Supporting Your Offensive Lineman Through the Recruitment Process

The college recruitment journey for offensive linemen follows a different path than that of skill position players. While highlight reels and statistics often drive recruitment for quarterbacks and running backs, offensive line recruitment requires a more nuanced approach focused on development potential, technique, and physical projection.

Understanding the Timeline

Offensive line recruitment typically unfolds over a longer horizon. Freshman and sophomore years should prioritize fundamental development over exposure, establishing technical foundations and beginning strength training programs. Junior year marks a shift as game film becomes critical, summer camps offer essential evaluation opportunities, and testing numbers start to matter. By senior year, the process accelerates with intensive game film evaluation, official visits, and final decisions.

Financial Preparation

Parents should budget realistically for this journey. Expect to invest $1,500-3,000 annually for camp circuits, $300-700 per unofficial visit, and $1,000-2,500 annually for specialized training and development. Academic preparation adds another $300-1,200 for test prep and tutoring. Manage these costs by prioritizing camps where position coaches will attend and focusing resources on schools showing genuine interest.

Finding the Right Balance

The most successful recruitment journeys maintain a delicate balance between parent support and player ownership. Parents should handle logistics, transportation, and financial planning while allowing their son to own coach communications, film distribution, and ultimately, the decision-making process. Check before stepping in with a simple "Do you want help with this?" and gradually increase your son's autonomy throughout the process.

Asking the Right Questions

When engaging with programs, focus questions on four key areas: academic integration (graduation rates, study support), player development (freshman-to-starter track record, redshirt philosophy), program culture (coaching stability, team dynamics), and financial realities (exact scholarship coverage, injury policies).

Managing Expectations and Emotions

Separate your dreams from your son's goals and understand that setbacks are part of the process. Disappointments should be processed privately first, then framed as redirection rather than rejection. Create an evaluation matrix that weighs academic fit, coaching philosophy, development opportunities, and financial reality to guide the final decision.

Special Situations

Late bloomers should consider extended film distribution and post-season evaluation opportunities. For academic challenges, early intervention and summer course options may help. With injuries, transparent communication with coaches and documented recovery protocols are essential.

Remember that the right program isn't necessarily the most prestigious, but rather where your son can thrive academically, athletically, and personally. The recruitment journey teaches valuable life lessons in perseverance, communication, and decision-making that extend far beyond football.

Your role isn't to direct the outcome, but to provide the support, guidance, and perspective that allows your son to navigate this important crossroads with confidence.

Ready to Master the Recruitment Process?

This blog post only scratches the surface of what you'll need to know to successfully guide your offensive lineman through recruitment. For the complete playbook with detailed strategies, worksheets, checklists, and expert interviews, get your copy of "The College Recruiting Playbook"

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