How Football Recruiting Works (Position by Position)
Football recruiting is uniquely complex, with different positions evaluated using distinct criteria, timelines, and metrics. Understanding how recruiting works for your specific position can dramatically improve your chances of college opportunities. This comprehensive guide breaks down the recruiting process by position, covering what coaches look for, key metrics, and strategic approaches for each role on the field.
Understanding Football Recruiting Fundamentals
Why Position Matters in Football Recruiting
Position-specific evaluation:
- Skill requirements: Each position demands unique physical and mental abilities
- Measurable metrics: Different positions have different performance standards
- Roster construction: Coaches recruit specific numbers for each position annually
- Development timelines: Some positions develop earlier or later than others
- Scholarship allocation: Position value affects scholarship offers and priorities
General Football Recruiting Timeline
Key recruiting periods:
- Freshman/Sophomore year: Early development and skill building
- Junior year spring: Contact periods begin, initial evaluations
- Junior year summer: Camp season and major evaluations
- Senior year fall: Official visits and commitment decisions
- Senior year winter: Signing periods and final commitments
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Get Started →NCAA Football Scholarship Limits
Division I FBS: 85 scholarships (can be full or partial) Division I FCS: 63 scholarships (usually divided among 80+ players) Division II: 36 scholarships (typically divided among 60+ players) Division III: No athletic scholarships (academic and need-based aid only)
Offensive Positions
Quarterback
What Coaches Look For
Physical attributes:
- Height: 6'0" minimum for most levels (6'2"+ preferred at high levels)
- Arm strength: Ability to make all throws across the field
- Accuracy: Consistent ball placement in tight windows
- Mobility: Pocket presence and ability to extend plays
- Release: Quick, consistent throwing motion
Mental attributes:
- Leadership: Command of huddle and team respect
- Football IQ: Understanding of offensive concepts and defenses
- Decision-making: Quick, accurate reads under pressure
- Poise: Composure in critical situations
- Communication: Clear, confident instruction to teammates
Key Metrics and Benchmarks
Throwing velocity:
- Division I: 55+ mph (top programs 60+ mph)
- Division II: 50+ mph (top programs 55+ mph)
- Division III: 45+ mph (top programs 50+ mph)
Accuracy standards:
- Short routes (5-15 yards): 75%+ completion
- Medium routes (15-25 yards): 65%+ completion
- Deep routes (25+ yards): 50%+ completion with proper timing
Athletic measurables:
- 40-yard dash: Under 4.8 seconds (under 4.6 for mobile QBs)
- Vertical jump: 28+ inches
- Broad jump: 8'6"+ feet
Recruiting Strategy
Skill development priorities:
- Mechanics: Consistent footwork and throwing motion
- Accuracy training: Precision passing at all levels
- Film study: Understanding defensive concepts and coverages
- Leadership development: Captain roles and team leadership
- 7-on-7 competition: Showcase passing skills in competitive settings
Running Back
What Coaches Look For
Physical attributes:
- Speed: Breakaway speed and acceleration
- Power: Ability to break tackles and run between tackles
- Vision: Finding and hitting holes in defense
- Hands: Reliable pass-catching ability
- Size variation: Different roles require different body types
Mental attributes:
- Patience: Waiting for blocks to develop
- Field awareness: Understanding of blocking schemes
- Pass protection: Identifying and picking up blitzers
- Route running: Precision in passing concepts
Key Metrics and Benchmarks
Speed measurements:
- 40-yard dash: Under 4.6 seconds (under 4.4 for elite speed backs)
- 20-yard shuttle: Under 4.3 seconds
- Three-cone drill: Under 7.0 seconds
Production standards:
