How To Get A D1 Football Scholarship (The Entire Sales Process)
Securing a D1 football scholarship is not solely about talent. The modern-day recruiting process resembles a business, requiring athletes to develop specific skills and strategies. This guide aims to educate on how to navigate this complex process successfully, offering insights that go beyond raw athletic ability.
Understanding the Player Differences
What's the difference between a G5 Division 1 player and a D2 scholarship player? Talent-wise, potentially nothing. The edge lies in understanding the recruiting process as a business, mastering essential skills, and forming a strategic mindset. Today, in the NIL portal era, these elements are crucial for aspiring athletes aiming to maximize their scholarship opportunities.
Become a Businessman
To secure a scholarship, athletes must transform into elite businesspeople. This transformation requires developing key skills and habits. Marketing, sales, and closing deals are among the competencies needed. Consistent effort in outreach, posting, and commenting is critical. Moreover, maintaining the right mindset and overcoming fears and rejection are integral to success.
Creating a Target List
Begin by targeting the right schools. This involves using a conceptual "target" to manage your prospects:
Max Scholarships: These are the opportunities that, based on your film and GPA, represent the highest level you could possibly attain.
Push Scholarships: These require a concerted effort to persuade coaches through developed skills and relationships.
Sure Thing Offers: Focus 50% of your time here as these are aligned with your current capabilities.
Divide your efforts strategically to improve your chances.
The Analytical Approach
Treat the recruiting process as a sales funnel. Our data indicates that reaching out to 60 schools, determining their area coach, and getting them to watch your video is key. This usually translates to approximately three offers per 60 schools contacted. It's all about numbers, so precision and persistence count.
Executing the Funnel Process
Identify Area Coaches: Many athletes mistakenly contact position coaches first. The initial step should be identifying the area coach.
Get the Coaches to Watch Your Video: Use varied communication methods—emails, DMs, calls—to achieve this goal.
Build a Relationship: After your video is viewed, aim to secure a call. This is crucial for rapport building and ultimately securing a visit.
The Art of Persistence
Throughout this process, you’ll encounter attempts to derail from coaches. It's important to stay focused on your funnel strategy, continually bringing the conversation back to your predetermined next step.
Closing the Deal
The visit is not the end; it's a step towards an offer. Establishing trust and rapport during the visit is essential. Remember, asking direct questions can lead to positive outcomes.
Conclusion
Unlike an All-American talent, most athletes will need to adopt this business-minded approach to their recruiting process. Effort, strategic targeting, and persistence will set you apart in securing a scholarship. If you're committed to this path and ready to embark on the scholarship journey, these steps will provide you with a solid roadmap.
Apply To Work 1-on-1 With Richie
Richie's mentorship program provides access to the entire Next Play® protocol for earning a football scholarship, complete with mentorship, coaching, and accountability for your son, thereby ensuring he develops into an elite communicator, leader, and businessman, and ultimately earns a full-ride scholarship.
