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National Signing Day has come and gone. There was lots of hoopla Wednesday surrounding where dozens of National Scouting Report prospects signed National Letters of Intent.
But what if you weren’t one of the lucky ones who signed? What’s next?
First off, don’t get caught up in all the hype. National Signing Day is far from an accurate description of what actually takes place. It is only one day of the 60 you have to sign a letter of intent.
Nobody knows who coined Day One as National Signing Day, but it is more of a marketing ploy used by ESPN, FOX and other media outlets to get college football fans jacked up about NCAA Division I recruiting wars and final college choices made by top high school prospects. In other words, keep it all in perspective.
Of course, prospects, parents and the public buy into the excitement and get nervous. In reality, recruits easily could wait a few weeks before signing. But the media pressure has convinced most heavily recruited football players that they have to sign as quickly as possible or lose out.
“Everybody’s goal is to sign on the first day,” said Larry Perrin, National Football Director for NSR. “Division I and II colleges want recruits to sign as quickly as possible and get that fax back to the school. That school wants to have its National Signing Day class locked up and be able to promote it that day.
“However, many Division II and III schools wait for prospects who slip through the cracks, so they still have plenty of roster spots. I’ve had prospects wait several weeks before signing and they had several options.”
Regardless, it can be difficult for unsigned prospects to stand by as others receive the attention. But, in the big scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter. What matters is what you choose to do next.
Football recruits are permitted to sign with Division I and II schools through April 1. You actually have almost two full months to make a decision that could impact the rest of your life. Use this time wisely and efficiently You are competing for roster spots, and not all of them have been filled. There is a place for you, if you have the patience for it.
Here are some tips to help:
- Calm down and make a plan. There is still time to work the recruiting process, but you must act quickly. If you are working with an NSR scout, he or she knows a lot can happen in 60 days and will help you to put together an effective plan.
- NAIA and NJCAA schools don’t have signing restrictions. It’s critical to keep these schools on your list. They are for real. They give scholarships. And they need players.
- Connect with schools that showed interest. Find out what the coaches are thinking.
- Make a schedule of campus visits. Your weekends — and some weekdays — may fill up, but the reward is worth every bit of effort.
- Keep at it. You will succeed if you stay engaged in the process. If you let up, your options will fade away.
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.
What are the schools that you are referring to NAIA NJCCA this is my first college student and I am really trying to make a way for him can someone please give me some information thank you
Hey Tonya,
Thank you for reaching out, we would love to help! As for your first question, NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and NJCCA (National Junior College Athletic Association) are schools outside of the NCAA (The National Collegiate Athletic Association). NJCAA schools are junior or community colleges that deal with 2-year academic degrees. NAIA schools are 4-year colleges or universities that are typically smaller than Large Division I NCAA institutions. All three, NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA deal with the athletic side of colleges or universities. If your son is interested in playing collegiate sports then understanding the differences between the levels would be an excellent first step. If you have any more questions, please let us know!