Phase Two: Senior Year

Has Senior Year passed you by? Is it pretty evident that you will NOT be receiving a college scholarship? Well, now it is decision time.

What do you WANT to do?

1. This is the most important step in the entire process, what do you WANT to do? You must decide whether or not you want to commit to the walking-on process. Ask yourself the following questions:

-How much do I love this game?
-Do I feel like I can compete at a higher level?
-Am I willing to sacrifice to attain my dreams?
-How much am I willing to sacrifice to attain my dreams?
-Do I have the commitment, desire, and the WANT to succeed?

This decision is the most important because it takes a serious commitment to play at the next level, whether you are a scholarship athlete or a walk-on. It will take time, patience, desire, and the WANT to succeed. Most of all, it is HARD. However, if you are not ready to give it up, it will be well worth it in the end.

2. Do your research, do not throw darts to pick your school. Look for these factors to find the best opportunity to walk-on and earn a scholarship:

-What schools have shown interest?
-Will I be invited to Fall Camp?
-How many players are currently at my position? What are their ages? Do not forget to include the players they just signed at your position.
-Have you been in contact with their coaches?
-Does the school have a quality walk-on program?(how many scholarships have they given walk-ons the past few years?)

3. Narrow the list down to 5 schools and answer the following questions;

-Can I get into the school?
-Can I afford the school?
-Does the school have a quality academic record?
-Does the school have a quality football program?
-Is the overall package suitable?(school, program, academics, location, etc)

Without thinking too negatively, decide whether you would want to attend the school if football did not work out.

4. Contact the coaches and inform them of your intentions to walk-on to their program. Hopefully, you already have some sort of contact to the program, if not, find your position coach's number and contact him directly. Ask them to give you all the proper information and requirements necessary to make this a reality. Tell them that making it to Fall Camp is a top priority and ask them what your chances of that are.

5. Start training like you received a scholarship and train like you have never trained before. Be physically and mentally ready from day one, earn the respect of your coaches and teammates from day one and you will build a solid foundation for your future.

6. Start applying for Financial Aid now. Remember, you will have to pay your way until you earn your scholarship.