Down the Stretch: Dash to the Finish Line for 2010 Recruiting

Since the finish of each respective bowl game, head coaches and assistants have been scouring the nation for the chance to detach a four or five-star football athlete from their earlier commitment and woo them to another dream.

They are also spending time looking for that diamond in the rough that others have overlooked. They have to fill positions of need and add depth to a particular position. The head coach wants to find kids that will help his team succeed on the gridiron, but not sink the ship in the process.

What are the most important factors in making a commitment? That is the question that every recruiter must know before they step in the door of the prospective athlete. If you haven't done your research, the trip will be worthless and precious time will be wasted.

Here are a few of the major issues on the line, but keep in mind that the better you know an individual the more likely you are to answer the one key question that may draw him to your program.

1. A Chance To Play Early

That does not necessarily mean as a freshman, but the prospective athlete needs to know that his skills are needed for your program to succeed. The young player considers himself valuable, and he needs to know that you have evaluated his skills and consider them an essential ingredient to your success.

Attention to details and recognition of a special quality that the individual possesses will go a long way. That special quality must be highlighted in the conversation and plugged into the equation for success so the athlete can visualize how he fits into the system.

2. Time To Develop

This is a personal timetable that must be sorted out in the process of recruiting. Some athletes feel they are ready to play immediately, and some acknowledge that they have the raw talent but will need time to perfect their skill. In fact, most high school athletes fit into this category, but many don't want to admit it.

The recruiter must be careful not to oversell the players usefulness to the programs success, but at the same time keep item No. 1 a reality. Truth be known, most athletes need a redshirt year. It is in their best interest. They must be convinced that it is an option that will not be detrimental to their progress.

There are always a few freaks in every class who are ready when they hit the campus. As a recruiter, you must know who they are, and let them know you have an immediate need for their skill. In today's world, the coaches have the ability to sell early enrollment and participation in spring practice to sort this out.

Promising too much to an athlete may get the hook into him, and the coach may make the sale, but if you land a quality athlete and don't live up to the promise you will have an unhealthy, dysfunctional relationship on your hands, and end up like Mike Leach.

3. Players Already on Your Team That Can Connect with the Prospect

The official visits are important for the prospect and his parents, but the down time during the visit is a key element to the outcome. Athletes in the program with the ability to connect to the "heart issues" for the prospect are extremely valuable in the recruiting process.

Whether it's just hanging out playing XBox or Playstation games, watching a favorite movie, hanging out at a local deli, or walking around the campus, this down time and one-on-one connection can sell your program as well as any coaching interview.

You need to connect the prospect with an individual or individuals with similar interests. Ones who will speak honestly with the prospect about their experience and what it means to be a part of your program. Hopefully your athletes respect you and your coaching staff. That will eventually come out in the conversation.

4. What Happens if the Athlete is Injured While Enrolled in Your Program

Insurance is security. This is particularly important to the mother of the prospective athlete. Will you provide the best medical care available?

Nearly every program has access to advance medical care and rehabilitation, but this element of your program should be highlighted, particularly to the parents.

That parent is putting their child into your care. They want to know that you will do your best to keep their child from injury, but if, and when, injury comes, you are prepared to step up and help with the process of recovery.

5. Preparation for Life After Football

The prospect is really focused on going to college and playing football, but they realize that football is simply a ticket into your world.

In the current age of college football, examples are aplenty of athletes who entered a particular program with so much promise that didn't pan out. Career ending injuries occur on the college football field. What happens then?

The most important element of your program that you can sell is a quality education. Not just that an education is available, but that you will give your athletes the best chance for success.

A study hall, private library, computer access, access to tutors, and time available to study are stressed on the campus visit.

It is the one time that the family has a chance to see what you can offer their child when they are giving you everything they have on the field. Reciprocity is a very important ingredient to a functional relationship.

6. Your Facilities

Every athlete wants to play at the best program possible with the largest fan base. They want to display their skills to the biggest audience with the greatest history and traditions with the chance to become part of that lore. But not all athletes make it to the "Big Time" right out of high school.

Those athletes are just as excited about where their future lies and may in fact have as much or more success when the final bell rings.

Programs like FIU and many others excel in this area because they have invested substantial capital in the development of a state-of-the art-stadium, on a smaller scale. This kind of facility energizes the fan base and draws the skilled players their way.

Not just the playing field, but practice facilities, war rooms, meeting rooms, weight rooms, game rooms, and rooms just to hang out after practice. Sometimes just a clean, well-lit place to take a load off, when available, can go a long way in the process of a sale.

7. Your Campus and Student Body

Official visits on gameday are best for demonstrating this aspect of your University. When the prospect comes to your "house" and takes in the excitement of the fans during a game, there is no better way to sell your program. In their head, the wheels are spinning: "One day they will be cheering for me!"

Knowledgeable fan bases, student groups assisting with recruitment, and signs held up during the game with the recruit's name add a personal touch that causes the prospect to blush with excitement.

These are but a few of the ingredients for successful recruitment of the student athlete. Use the comment section below to add your thoughts about what is legal and useful as a means for recruiting today's college athlete.