As the NCAA continues to closely monitor COVID-19 and fall in line with the rest of the Country in mitigating the impact of the virus. Unfortunately, many 2020 and 2021 College Football Recruits, are left wondering how this pandemic will affect their careers and opportunities?

Here’s what we know.

• The NCAA has legislated a “Dead Period” in College Football recruiting for D1 and DII institutions until April 15^th. On April 15^th football recruiting operations will be re-evaluated.

• No college coach can meet with a recruit off campus, and no recruit can take an official visit to an NCAA D1 or DII member institution until April 15^th.

• No athlete can sign an NLI (National Letter of Intent) or be offered a NLI to a NCAA D1 or DII member institution until April 15^th.

• Every NCAA program has been mandated to cancel all in-person Spring football practices, activities, and games at this time.

Things to keep in mind.

• Football is coming back.  Be prepared and be ready. It’s not time to kick back and take a vacation. It’s time to get even more hungry. Workout on your own, watch more film, binge watch old College and Pro games on Youtube. Whatever it takes to stay sharp!

• Mental Health is key. It’s natural to get a little stir crazy, or feel like you are bored out of your mind during this time. Being able to stay optimistic and pumped up, as activities are being cancelled and normalcy is thrown off is where the money is at. It’s important to realize Mental Health will be paramount during this time.

• SAT/ACT Cancellations. As the dominoes continue to fall from the Coronavirus. The SAT and ACT tests have begun to be cancelled or postponed. For 2021 athletes who are ahead of schedule. No Big Deal. However, for an athlete who needed a great Spring test score to hold onto a scholarship offer. Stress can be at an all-time high level. The NCAA is discussing options for athletes who fall into this scenario. Trust they will find a suitable outcome.

Areas of Opportunity.

• College Coaches are always looking for Talent. Think about it! College coaches would be focused on Spring football right now, but due to the Coronavirus they can’t. Now is the perfect time to get your film in front of College Coaches. Don’t assume they’re not working!

• Time to Learn. With the extra time on your hands, it’s time to put a new tool in your tool belt. Start learning a new skill or exploring a passion outside of football. A diverse skill set and palate of knowledge, will always serve you well.  

• Team Leadership. Times of uncertainty are always a great opportunity to take on  a leadership role. If you are a veteran on the team, or someone quickly gaining respect. Reach out to your coaches and see what you can do to help them keep the team engaged during this time.

• Reason for Gratitude. Something tells us, if you took a good look around you,  you can find at least one thing to be grateful for. Take that seed and plant it. Gratitude is one of the best things you can plant when you desire to bare fruit!

• Quality Quarantine. If you have to be quarantined or confined to limited areas and activities. Make the most of it. Utilize the time to form stronger bonds with the loved ones around you. If anything, the Coronavirus pandemic should teach you that life can change fast. Hug, Love, and be present with those around you today!