Three Ways to Jump to the Top of the White Board

Once You’re On the Big Board, You May Have to Push Yourself Up the Ladder

Every college coach has a “white board.”  For the uninformed, it’s where the top recruits are listed and it’s usually prominent in a college coach’s office.  That white board is a constant reminder of who’s at the top of the program’s “want list.”  Following months of scouting, evaluating video, emailing and phone calls, the white board tells it all — these are our top recruits. 

But, what if you’re on a coach’s white board, but not at the top of the list?  What do you do then?  Can you actually jump over more highly rated prospects to take their place at the top?  Well, yes, you can and here’s how:

Communications:  The recruit that communicates best is often the winner in the signing sweepstakes.  Top-end prospects sometimes take their position for granted and sluff off in the latter stages of the recruiting process leaving you with an opening.   By reaching out to the head coach and the assistants regularly, as in at least once per week, you will demonstrate your sincere desire to be in their program.  This will impress the coaches to no end and if the ones at the top slip up, you can overtake them because of your persistence. 

Desire:  Telling a coach that you really want to go to their school carries a lot of weight, but if you are in the bottom half of their white board, you will have to reiterate your desire to be there by explaining it to them in your phone calls, E-mails and in person. 

Visits:  The more face time you have with the coaching staff, the bigger impression you will make.  Get on campus as often as possible.  Drop the coaches’ offices when you are there.  Sit and talk to them.  Talk about your desire (again) and let them in on what you are doing at school, with your friends and family.  If they truly like what they hear, you may get the nod over another prospect that hasn’t shown as much tenacity.