08-13-2007, 12:18 PM
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#1
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Rookie
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8 Recruting Tips for 1* to 6* Achievement
I think I've figured out some ways to help those guys going for that 1* to 6* achievement. This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are some tips that have helped me immensely...
1. The first 4 weeks is information gathering time. Try to set your non-conference home games later in the season for visits, because early visits are not helpful. You want to spend time getting as many of each prospect's interest uncovered. Don't just hard sell the mosts and very highs. Uncover every one if you can, but you should be able to uncover at least eight for each prospect by week four.
2. Weeks 5 through the end of the season is more about trimming the list. You've got 35 or so guys and you need to make some realistic decisions about who you can land and who you can't. If a guy is angry every time you call him and you aren't in his top 10 by week 5, then you need to cut bait and move on. Now is the time to start scheduling visits. Use the info from the schedule screen to get a free very high or most uncovered if you don't have it uncovered already. I like to schedule prospects' visits with big games. Also, with eight or more interests uncovered, you need to start swaying pitches. This makes a huge difference for smaller schools. Even if guys hang up on you, the most important thing is to get their interests as closely lined up to your strengths as possible. I've found that if you are successful in swaying a pitch, that it usually is a good idea to keep swaying other pitches on that call. I've swayed three and four pitches my way in one call several times. If you've got the Most and Very High categories uncovered, hard sell those pitches until he's smiling big (I even cancel the pitch once i see the teeth). Then get back to swaying. You can alternate like that and get several sways in per call.
3. Also, you need to keep about 30 people on your list at all times, even if it means only finding one pitch a week for the guys at the bottom. Don't let it fall lower than that, because you will lose some guys that you are expecting to sign. That's just the nature of the game. At the end of the season, you don't want to have exhausted your recruiting board and have 15 signees. Depth is key for bad teams and you need to be signing 20 guys or more every year to start out.
4. When looking for recruits, don't go by the stars. Use the prospect search tool to find speedy players at HB, CB, OLB, MLB, FS, SS, etc. & search for players over 350 pounds at DT and OL. I've signed several 2* players who are better than 4* recruits at their same position. Especially check awareness because if you are playing with a 1* caliber school, you'll more than likely need these freshman to step in and play immediately. Awareness covers a multitude of deficiencies in other categories.
5. When it comes to promises, be realistic. Your integrity is going to be very important three years into the dynasty so it won't do to ruin in year one. In the 1* to 6* challenge, it's safe to promise a prospect that he won't redshirt (unless it's obvious that he will of course) because you'll probably need him to step in immediately. Once you've gotten good enough to win games, go ahead and promise winning records against rivals (especially if you have mulitple rivals because there'll be room for error). I find these are the easiest games to win because, and this could just be my imagination, there is less cheese in those games and both teams usually play well.
6. Rank your recruits according to interest level. This will keep you from chasing too many 5 and 4 star guys. Plus, the guys with high interest are much more likely to sign in-season.
7. As far as offering scholarships go. I like to offer when I'm #3 or higher on their board and they've already visited. Usually I will make sure they are smiling and then offer the scholarship. Most of the guys will not sign early, so you won't lose anything by waiting to offer until week 6 or so.
8. Lastly, stay in state as much as possible. Even a 1* school can be Elite in proximity to home. If that interest is sway-able, then you need to get on that as soon as possible. I've been hung up on a bunch, but still gotten that pitch to sway. It pays off to have it at Very High when you are competing against out of state big boys.
Hopefully that's helpful. If I've left something out, feel free to make comments, additions, or subtractions.
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