Troy Summers

When college coaches and recruiting departments evaluate high school football prospects, the process goes beyond athletic ability, statistics and highlight films Character, maturity, accountability, coachability and overall program fit all matter Parents also need to understand how their behavior can influence the recruiting process Recruiting red flags parents should avoid: 🔹 Controlling Communication: Constantly contacting coaches instead of allowing athletes to build relationships 🔹 Overbearing Behavior: Dominating recruiting visits or speaking for your child 🔹 Criticizing Coaches: Publicly complaining about playing time, coaching decisions or recruiting opportunities 🔹 Unrealistic Expectations: Assuming your child deserves Division I offers based on statistics or accolades 🔹 Misrepresenting Interest: Exaggerating scholarship offers, measurables or recruiting attention 🔹 Pressuring Staff: Demanding offers, immediate responses or recruiting decisions 🔹 Negative Social Media Activity: Publicly criticizing programs, coaches or other athletes 🔹 Creating Conflict: Confronting high school coaches or making excuses for poor performance 🔹 Disrespecting Opportunities: Dismissing FCS, DII, DIII or NAIA programs without considering fit 🔹 Prioritizing Exposure: Focusing on rankings and publicity over development and academics 🔹 Controlling Decisions: Pressuring athletes toward certain programs or making recruitment about the parent WHAT COLLEGE COACHES VALUE: ✅ Maturity and independence ✅ Accountability and coachability ✅ Professionalism and honesty ✅ Academic commitment ✅ Realistic expectations ✅ Genuine interest in their program MY MESSAGE TO PARENTS: ‼️Be involved, ask questions and advocate for your child, but allow them to take ownership of their recruitment These behaviors are potential concerns, not automatic disqualifiers 🚨College coaches are recruiting your child, not you. Help them develop the independence, communication skills and accountability needed at the next level Your involvement should open doors, not create obstacles. 🏈 Support the athlete. Respect the process. Let your child take ownership of their future