How Seniors Stay on Top of Recruiting

By Michael Husted

Seniors, you will soon be graduating from high school. Where are you in the recruiting process?

If you have already verbally committed, congratulations. If not, you need to pick up the pace.

Over the next several weeks to months, college basketball programs will be "closing their books" on this year's class. If you hope to be playing at the next level, here is what I recommend doing:

• Make a list of your top 15 college choices.
• If you have already made your list, it is time to reevaluate that list
• Choose your dream schools, realistic schools and fall-back schools (some may overlap).
• Ask yourself, if I wasn't playing a sport, would I want to go to that school? (Remember, there is an offseason)
• Find out the situation for your position at those schools.
• Is the starter a senior?
• What about the backups?
• How many people on the roster play your position?
• Make sure that you have video ready to show them.
• Call the coach (You make the call, not your parents).
• Keep calling until you get a hold of him.
• Prove to that coach that you are a great fit for their program.
• Be assertive and keep in contact (squeaky wheel gets the oil).

We all dream about going to a top-ranked athletic program. Maybe you can go to one, but will you play? Find the college where you can play for 3-4 years and get a solid education. That positive experience will last a lifetime.

I wasn't heavily recruited out of high school and I wasn't drafted into professional sports. However, with some hard work, luck and resolve, I was able to get a great education and play in the NFL for nine seasons.

Now get out there and market yourself. You need to work just as hard off the field as you do on the field if you want to keep playing the sport that you love.

Good Luck!