible advantages:
College coaches aren't just recruiting for today—they're projecting what you'll be in 2-4 years:
At the college level, everyone is skilled. The technical gap between high school and college narrows significantly. When skill levels are similar, physical attributes become differentiators. A 6'5" forward who shoots 40% from three is simply more valuable than a 6'0" forward with identical percentages because of the additional defensive versatility and matchup problems they create.
This doesn't mean smaller athletes can't compete. It means they need to be exceptional in other areas. And many are. Every college roster has players who "shouldn't" be there based on measurables alone—but they produce because they've maximized every other aspect of their game.
Height, wingspan, and vertical leap dominate because basketball is played above the rim. A 6'8" forward who can guard multiple positions is gold.
Real Talk: Division III and NAIA schools actively recruit skilled guards under 6'0". They have the depth at forward but need players who can create offense and handle pressure.
This varies wildly by position. Linemen need mass and power. Skill positions need speed and explosiveness. But size thresholds exist—Power 5 offensive linemen average 6'4", 300+ lbs.
Real Talk: Maurice Jones-Drew (5'7", 208 lbs) had a Hall of Fame-caliber NFL career. Darren Sproles (5'6", 190 lbs) played 15 NFL seasons. Undersized doesn't mean unable—it means you need elite traits elsewhere.
Soccer is perhaps the least size-dependent sport. Technical skill, vision, and endurance matter more than height or bulk. That said, size helps for certain positions (center backs, target forwards).
Real Talk: Lionel Messi is 5'7". N'Golo Kanté is 5'6". Some of the world's best players are smaller than average. Soccer rewards skill and intelligence above almost everything else.
Skating ability first, hockey sense second, size third. That said, physical play matters, especially in college hockey where body checking is prominent.
Real Talk: Martin St. Louis (5'8", 180 lbs) won an NHL MVP. Johnny Gaudreau (5'9", 165 lbs) is a perennial All-Star. Skill transcends size in hockey when combined with elite skating.
Performance metrics trump size. Exit velocity, arm strength, 60-yard dash times, and production matter more than height. That said, projectable frames get attention for pitching.
Real Talk: José Altuve (5'6", 165 lbs) won an MVP. David Eckstein (5'7", 170 lbs) won two World Series. Baseball is incredibly skill-based.
Height and vertical jump are critical, especially for outside hitters and middle blockers. Net dominance wins matches. Division I women's programs average 6'0"+.
Real Talk: While height matters in volleyball more than most sports, exceptional liberos and setters find opportunities. Division II and III programs actively recruit skilled 5'6"-5'10" players.
Pure performance. Your times, distances, and heights determine everything. Body type varies wildly by event—sprinters are muscular, distance runners are lean, throwers are massive.
Real Talk: Track & field is the great meritocracy. Your measurables speak for themselves. A 5'6" runner who runs 4:15 in the mile gets recruited everywhere.
Regardless of your sport, these strategies help athletes overcome physical limitations and maximize their recruiting potential.
Production erases doubt. If you're undersized but leading your league in scoring, assists, tackles, or any measurable stat, coaches notice. Be undeniable at your current level.
You may never weigh 250 lbs, but you can be incredibly strong for your size. A 165-lb player squatting 400 lbs demonstrates elite functional strength. Work with strength coaches who understand athletic development.
Be exceptional at something. Elite speed, shooting touch, first step quickness, vision, or any measurable skill makes you valuable. Coaches build schemes around unique talents.
Your highlight video should showcase plays that make coaches rewind. Focus on moments where your skill, IQ, or athleticism shine. Don't include mediocre plays—quality over quantity.
Film study, anticipation, and decision-making separate good players from great ones. In your communications with coaches, demonstrate that you understand the game at a high level.
Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships. If you're undersized offensively, be elite defensively. Coaches always need players who can guard multiple positions or shutdown opponents.
Be realistic and strategic. If you're 5'9" 160 lbs, Power 5 football is unlikely, but Division II, III, and NAIA have spots for productive players. Research rosters—find programs that value your profile.
Smaller players need coaches to see beyond measurables. Attend camps, communicate consistently, and let coaches get to know you as a person and player. Relationships overcome objections.
If you're on the smaller side, your training becomes even more critical. Here's how to maximize your physical development to compete with naturally larger athletes:
You can't out-train a bad diet. If you're trying to add functional muscle:
Speed is a difference-maker. Smaller athletes who are exceptionally fast create mismatches:
Improper training can cause injuries and stunt development. Work with certified strength coaches and sports performance specialists who understand youth athlete development. This investment in proper coaching pays dividends in performance and injury prevention.
Here's a secret that recruiting rankings don't capture: coaches recruit character as much as talent. They're investing scholarships in young people they'll spend 4-5 years with. Smaller athletes who demonstrate exceptional intangibles often win out over more physically gifted players with red flags.
Be the first in the gym and last to leave. Coaches notice players who do extra reps, stay after practice, and constantly work to improve. Your reputation as a worker travels.
