What Does It Take to Play College Football?

To play college football, you must have the total package: size, athleticism, and high school success.

Position-Specific Skill Sets

Different positions require specific skill sets. Quarterbacks need strong passing and decision-making abilities while running backs must excel in running, blocking, and receiving. Defensive players need tackling, coverage, and pass-rushing skills. Understanding the skills required for their position helps athletes focus on improving in areas that are critical for their role on the team.

Awards and Varsity Experience

These are going to be very dependent on the size of the recruit's school and the competitiveness of their conference. Recruits at a small school need to have all the accomplishments-and sometimes more-to get interest from college coaches. Athletes at larger powerhouse schools might not need to be a multi-year varsity starter to get some looks.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Must be polished. Pro-style QBs or passing spread QBs should be able to throw the deep out, comeback, dig, and seam with no loft.
• They should be able to throw the ball through the goalpost from the opposite 40-yard line.
• Proficient ability to throw WR open and execute the back shoulder throw.
• Dual-threat QBs may be raw as passers but should show as the best pure athletes on the field in every game and possess elite size/speed combinations.
• Has to have demonstrated QB ability multiple years at an all-state level or high all-area/district at a minimum.
• Should have recognition from national recruiting media and log performances on the camp and combine circuit.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• May not have the production or raw tools of an elite FBS Power Five caliber recruit, but coaches at this level will still scholarship high school QBs with outstanding individual attributes such as speed, arm strength, leadership, etc., even if they don't have a polished and well-rounded game coming out of high school.
• These are QBs that are evaluated much like pro baseball scouts evaluate prospects by the five-tool-scale.
• They'll have at least one, maybe two very special attributes, while the others must be developed with a redshirt year.
• Pro style and spread QBs must flash the ability to throw the deep out, comeback, dig, and seam with minimal loft. They should be able to throw the ball through the goalpost from the opposite 45-yard line. Flashes the ability to throw receivers open and execute the back shoulder throw.
• Dual-threat QBs may be raw as passers but should show as one of the better pure athletes on the field in every game and possess excellent size/speed combinations.
• Has to have demonstrated QB ability multiple years at an all-area level or all-conference level at minimum.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Pro-style and spread QBs must be able to throw the deep out, comeback, dig, and seam with slight loft.
• They should be able to throw the ball through the goalpost from the 50-yard line.
• Proficient ability to throw receivers open and execute the back shoulder throw.
• Dual-threat QBs may be raw as passers but should show well as pure athletes on the field in every game and possess above-average size/speed combinations.
• Has to have demonstrated QB ability at an all-conference level at a minimum.

Low D-II, NAIA & D-III

• Pro-style and spread QBs must be able to throw the deep out, comeback, dig, and seam with some loft.
• They should be able to throw the ball through the goalpost from near the 45-yard line.
• Proficient ability to throw receivers open and execute the back shoulder throw.
• Dual-threat QBs may be raw as passers but should possess an above-average size/speed combination.
• Has to have demonstrated QB ability for at least one year at a varsity level.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Runs with both power, speed and balance and can pull away from second-level defenders.
• Must have exceptional lower and upper body strength.
• Has to have demonstrated RB ability with multiple years at an all-state or all-district Level.
• Recognition from national recruiting media. Multiple-year all-conference selection at minimum.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• A tough and fast runner with the ability to break multiple tackles and most second-level defenders.
• Must have quickness to elude defenders and run downhill quickly.
• Has to have demonstrated RB ability for multiple years at an all-conference level.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• A durable runner with power and speed.
• Good acceleration, balance, and effort.
• Shows quickness and instincts.
• Has to have demonstrated RB ability at an all-conference level.

Low D-II, NAIA & D-III

• Must be a tough and instinctive runner with adequate speed.
• Has to have demonstrated RB ability for at least one year at a varsity level.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Runs with both power, speed and balance and can pull away from second-level defenders.
• Must have exceptional lower and upper body strength.
• Has to have demonstrated RB ability with multiple years at an all-state or all-district Level.
• Recognition from national recruiting media. Multiple-year all-conference selection at minimum.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• A tough and fast runner with the ability to break multiple tackles and most second-level defenders.
• Must have quickness to elude defenders and run downhill quickly.
• Has to have demonstrated RB ability for multiple years at an all-conference level.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• A durable runner with power and speed.
• Good acceleration, balance, and effort.
• Shows quickness and instincts.
• Has to have demonstrated RB ability at an all-conference level.

