Football Recruiting Advice for Defensive Backs

Another series of articles that I am going to continue doing is breaking down the recruiting knowledge that I have for different positions in both basketball and football. While some may feel that recruiting is all the same, that is definitely not the case at all. The recruiting process for a quarterback, lineman, linebacker, or kicker is very different. That is why I plan on focusing on a variety of positions to help with basketball recruiting and football recruiting.

The one nice aspect of being a defensive back is that few college coaches really worry about the size of defensive backs. Unless you are about 5-foot-5 (And there are still some schools that would take you if you are good enough), it doesn’t matter much to the coaches. But the athleticism, speed, and quickness at the defensive back position will be the most evaluated out of any other spot on the football field (Running back may make a case as well).

Obviously most college coaches would love to have a big, physical corner who is able to guard the big wide receivers. But that does not always happen. What they want is someone who is fast, tough, and can make plays on the ball. Considering that there are some very small corner backs in the NFL shows that a lot of athletes have a chance to play defensive back.

When putting together a recruiting highlight tape for the defensive back position, this is one of the most interesting positions because the camera covers the ball. If you are in man to man coverage on the corner, than the video is not going to show you guarding him. But it is important to show your interceptions, big tackles, and pass deflections on the tape. As with every other position, remember to put your best plays at the start of the tape.

One of the reasons why college coaches will want to bring defensive backs into summer camp is because it is one of those positions where it is easy to tell what kind of ability you have in a one on one setting. Coaches will want to see how well you can cover wide receivers at the camp and it gives them a taste of your ability. If it is good enough for that level, than expect them to continue pursuing you.

As mentioned before, speed is a huge key when it comes to defensive backs. Many coaches want to see these athletes run in the 4.4 (Hand timed) so that they know they will have some great athletes who can make plays. The faster and more athletic you are, the better for your chances to get that scholarship.

The majority of defensive backs have also spent a great deal of time in the weight room that helps add to their toughness and speed. This is important for many positions but is essential when you are facing off against a physical wide receiver. If this receiver can throw you around like a rag doll, it is definitely time to hit the weight room.

In your search for a potential school, make sure to try and figure out what the depth charts look like. Things could change at any whim as college coaches have been known to move defensive backs to wide receiver and vice versa. But the roster and depth chart can give you a good feel for what the school has at your future position.

Talk to the college coaches about what defense they run primarily and how they plan to use you. These questions are important in figuring out what you want to do at the next level. I should note that if there is a shake up in the coaching staff while you are there, the defensive schemes could change easily so don’t put too much stock into their current defense.

Overall, the defensive back position is difficult to get a scholarship because you have to be an phenomenal athlete. It will be a test but if you have the skills and strength to do it, show off your skills at camp this summer!

Previous recruiting specific articles to look at:

• Football Recruiting Advice for Quarterbacks
• Football Recruiting Advice for Running Backs
• Football Recruiting Advice for Wide Receivers
• Football Recruiting Advice for Tight Ends
• Football Recruiting Advice for Offensive Linemen
• Football Recruiting Advice for Defensive Tackles
• Football Recruiting Advice for Linebackers
• Football Recruiting Advice for Defensive Ends
• Basketball Recruiting Advice for Point Guards
• Basketball Recruiting Advice for Shooting Guards
• Basketball Recruiting Advice for Small Forwards
• Basketball Recruiting Advice for Power Forwards
• Basketball Recruiting Advice for Centers
• Important Factors in Accepting an Athletic Scholarship: Location
• Important Factors in Accepting an Athletic Scholarship: Athletic Facilities
• Important Factors in Accepting an Athletic Scholarship: The Coaching Staff
• Important Factors in Accepting an Athletic Scholarship: Academics
• Important Factors in Accepting an Athletic Scholarship: Cost
• Important Factors in Accepting an Athletic Scholarship: Weather