Take feedback without ego. Implement corrections immediately. Ask questions that show you're thinking critically about the game. Coaches love players who make them better coaches.
Vocal leaders are great, but lead-by-example players are just as valuable. Be the player teammates want to emulate. Bring energy to practice. Support teammates publicly.
Smaller athletes face adversity—doubters, physicality, and obstacles. Show that you thrive under pressure, bounce back from mistakes, and never quit. This cannot be taught.
A strong GPA and test scores open doors—especially at competitive academic institutions. Coaches value players who won't need academic babysitting and can contribute right away.
Be someone coaches trust. Show up on time. Keep your word. Be respectful. Coaches call your current coaches—your reputation matters as much as your highlight reel.
"We recruit athletes who make everyone around them better. Size helps, but culture-builders and competitors win championships. Give me a 5'10" guard with a motor over a 6'3" guard who takes plays off every time."
— Division I College Basketball Coach
These athletes prove that determination, skill, and mental toughness can overcome physical limitations:
5'9" | 185 lbs
The last player picked in the 2011 NBA Draft became a two-time All-Star and MVP candidate. Despite being the shortest player in the league, Thomas averaged 29 points per game in 2017. His story? Elite scoring ability, fearless mentality, and exceptional ball-handling made him impossible to ignore.
5'10" | 180 lbs
"Too small" to play quarterback at every level, Flutie won a Heisman Trophy at Boston College, played 21 professional seasons, and made six Pro Bowls. His calling card? Mobility, arm strength, competitiveness, and the ability to make plays when structure broke down.
5'7" | 159 lbs
Diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency as a child, Messi was deemed "too small" by numerous clubs. FC Barcelona took a chance, and he became arguably the greatest player ever. His attributes? Unmatched technical ability, vision, acceleration, and decision-making at full speed.
5'9" | 175 lbs
Scouts doubted Pedroia throughout his career. He responded by winning Rookie of the Year, MVP, four Gold Gloves, and two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox. His edge? Elite bat-to-ball skills, defensive excellence, and legendary competitiveness that inspired teammates.
4'8" | 104 lbs
While gymnastics favors smaller athletes, Biles redefined what's possible. With 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, she's the most decorated gymnast in history. Her power-to-weight ratio, spatial awareness, and mental fortitude are unmatched.
Each of these athletes was told they were too small. Each developed elite skills that couldn't be ignored. Each demonstrated unshakeable belief in themselves. Each found the right fit where their talents could shine. Your path may be different, but the formula is the same: be undeniably great at something.
If you're a smaller athlete serious about playing college sports, here's your step-by-step plan:
Be brutally honest about where you stand. What are your measurables (height, weight, speed, strength)? What's your competition level? What are your standout skills? Identify gaps between where you are and where you need to be.
Action Items:
Pick 1-2 areas where you will become elite. Not good. Not above average. Elite. This is your recruiting hook—the thing coaches can't ignore.
Examples:
Work with qualified strength coaches and skills trainers. Follow a structured program—don't wing it. Track your progress obsessively. Remember: you're competing against athletes who are bigger and training hard.
Minimum Commitment:
Cast a wide net. Target 30-50 schools across multiple divisions where your profile fits. Don't just email—build relationships. Attend camps. Get face-to-face with coaches.
Your Recruiting Package Should Include:
All your preparation means nothing if you don't produce. Lead your team in a measurable category. Win awards. Create film that forces coaches to notice you.
Production Goals (Sport-Specific Examples):
You don't need every school to want you—you need the right school. Look for programs that value your strengths, have a track record of playing smaller athletes in your position, and match your academic goals.
Research Questions to Ask:
The path won't be easy. You'll face doubters and obstacles. But every undersized athlete who made it faced the same challenges—and overcame them with preparation, skill, and belief. The question isn't whether you're big enough. It's whether you're determined enough.
Yes, size and strength matter in athletic recruitment. Let's not pretend otherwise. But they matter within context. They matter alongside other factors. And they can be overcome by athletes who refuse to be limited by what they lack and instead obsess over maximizing what they have.
The recruiting process is not a meritocracy based solely on measurables. It's a complex evaluation of talent, potential, fit, character, and timing. Undersized athletes get recruited every single year—but they get recruited because they've made themselves exceptional in ways that matter.
Coaches recruit players who win games. If you help teams win, you'll find opportunities.
Every roster needs specialists. You don't have to be a five-star prospect—you need to be elite at something specific.
Different divisions have different needs. A Division III program may value you as highly as Division I values a "prototypical" player.
Character and work ethic are difference-makers. Coaches invest in people, not just athletes.
Your story matters. Every coach loves a competitor who was overlooked but proved everyone wrong.
Don't let your size define your ceiling. Let your work ethic, skill development, and competitive spirit write your story. College rosters are filled with players who "shouldn't" have made it—but they worked harder, played smarter, and refused to quit.
Will you be one of them?
At The Next Step Athletic Recruitment, we've helped hundreds of athletes—including many who were told they were "too small"—earn college opportunities. Our services include:
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