Low D-II, NAIA & D-III

• Must be a tough and instinctive runner with adequate speed.
• Has to have demonstrated RB ability for at least one year at a varsity level.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Must be a constant threat anytime he is on the field.
• Must have an instant release off of the LOS with low pad level and little wasted movement, a burst into the route, one-step cuts, impeccable catching ability, and the ability to separate himself from defenders with rare top-end speed and elusiveness.
• He must be able to catch a jump ball as easily as a post, shallow, slant, or hitch.
• He must be comfortable running all routes, possess rare ball skills, have a great combination of size & speed, and have a willingness to block.
• He is a multiple-year all-state player and, in most cases, an All-American.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• Must have an instant release off of the LOS with low pad level, a burst into the route, one-step cuts, outstanding catching ability, and the ability to separate himself from defenders with his speed.
• He must be able to catch a jump ball as easily as a mesh, slant, or hitch.
• He must be comfortable running all routes, possess very good ball skills, and a willingness to block.
• He has earned all-state and/or all-conference honors.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Must have a quick release off of the LOS, good vision and instincts, good hands, and the quickness to make defenders miss.
• He is typically very athletic, quicker than fast or possesses the speed and is undersized for the position.
• He is willing to block and plays with a high motor.
• He has earned all-conference honors.

Low D-II, NAIA & D-III

• Must be able to release from the line quickly, sell the go route, make precise cuts in/out of breaks, catch the ball on a consistent basis, and is typically quicker than fast.
• He must have at least one year of varsity football experience.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Must be a constant threat anytime he is on the field.
• Must have an instant release off of the LOS with low pad level and little wasted movement, a burst into the route, one-step cuts, impeccable catching ability, and the ability to separate himself from defenders with rare top-end speed and elusiveness.
• He must be able to catch a jump ball as easily as a post, shallow, slant, or hitch.
• He must be comfortable running all routes, possess rare ball skills, have a great combination of size & speed, and have a willingness to block.
• He is a multiple-year all-state player and, in most cases, an All-American.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• Must have an instant release off of the LOS with low pad level, a burst into the route, one-step cuts, outstanding catching ability, and the ability to separate himself from defenders with his speed.
• He must be able to catch a jump ball as easily as a mesh, slant, or hitch.
• He must be comfortable running all routes, possess very good ball skills, and a willingness to block.
• He has earned all-state and/or all-conference honors.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Must have a quick release off of the LOS, good vision and instincts, good hands, and the quickness to make defenders miss.
• He is typically very athletic, quicker than fast or possesses the speed and is undersized for the position.
• He is willing to block and plays with a high motor.
• He has earned all-conference honors.

Low D-II, NAIA & D-III

• Must be able to release from the line quickly, sell the go route, make precise cuts in/out of breaks, catch the ball on a consistent basis, and is typically quicker than fast.
• He must have at least one year of varsity football experience.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Have a great combination of size & speed and must change the LOS at the point of attack.
• Soft hands.
• Needs to be able to stretch the field vertically, especially when lining up in the slot or in one-on-one situations.
• Demonstrates explosive physicality.
• Can find the open window in zone and separates from man coverage.
• Shows the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact.
• He is a multiple-year all-state player and, in some cases, an All-American.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• Has a combination of size and speed, and must change the LOS at the point of attack.
• Soft hands.
• Needs to be able to stretch the field vertically, especially in one-on-one situations.
• Can find the open window in zone and separates from man coverage.
• Threat after the catch.
• He is a multiple-year all-conference player.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Has a combination of size and speed and must change the LOS at the point of attack.
• Soft hands.
• Needs to be able to stretch the field vertically.
• Can find the open window in zone and separates from man coverage.
• Threat after the catch.
• He is a multiple-year all-conference player.

