Beyond D1: Helping Athletes Find the Right College Football Opportunity

There are about 775 college football programs that offer scholarships or financial aid packages. Yet, so many young athletes and their families are stuck in a D1-or-bust mentality—a mindset that leaves way too many talented players without an opportunity to keep playing at the next level. It’s time to change the conversation and start normalizing getting kids to college at any level if they have the talent and the drive.

As a high school coach, my job isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about helping players use football to open doors for their future. I tell my players and their families from day one:

"There’s a college out there for YOU—if you’re willing to do the work."

I don’t promise D1 offers. But I do promise to help them find real, tangible opportunities to continue their education while playing the game they love. Here’s how I do it.

The Process: Helping Players Get Recruited

1. Making the Right Connections

Good college football programs have coaches whose job is to find talent. If you have players who can play at the next level, these coaches will find a way to your school. But it’s not just about waiting for recruiters to show up—social media is a game-changer. The right film, highlights, and engagement can catch a coach’s eye and put a player on the radar.

2. Considering the JUCO Route

Not every athlete is ready for a four-year program right out of high school. Maybe they need time to develop. Maybe their grades aren’t where they should be. JUCO is a great option. It gives players a chance to get game film, improve, and earn another shot at the next level. I know firsthand—I was a JUCO product myself, and it helped me get to where I am today.

3. Building a Recruiting Profile

Every player looking for a scholarship needs more than just talent—they need a structured approach to recruiting. Here’s what I put together for my players:

• Highlight Tape: The first 30 seconds matter. Put the best plays up front, and keep it short and effective.

• Player Info Google Doc: This includes GPA, test scores, key stats, and a brief evaluation of their potential.

• Geographic Preference: Are they open to playing anywhere, or do they want to stay local?

• Email Preparation: I help players craft professional, effective emails to coaches.

One of the biggest things I teach my players? We don’t just share our own film—we share our teammates’ film too. Brotherhood matters, and you never know when a coach might offer both you and a teammate because of that document.

Normalizing ALL Levels of College Football

Let’s talk about D3 football. A lot of talented players overlook it because there are no athletic scholarships, but D3 programs offer strong academic aid and competitive football. If a player wants to stay close to home, I reach out to D3 schools in the area to see what opportunities exist.

If a player is willing to go anywhere, I cast a wide net, emailing every NAIA, D2, and D3 school in the country. Why? Because those are the realistic markets for most high school players. I’d rather get my kids real opportunities than have them waiting on a D1 dream that may never come.

The Right Mindset for Athletes & Parents

Coaches: Build Relationships. Don’t just send kids off to college for the sake of it—set them up for success. Connect with D2, D3, and NAIA programs in your area. Build those relationships so you always have places to send your players.

Players: Earn Your Scholarship. No school is just handing them out. It starts with grades and game film. 7-on-7 is great, but if there’s no film from Friday nights, don’t expect an offer on Monday.

Parents: Keep Investing. Your financial commitment to your child’s future doesn’t stop after high school. My job is to help you get a return on your investment, but it’s up to you to keep supporting your athlete’s journey.

No “Big-Timing” Smaller Schools

A scholarship offer is a blessing no matter where it comes from. Smaller schools often take better care of their athletes with personalized support and financial aid flexibility. When evaluating offers, make sure it’s a good fit academically and financially.

And also—stop scholarship watching. Just because you think you’re better than a player who got an offer doesn’t mean you deserve one. Focus on your own path, put in the work, and trust the process.

Coaching is About Changing Lives

Since I’ve been at my current high school, D1 coaches have come through to talk to our players about what it takes to get recruited. That exposure is great—it lights a fire in them. But at the end of the day, I’ve helped 6+ players every year get scholarship opportunities, whether it was D1, D2, D3, NAIA, or JUCO.

D1 is great, but it’s not the only path. If I have D1-caliber kids, I’ll go all out to get them there. But I won’t sell fake dreams or push non-committable offers just to hype up a kid. Let’s create real paths for these players.

To all the coaches out there—make a plan, be a mentor, and change lives. This is just how I run my program, but I know so many others out there are putting in the work every day to get their kids to the next level.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re a player, parent, or coach looking to learn more about the recruiting process, don’t miss my upcoming Scholarship Game Plan Clinic on March 29th. We’ll cover everything from film breakdowns to the recruiting process to on-field development.