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“A well edited recruiting skill set video can be the difference in a college coach recruiting you or not recruiting you!”
*Great article from Hudl!
Hudl enlisted the help of Ryan Gunderson, Quarterbacks Coach/Passing Game Coordinator, San Jose State University, to learn how coaches watch highlight videos and what to avoid in the video-making process. The former Oregon State quarterback shed some light on things that coaches look for – and what they don’t want to see.
Keep It Brief But Impactful
Gunderson emphasized the importance of brevity. A coach’s time is one of the most valuable assets, and a coaching staff doesn’t have the patience to view 10 minutes worth of highlights for every player. A recruit has precious seconds to snare a coach’s attention before he moves on.
“Always put your best stuff first,” Gunderson said. “Don’t save your best stuff for last. Put it up front. You may only get 30 seconds or a minute of somebody’s time, and if that doesn’t impress them right away, they’re not going to turn your film back on.”
Coaches rarely make it to the end of even the most impressive highlight videos. Gunderson said coaches will typically watch a good video for two to three minutes, then turn to game tape to see if the athlete is consistently dominant or just has a few explosive plays.
Gunderson recommended keeping a highlight video to five minutes adding that elite prospects need little time to prove their worth.
“Depending on who the kid is, he may need to show only ten plays,” Gunderson said. “Some guys just need a ten-clipper or a five-clipper. It’s five plays and it’s not even hard to tell the kid is a stud. If you can get 25-30 plays on a tape, that’s probably plenty.”
Add Variety To Your Highlight
Athletes should use a host of different types of plays to put their full array of skills on video. It’s a mistake to include only plays that highlight one part of a player’s game.
For instance, showing a series of 50-yard runs when a running back bounced to the perimeter shows off his speed. But to give a coach a full understanding of his skills, the back would be advised to include plays that show him breaking tackles, juking safeties, and catching passes.
“It’s good to showcase your speed, your variety, your change of direction, all that type of stuff,” Gunderson said. “You need to find the plays that highlight those things.”
Consider The Music Selection
Many athletes use background music to enhance their video or ramp up the excitement. For the most part, Gunderson said, that’s fine. Hudl allows users to create a unique highlight experience designed to wow friends and family.
Just don’t expect it to get coaches too hyped up.
Gunderson typically watches highlight videos on mute, so music doesn’t affect him one way or the other. But he has seen instances where a recruit includes a track with vulgar lyrics, a move that causes coaches to question his judgment.
“You just think about it and you’re like, ‘You know you’re sending this out to college coaches and they’re going to watch it,’” Gunderson said. “Why would you do that?”
Quick Hitters
Here are a few last tips Gunderson offered:
***Don’t interrupt a play to spotlight yourself. If you do use a spotlight, do it before the play begins. Pausing mid-play chops up the video and makes it tough to judge fluidity and athleticism.
***If you play both sides of the ball, feel free to share clips from multiple positions. For example, if a linebacker prospect also plays running back, Gunderson recommended including some highlights on offense. Those clips can showcase athleticism and catch a coach’s eye.
***Have a highlight video constructed before your senior season. But if you aren’t getting the offers you want, Gunderson recommended making another video from the first three or four games of your final year to try and generate new interest.
Your highlight is often a coach’s first exposure to you as an athlete and can play a critical role in the recruiting process. Now that you know what coaches are looking for, it’s time to get started on your video.