Low D-II, NAIA & D-III

• Has a combination of size and speed and must change the LOS at the point of attack.
• Soft hands.
• Can be one-dimensional as a blocker or receiver.
• Needs to be able to stretch the field vertically.
• Can find the open window in zone or separate from man coverage.
• Threat after the catch.
• Varsity starter.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Have a great combination of size & speed and must change the LOS at the point of attack.
• Soft hands.
• Needs to be able to stretch the field vertically, especially when lining up in the slot or in one-on-one situations.
• Demonstrates explosive physicality.
• Can find the open window in zone and separates from man coverage.
• Shows the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact.
• He is a multiple-year all-state player and, in some cases, an All-American.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• Has a combination of size and speed, and must change the LOS at the point of attack.
• Soft hands.
• Needs to be able to stretch the field vertically, especially in one-on-one situations.
• Can find the open window in zone and separates from man coverage.
• Threat after the catch.
• He is a multiple-year all-conference player.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Has a combination of size and speed and must change the LOS at the point of attack.
• Soft hands.
• Needs to be able to stretch the field vertically.
• Can find the open window in zone and separates from man coverage.
• Threat after the catch.
• He is a multiple-year all-conference player.

Low D-II, NAIA & D-III

• Has a combination of size and speed and must change the LOS at the point of attack.
• Soft hands.
• Can be one-dimensional as a blocker or receiver.
• Needs to be able to stretch the field vertically.
• Can find the open window in zone or separate from man coverage.
• Threat after the catch.
• Varsity starter.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Dominates the LOS and puts HS players on their backs.
• Can move the line of scrimmage by five yards at will.
• Gets to the second level with ease and wins in space.
• Displays great balance, rarely on the ground.
• Plays with excellent pad level by demonstrating great knee bend.
• Plays with a great natural wide base.
• Shows the ability to naturally pass set, slide, and mirror with ease.
• Can maintain balance running and can hit moving targets downfield.
• All-State, all-area/district type player with national attention from recruiting media.
• Typically, a multiple-time all-conference selection.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• May not have shown the consistent dominance of an elite FBS Power Five caliber recruit, but coaches at this level will still scholarship athletic high school offensive linemen as they believe they can develop them with a redshirt year and a good strength and conditioning program.
• Flashes the ability to dominate the LOS and knock HS players on the ground.
• Can get to the second level regularly.
• Flashes the ability to move the line of scrimmage.
• Flashes the ability to finish blocks.
• Displays good balance, rarely on the ground.
• Plays with great pad level by demonstrating good knee bend.
• Plays with a good natural wide base.
• Shows the ability to pass set, slide and mirror.
• Can hit moving targets downfield.
• All-area/district type player.
• Typically, a multiple-time all-conference selection.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Flashes the ability to dominate the LOS and knock HS players on the ground.
• Can get to the second level regularly.
• Flashes the ability to move the line of scrimmage.
• Displays good balance and rarely on the ground.
• Plays with great pad level by demonstrating good knee bend.
• Plays with a good natural wide base.
• Shows the ability to pass set, slide, and mirror.
• Can hit moving targets downfield.
• All-area/district type player.
• Typically, a multiple-time all-conference selection.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA (Alternate)

