Questions for a Recruiting Coach

What makes your program a good fit for me?

• Your recruiting coach is likely the most qualified person to answer this question, because he has made an effort to build a relationship with you. Any coach can reel off statistics and recruiting pitches about what makes their school great, but more important than that is how you will fit in at the school. A recruiting coach can explain how a school may suit your strengths and help develop your weaknesses. A good response will show that the recruiting coach has really paid attention to your needs and wants.

What happens if I get hurt?

• Every athlete's worst nightmare is a career-ending injury. Unfortunately, in collegiate athletics, these types of injuries happen frequently. Ask your recruiting coach what kind of support, both in terms of rehab facilities and scholarship benefits, the school typically provides.

What kind of academic support system is in place?

• Life as a college athlete is extremely taxing. In addition to attending class, practice and games, time is often spent in training rooms, film sessions and occasionally media events. Even the best students may have trouble establishing a consistent study schedule. If you are a strong student, you may only need a little assistance from designated subject tutors, or if you are a borderline student, a strong academic support system may keep you eligible to participate in sports.

Medical Staff and Facilities

• College athletics can take a toll on even the fittest athletes. As an athlete, you will want to surround yourself with a team of trained professionals in the medical field. Great doctors can often spot problems before they occur and can offer preventative advice to avoid a potential injury. Nutritionists can monitor food intake to make sure you are in optimum health and condition prior to competition. In general, better facilities allow professionals to offer more in terms of preventative and rehabilitative support.

Stipulations of my scholarship? Do I have one?

• Every student-athlete has the right to know exactly what is being offered by the college or university that is recruiting them. Many schools give full scholarships that cover 100 percent of tuition, while others only cover a portion of the expenses. Before accepting an offer, you should ask the recruiting coach what your scholarship offer entails, assuming you have one, and get those details in writing. College is an expensive investment, and it is your right to know exactly to what you are agreeing.

Are you recruiting any other players for my position?

• Gaining an overall picture of your future classmates is important, especially if one or more of them play your same position. For example, if you are a football quarterback, you may want to know what kind of receivers you will be throwing the ball to, but more importantly, whether you will have any competition. If a school hasalready accepted a verbal commitment from the top quarterback in the country, there is a good chance that you may be riding the bench for four years unless you can beat that player out for the job.

How soon can I play?

• Early playing time will vary by team. For example, State University may have a graduating senior that plays your position, with no one immediately behind him on the depth chart. Thus, choosing to attend State University may thrust you into an opportunity for playing time as a freshman. Conversely, County Tech may have a Freshman All-American winner at your position who will likely start for three more years, meaning your first playing time might not come until your senior year. A thorough study of the depth chart can give you an idea, but your recruiting coach will likely provide the most insight with regard to potential playing time forecasts.