As I have mentioned here in just about every article written, it is essential in the recruiting process to consider all of your options. And while you may have grown up with Division I eyes, it may be time to consider other options. They may essentially be back up options but the most important thing is that there are other possibilities to consider if your dream school does not work out.
So with that in mind, a great option to consider is looking at Division II schools. While the schools are normally much smaller than Division I programs, that doesn’t mean athletics at these programs are played at a much lower level. Many Division I athletes actually end up transferring to Division II schools. If you are curious when these schools can recruit you, we have a few thoughts on the recruiting rules for Division II schools.
When can I receive recruiting material from Division II schools?
A
school at this level can send you printed recruiting material beginning on
September 1st of your junior year. Many coaches actually sent out
questionnaires earlier than that but the actual recruiting interest should not
officially start until the beginning of your junior year of schooling.
How can I help support Recruiting-101?
- Use highlight-videos.com for a Hudl tuneup/new video
- E-Book: Guide to the Athletic Recruiting Process for Parents
- E-Book: How Juniors Can Get a Head Start on the Football Recruiting Process
- Complete Package: Junior Football All State Recruiting Package
- E-Book: Football Recruiting Position by Position Advice
- Complete Package: Senior Football All State Recruiting Package
- E-Book: Producing a Scholarship Worthy Highlight Video
- E-Book: How Seniors Can Finish the Football Recruiting Process Strong
Can I receive calls from Division II coaches?
A college coach at the
Division II level can call you once per week beginning on June 15th between your
junior and senior year. They basically can continue calling once per week
until you sign a Letter of Intent. Like any other age level, you are
legally able to call the college coaches are much as you want during the
recruiting process.
Can a Division II college coach make off campus contact?
A coach at
this level can have contact with you or your family off of the college’s campus
beginning June 15th following your junior year. If they are able to bring
you in for a visit to their campus, they are able to talk to you as much as they
want. The college coach is however limited to three in person contacts off
the campus.
Can I make official visits?
When classes start your senior year, you
are legally able to make Division II official visits from that day fourth.
The NCAA only allows you making five official visits to Division I and II
schools so take that into consideration before deciding where you want to make
your official visits to.
Can I make unofficial recruiting visits?
You are allowed as many
unofficial visits as you would like to take. You are the one paying for
them so if a school is really interested in you, they would love to bring you on
campus as much as possible.