09/27/2026
🚨 FOOTBALL RECRUITING TIP #4: PAY ATTENTION TO WHO'S IN YOUR INBOX
As your athlete's visibility grows, so can the number of DMs.
Players and parents need to understand something important:
A profile that says “Coach” does not automatically mean that person represents a college football program.
Before responding, VERIFY.
🔎 CHECK:
• What school or organization are they affiliated with?
• Are they listed on that school's official athletics website?
• Does their X bio clearly identify their role?
• Does the program's official account follow or interact with them?
• Does their email come from the school's official domain?
• Are they actually recruiting you, or selling something?
🚩 WATCH FOR RED FLAGS:
• Vague messages with no school affiliation
• Immediate requests to move the conversation somewhere unusual
• Requests for money or payment information
• Promises of scholarships, offers or guaranteed exposure
• Someone claiming they can “get you recruited” for a fee
• Requests for sensitive personal information
• Pressure to act immediately
• Suspicious links
• Adults asking athletes to keep conversations from parents or coaches
And here's one families sometimes miss:
Someone using the title “Coach” with no school or team affiliation may be a trainer, recruiting consultant, camp representative or someone offering a paid service.
That doesn't automatically make the person or service bad.
But it DOES mean you should know exactly who you're talking to and what they're offering before you engage.
Parents, especially with younger athletes, stay involved in recruiting communication.
Athletes: You don't owe every person who enters your inbox a response.
VERIFY FIRST. RESPOND SECOND.
Protect the athlete. Protect the brand. Protect the opportunity.
Prepare. Position. Promote.
Follow for more recruiting and athlete-branding tips.