• Flashes the ability to move the LOS.
• Can get to the second level.
• Displays good balance and stays off the ground.
• Plays with solid pad level by demonstrating decent knee bend.
• Can pass set and move his feet.
• Hustles to the ball.
• Typically, all-conference selection or a multiyear varsity starter.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Dominates the LOS and puts HS players on their backs.
• Can move the line of scrimmage by five yards at will.
• Gets to the second level with ease and wins in space.
• Displays great balance, rarely on the ground.
• Plays with excellent pad level by demonstrating great knee bend.
• Plays with a great natural wide base.
• Shows the ability to naturally pass set, slide, and mirror with ease.
• Can maintain balance running and can hit moving targets downfield.
• All-State, all-area/district type player with national attention from recruiting media.
• Typically, a multiple-time all-conference selection.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• May not have shown the consistent dominance of an elite FBS Power Five caliber recruit, but coaches at this level will still scholarship athletic high school offensive linemen as they believe they can develop them with a redshirt year and a good strength and conditioning program.
• Flashes the ability to dominate the LOS and knock HS players on the ground.
• Can get to the second level regularly.
• Flashes the ability to move the line of scrimmage.
• Flashes the ability to finish blocks.
• Displays good balance, rarely on the ground.
• Plays with great pad level by demonstrating good knee bend.
• Plays with a good natural wide base.
• Shows the ability to pass set, slide and mirror.
• Can hit moving targets downfield.
• All-area/district type player.
• Typically, a multiple-time all-conference selection.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Flashes the ability to dominate the LOS and knock HS players on the ground.
• Can get to the second level regularly.
• Flashes the ability to move the line of scrimmage.
• Displays good balance and rarely on the ground.
• Plays with great pad level by demonstrating good knee bend.
• Plays with a good natural wide base.
• Shows the ability to pass set, slide, and mirror.
• Can hit moving targets downfield.
• All-area/district type player.
• Typically, a multiple-time all-conference selection.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA (Alternate)

• Flashes the ability to move the LOS.
• Can get to the second level.
• Displays good balance and stays off the ground.
• Plays with solid pad level by demonstrating decent knee bend.
• Can pass set and move his feet.
• Hustles to the ball.
• Typically, all-conference selection or a multiyear varsity starter.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Can overpower and/or out-quick HS offensive linemen any time he wants.
• Elite quick-twitch get-off skills.
• Dominates the line of scrimmage and jumps off the screen during evaluation.
• Commands double-teams and still wins.
• Shows great technique and has developed some pass-rush moves.
• Great footwork and leverage in the run game.
• Stuns and sheds blockers and can maintain a gap.
• Can penetrate at will.
• Typically, multiple-time all-state honoree with recognition from national recruiting media.
• Minimum multiyear all-area/all-district, all-conference selection.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• May not have shown the production of an elite FBS Power Five caliber recruit, but college coaches at this level will still scholarship athletic or high school defensive linemen with tremendous size as they believe they can coach them up into productive college players.
• A prospect of this caliber demonstrates a consistent ability to overpower or out-quick HS offensive linemen.
• Displays quick-twitch and get-off skills.
• Dominates the line of scrimmage.
• Commands double-teams and flashes the ability to defeat those combinations.
• Shows good technique and has developed at least one pass-rush move.
• Good footwork and leverage in the run game.
• Stuns and sheds blockers and will maintain a gap.
• Can penetrate gaps.
• Some recognition from national recruiting media.
• Typically, all-area/all-district, all-conference selection.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Flashes ability to overpower or out-quick HS offensive linemen.
• Flashes quick-twitch get-off skills.
• Controls the line of scrimmage.
• Good footwork and leverage in the run game.
• Can get off blocks.
• Flashes ability to penetrate gaps.
• Typically, all-area or all-conference selection.

Low D-II, NAIA & D-III

• Displays ability to beat HS offensive linemen.
• Solid get-off.
• Flashes ability to win at the line of scrimmage.
• Solid footwork and leverage in the run game.
• Can get off blocks.
• Typically, all-conference selection but a minimum one-year varsity starter.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Can overpower and/or out-quick HS offensive linemen any time he wants.
• Elite quick-twitch get-off skills.
• Dominates the line of scrimmage and jumps off the screen during evaluation.
• Commands double-teams and still wins.
• Shows great technique and has developed some pass-rush moves.
• Great footwork and leverage in the run game.
• Stuns and sheds blockers and can maintain a gap.
• Can penetrate at will.
• Typically, multiple-time all-state honoree with recognition from national recruiting media.
• Minimum multiyear all-area/all-district, all-conference selection.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• May not have shown the production of an elite FBS Power Five caliber recruit, but college coaches at this level will still scholarship athletic or high school defensive linemen with tremendous size as they believe they can coach them up into productive college players.
• A prospect of this caliber demonstrates a consistent ability to overpower or out-quick HS offensive linemen.
• Displays quick-twitch and get-off skills.
• Dominates the line of scrimmage.
• Commands double-teams and flashes the ability to defeat those combinations.
• Shows good technique and has developed at least one pass-rush move.
• Good footwork and leverage in the run game.
• Stuns and sheds blockers and will maintain a gap.
• Can penetrate gaps.
• Some recognition from national recruiting media.
• Typically, all-area/all-district, all-conference selection.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Flashes ability to overpower or out-quick HS offensive linemen.
• Flashes quick-twitch get-off skills.
• Controls the line of scrimmage.
• Good footwork and leverage in the run game.
• Can get off blocks.
• Flashes ability to penetrate gaps.
• Typically, all-area or all-conference selection.