- Rushing yards: 1,000+ yards per season against quality competition
- Yards per carry: 6.0+ average
- Touchdowns: 15+ rushing TDs per season
- Receiving: 300+ receiving yards demonstrates versatility
Position Variations
Power back:
- Size: 5'10"+ and 200+ pounds
- Focus: Between-the-tackles running and short-yardage situations
- Metrics: Emphasis on strength and contact balance
Speed back:
- Size: Various, emphasis on speed over size
- Focus: Outside runs and big-play capability
- Metrics: Elite 40-time and breakaway speed
Receiving back:
- Skills: Route running and pass-catching ability
- Focus: Third-down situations and matchup advantages
- Metrics: Reception totals and yards after catch
Wide Receiver
What Coaches Look For
Physical attributes:
- Height and reach: Ability to win contested catches
- Speed: Separation ability and deep threat capability
- Hands: Reliable catching in traffic and contested situations
- Route precision: Sharp cuts and timing
- Physical play: Blocking and contested catch ability
Mental attributes:
- Route concepts: Understanding of offensive system
- Adjustment ability: Adapting routes based on coverage
- Concentration: Catching in traffic and under pressure
- Work ethic: Commitment to improvement and team success
Key Metrics and Benchmarks
Speed and agility:
- 40-yard dash: Under 4.6 seconds (under 4.4 for deep threats)
- 20-yard shuttle: Under 4.2 seconds
- Three-cone drill: Under 6.8 seconds
- Vertical jump: 32+ inches
Production metrics:
- Receiving yards: 800+ yards per season
- Receptions: 40+ catches per season
- Touchdowns: 8+ receiving TDs per season
- Yards per catch: 15+ average demonstrates big-play ability
Position Variations
Slot receiver:
- Skills: Quickness, route precision, catching in traffic
- Size: Often smaller but with exceptional hands and agility
- Role: Third-down conversions and underneath routes
Outside receiver:
- Skills: Speed, height, contested catch ability
- Size: 6'0"+ with length and speed
- Role: Deep threats and boundary routes
Possession receiver:
- Skills: Reliable hands, route precision, football IQ
- Focus: Consistent production and third-down conversions
- Metrics: High catch percentage and first-down conversions
Offensive Line
What Coaches Look For
Physical attributes:
- Size: Height and weight appropriate for position and level
- Strength: Ability to move defenders and create running lanes
- Flexibility: Hip mobility and knee bend
- Hand usage: Proper technique and leverage
- Feet: Quick, balanced movement
Mental attributes:
- Football IQ: Understanding of blocking schemes and adjustments
- Communication: Line calls and protection adjustments
- Consistency: Reliable performance every snap
- Nastiness: Competitive edge and finishing blocks
Key Metrics and Benchmarks
Size requirements by position:
Center:
- Height: 6'1"+ (Division I), 5'11"+ (lower levels)
- Weight: 280+ pounds (Division I), 260+ pounds (lower levels)
Guard:
- Height: 6'2"+ (Division I), 6'0"+ (lower levels)
- Weight: 300+ pounds (Division I), 280+ pounds (lower levels)
Tackle:
- Height: 6'4"+ (Division I), 6'2"+ (lower levels)
- Weight: 300+ pounds (Division I), 280+ pounds (lower levels)
Athletic benchmarks:
- 40-yard dash: Under 5.4 seconds (tackles), under 5.2 (guards/centers)
- Bench press: 20+ reps at 225 pounds
- Squat: 1.5x body weight minimum
- Vertical jump: 24+ inches
Recruiting Considerations
Development timeline:
- Late bloomers: Many linemen develop size and strength later
- Projection: Coaches recruit based on future potential
- Position flexibility: Ability to play multiple line positions
- Academic emphasis: Often strong students with high football IQ
Defensive Positions
Defensive Line
What Coaches Look For
Physical attributes:
- Size and strength: Ability to occupy blockers and rush passer
- Explosion: First-step quickness off the line
- Hand usage: Fighting off blocks and rushing passer
- Motor: High effort and pursuit to the ball
- Flexibility: Hip bend and leverage
Key Metrics by Position