Low D-II, NAIA & D-III

• Displays ability to beat HS offensive linemen.
• Solid get-off.
• Flashes ability to win at the line of scrimmage.
• Solid footwork and leverage in the run game.
• Can get off blocks.
• Typically, all-conference selection but a minimum one-year varsity starter.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Shows the ability to take over a game defensively.
• Active and causes havoc all around the field.
• Knocks blockers and ball-carriers backward and/or off their feet.
• Instinctive and plays downhill in the run game.
• Strong enough to play on LOS in HS if necessary but athletic enough to play in coverage.
• Explodes on contact, visibly changing the LOS or driving ball carriers backward.
• Displays loose hips and great knee bend, plays under his pads.
• Can match up with anyone and run them down.
• Understands pursuit angles and can close time and space in an instant.
• Multiple-year all-state selection with some recognition by national recruiting media on the high end.
• All-area/district and multiyear all-conference at a minimum.
• Defensive captains with signal-calling experience are highly desirable for inside linebackers.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• May not have shown the production of an elite FBS Power Five caliber recruit, but coaches at this level will still scholarship athletic high school linebackers as they believe they can coach them up into productive college players.
• Active player that's constantly around the ball.
• Knocks blockers and ball-carriers backward on impact.
• Plays downhill in the run game.
• Strong on contact, can change the LOS.
• Good knee bend.
• Can match up with most offensive players and run them down.
• Understands pursuit angles and can close time and space.
• All-area/district and multiyear all-conference with some recognition by national recruiting media.
• Defensive captains with signal-calling experience are highly desirable for inside linebackers.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Active player who shows good movement.
• Stands blockers up and knocks ball-carriers backward on contact.
• Instinctive in the run game.
• Strong on contact.
• Solid knee bend.
• Pursues well.
• All-area/district and multiyear all-conference.

Low D-II, NAIA & D-III

• Active player flashes decent movement.
• Flashes ability to stand blockers up and also to knock ball-carriers backward on contact.
• Flashes solid instincts in the run game.
• Flashes decent knee bend.
• Shows decent pursuit skills.
• Typically, all-conference or minimum one-year varsity starter.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Shows the ability to take over a game defensively.
• Active and causes havoc all around the field.
• Knocks blockers and ball-carriers backward and/or off their feet.
• Instinctive and plays downhill in the run game.
• Strong enough to play on LOS in HS if necessary but athletic enough to play in coverage.
• Explodes on contact, visibly changing the LOS or driving ball carriers backward.
• Displays loose hips and great knee bend, plays under his pads.
• Can match up with anyone and run them down.
• Understands pursuit angles and can close time and space in an instant.
• Multiple-year all-state selection with some recognition by national recruiting media on the high end.
• All-area/district and multiyear all-conference at a minimum.
• Defensive captains with signal-calling experience are highly desirable for inside linebackers.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• May not have shown the production of an elite FBS Power Five caliber recruit, but coaches at this level will still scholarship athletic high school linebackers as they believe they can coach them up into productive college players.
• Active player that's constantly around the ball.
• Knocks blockers and ball-carriers backward on impact.
• Plays downhill in the run game.
• Strong on contact, can change the LOS.
• Good knee bend.
• Can match up with most offensive players and run them down.
• Understands pursuit angles and can close time and space.
• All-area/district and multiyear all-conference with some recognition by national recruiting media.
• Defensive captains with signal-calling experience are highly desirable for inside linebackers.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Active player who shows good movement.
• Stands blockers up and knocks ball-carriers backward on contact.
• Instinctive in the run game.
• Strong on contact.
• Solid knee bend.
• Pursues well.
• All-area/district and multiyear all-conference.

Low D-II, NAIA & D-III

• Active player flashes decent movement.
• Flashes ability to stand blockers up and also to knock ball-carriers backward on contact.
• Flashes solid instincts in the run game.
• Flashes decent knee bend.
• Shows decent pursuit skills.
• Typically, all-conference or minimum one-year varsity starter.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Both an elite athlete and a tough football player.
• Fearless on the field.
• Great recovery speed.
• Naturally flips hips and gets in and out of breaks.
• Doesn't take false steps.
• Great instincts.
• Flies up the alley to support in the run game and against screens.
• Can play man or zone.
• Quick feet.
• Elite free safety prospects display great range to cover sideline to sideline.
• Tremendous ball skills.
• Great leaping ability with the knack to high-point the ball or take it away from taller receivers.
• Typically, first or second-team all-state with recognition from the national recruiting media as an underclassmen.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• May not have shown the production of an elite FBS Power Five caliber recruit, but coaches at this level will still scholarship athletic high school defensive backs if they believe they can coach them up into productive college players.
• Prospects will show they're one of the better athletes on the field.
• Flashes ability to flip hips and gets in and out of breaks.
• Rarely takes false steps.
• Good instincts.
• Flashes ability to come up in the alley to support in the run game and against screens.
• Good feet.
• Top free safety prospects need range to play center field or at least deep half.
• Good ball skills.
• Good leaping ability.
• Flashes ability to high-point the ball or take it away from taller receivers.
• Typically all-state, all-area/district with some recognition from recruiting media. All-conference performer at minimum.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Good athlete and a tough competitor.
• Willing in run support.
• Solid change of direction skills.
• Solid leaping ability.
• Flashes ability to get the ball in traffic.
• Typically, all-area or all-conference.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA (Alternate)

• Solid athlete and a tough competitor.
• Has to be a committed, rugged football player more than an elite athlete.
• Willing to mix it up in run support.
• Decent change of direction skills.
• Decent leaping ability.
• High degree of variance in accolades from all-conference to a one-year varsity starter.

NCAA Division I FBS - Power Four

• Both an elite athlete and a tough football player.
• Fearless on the field.
• Great recovery speed.
• Naturally flips hips and gets in and out of breaks.
• Doesn't take false steps.
• Great instincts.
• Flies up the alley to support in the run game and against screens.
• Can play man or zone.
• Quick feet.
• Elite free safety prospects display great range to cover sideline to sideline.
• Tremendous ball skills.
• Great leaping ability with the knack to high-point the ball or take it away from taller receivers.
• Typically, first or second-team all-state with recognition from the national recruiting media as an underclassmen.

NCAA Division I - Group of Five & High FCS

• May not have shown the production of an elite FBS Power Five caliber recruit, but coaches at this level will still scholarship athletic high school defensive backs if they believe they can coach them up into productive college players.
• Prospects will show they're one of the better athletes on the field.
• Flashes ability to flip hips and gets in and out of breaks.
• Rarely takes false steps.
• Good instincts.
• Flashes ability to come up in the alley to support in the run game and against screens.
• Good feet.
• Top free safety prospects need range to play center field or at least deep half.
• Good ball skills.
• Good leaping ability.
• Flashes ability to high-point the ball or take it away from taller receivers.
• Typically all-state, all-area/district with some recognition from recruiting media. All-conference performer at minimum.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA

• Good athlete and a tough competitor.
• Willing in run support.
• Solid change of direction skills.
• Solid leaping ability.
• Flashes ability to get the ball in traffic.
• Typically, all-area or all-conference.

Low FCS, D-II & High NAIA (Alternate)

• Solid athlete and a tough competitor.
• Has to be a committed, rugged football player more than an elite athlete.
• Willing to mix it up in run support.
• Decent change of direction skills.
• Decent leaping ability.
• High degree of variance in accolades from all-conference to a one-year varsity starter.