Defensive End:
- Size: 6'2"+ and 240+ pounds (Division I), varies by level
- Speed: 40-yard dash under 4.8 seconds
- Strength: 20+ bench press reps at 225 pounds
- Production: 8+ sacks per season, 15+ tackles for loss
Defensive Tackle:
- Size: 6'1"+ and 280+ pounds (Division I), varies by level
- Strength: 25+ bench press reps at 225 pounds
- Explosion: 5-yard split under 1.8 seconds
- Production: 5+ sacks per season, 10+ tackles for loss
Position Variations
Pass rush specialist:
- Focus: Getting to quarterback and disrupting passing game
- Skills: Speed, hand usage, rush moves
- Metrics: Sack totals and quarterback pressures
Run stopper:
- Focus: Controlling gaps and stopping running game
- Skills: Strength, leverage, gap discipline
- Metrics: Tackle totals and run stuffs
Linebacker
What Coaches Look For
Physical attributes:
- Size: Varies significantly by linebacker type
- Speed: Sideline-to-sideline range and pursuit
- Instincts: Reading plays and reacting quickly
- Tackling: Sure, fundamental tackling technique
- Coverage ability: Dropping into coverage and covering receivers
Key Metrics by Type
Middle linebacker:
- Size: 6'0"+ and 220+ pounds
- Speed: 40-yard dash under 4.7 seconds
- Production: 100+ tackles per season, 8+ tackles for loss
Outside linebacker:
- Size: 6'1"+ and 210+ pounds (coverage) or 230+ pounds (rush)
- Speed: 40-yard dash under 4.6 seconds
- Versatility: Pass rush and coverage ability
Athletic benchmarks:
- Vertical jump: 30+ inches
- Broad jump: 9'0"+ feet
- 20-yard shuttle: Under 4.3 seconds
- Three-cone drill: Under 7.2 seconds
Recruiting Considerations
Versatility valued:
- Multiple positions: Ability to play different linebacker spots
- Special teams: Major factor in recruiting evaluation
- Intelligence: Understanding of defensive concepts
- Leadership: Often team captains and defensive leaders
Defensive Back
What Coaches Look For
Physical attributes:
- Speed: Ability to cover receivers and make plays on ball
- Agility: Quick direction changes and hip flexibility
- Ball skills: Interceptions and pass breakups
- Tackling: Fundamental technique in open field
- Size: Varies by position (corner vs. safety)
Key Metrics by Position
Cornerback:
- Height: 5'9"+ (taller for press coverage)
- Speed: 40-yard dash under 4.5 seconds (under 4.4 for elite)
- Agility: 20-yard shuttle under 4.1 seconds
- Production: 3+ interceptions, 10+ pass breakups per season
Safety:
- Height: 5'10"+ with good range
- Speed: 40-yard dash under 4.6 seconds
- Physicality: Ability to support run defense
- Production: 5+ interceptions, 80+ tackles per season
Position Variations
Free safety:
- Skills: Range, ball skills, communication
- Role: Deep coverage and run support
- Metrics: Interception totals and coverage statistics
Strong safety:
- Skills: Run support, physicality, versatility
- Role: Box support and tight end coverage
- Metrics: Tackle totals and tackles for loss
Slot corner:
- Skills: Quickness, route recognition, physicality
- Role: Covering slot receivers and short routes
- Metrics: Pass breakups and completion percentage allowed
Special Teams Positions
Kicker
What Coaches Look For
Field goal range:
- Division I: 45+ yard range consistently
- Division II: 40+ yard range consistently
- Division III: 35+ yard range consistently
Accuracy standards:
- Extra points: 95%+ success rate
- Field goals: 80%+ inside 40 yards, 70%+ beyond 40 yards
- Pressure situations: Clutch kicking in critical moments
Key Metrics
Leg strength:
- Field goal distance: Longest successful kicks in games
- Touchback percentage: On kickoffs (if applicable)
- Hang time: 4.0+ seconds on punts (for punter/kickers)
Punter
What Coaches Look For
Punting distance:
- Average: 40+ yards per punt
- Consistency: Ability to flip field position regularly
- Directional punting: Coffin corner and directional control
Hang time:
- Standard: 4.2+ seconds consistently
- Coverage: Allowing coverage team to get downfield
Long Snapper
What Coaches Look For
Snap accuracy:
- Consistency: Hitting punter and holder precisely
- Speed: Quick delivery to prevent blocks
- Distance: Accurate snaps at 7-8 yards (punts) and 15 yards (kicks)
Recruiting Strategy by Position
Creating Position-Specific Highlight Videos
Quarterback highlights:
- Throwing accuracy: Showcase precision at all levels
- Pocket presence: Demonstrate poise under pressure
- Leadership moments: Show command of offense
- Mobility: Include scrambling and running ability
Skill position highlights:
- Big plays: Touchdowns and explosive plays
- Versatility: Show multiple ways you contribute
- Clutch moments: Performance in critical situations
- Fundamentals: Demonstrate technique and consistency
Linemen highlights:
- Pancake blocks: Dominant blocking examples
- Pass protection: Keeping quarterback clean
- Scheme understanding: Proper technique and assignments
- Mobility: Showing athletic ability for your size
Camp and Showcase Strategy
Position-specific camps:
- Quarterback camps: Focus on accuracy and leadership
- Linemen camps: Emphasize technique and athleticism
- Skill camps: Highlight speed and playmaking ability
- Kicking camps: Demonstrate range and consistency
Multi-position showcases:
- Testing emphasis: Focus on position-relevant combine drills
- Game situations: Show skills in competitive settings
- Coach interaction: Professional communication and coachability
Communication with Coaches
Position coaches vs. coordinators:
- Initial contact: Often begins with position coaches
- Relationship building: Develop rapport with position coach
- System fit: Understand how you fit their scheme
- Development plan: Discuss your role and growth potential
Position Value and Scholarship Distribution
Premium Positions
Highest scholarship priority:
- Quarterback: Program cornerstone, highest investment
- Pass rushers: Defensive ends and edge rushers
- Offensive tackles: Protect quarterback and create running lanes
- Cornerbacks: Elite coverage players command top value
High-Volume Positions
More opportunities but competitive:
- Linebackers: Multiple spots but many candidates
- Wide receivers: Several positions but high competition
- Defensive backs: Multiple safety and corner positions
- Running backs: Fewer scholarships but more opportunities to contribute
Specialized Positions
Unique recruiting dynamics:
- Centers: Fewer scholarships but less competition
- Kickers/Punters: Walk-on opportunities and late offers
- Long snappers: Often walk-on with scholarship potential
- Fullbacks: Position becoming less common but still valued
The Bottom Line
Football recruiting success requires understanding your position's specific requirements, development timeline, and recruiting dynamics. Each position has unique metrics, skills, and strategic considerations that affect your recruiting approach.
Key success factors:
- Position expertise: Master the specific skills required for your position
- Measurable improvement: Focus on metrics that matter for your role
- Versatility: Demonstrate ability to contribute in multiple ways
- System fit: Understand how you fit different coaching schemes
- Professional approach: Communicate effectively with position coaches
Remember: Football recruiting is position-specific, but character, work ethic, and coachability transcend all positions. Focus on becoming the best player and person you can be while understanding the unique demands of your position.
Strategic reminders:
- Different positions have different development timelines
- Some positions offer more scholarship opportunities than others
- Versatility and special teams ability can create opportunities
- Academic performance matters at all positions
- Character and leadership can set you apart from similar talent
For more information about creating effective football highlight videos, see our article on Best Practices for Highlight Videos: Sport-by-Sport Breakdown. For guidance on communicating with coaches, check out Our Top Email Templates for Recruiting.