Dissecting the Offer-Take Process
Are you a No- Brainer?
Every Friday, as recruiting coordinators, our job was clear: present 10 to 12 players to the coaching staff for consideration. What’s often overlooked is how brutal the selection process is—out of 200 potential players, only a handful make the cut. Talent on film is just the start. Beyond that, we had to ensure that we could answer the inevitable barrage of questions: Are the player's measurements verified? Is their speed legit? What’s their GPA? What’s their background? And, most importantly, do they have genuine interest in our program? In football, the last thing anyone wants to do is waste time.
When it comes to presenting a prospect, our job is to frame them in the best possible light, identifying what the coaches want—often not our opinions but hard, concrete data. Then, we roll the tape.
Now, picture the scene: a room full of 15-20 people, all scrutinizing the film. Groupthink dynamics take over. Those first 40 seconds? Critical. Routine plays won’t cut it. We need emotion, standout moments, something to make this kid unforgettable. After all, our reputation as coordinators, and the trust we’ve built with coaches, hinges on what and how we present.
Once the film runs, the decision-making process kicks in, and there are typically four possible outcomes:
Put him on the board to track: This means the coaches want to learn more about the player before making any moves. It’s a good outcome—there’s room for growth and relationship-building.
“Do we need to offer to recruit?”: This is the gray area, often for players outside the typical recruiting footprint. It's a slow play, giving coaches the option to drop the player later without much loss since there’s no real equity.
Not above the line: This is where a player falls off the radar, likely never to be reconsidered. It’s harsh, but if you fail to impress here, you leave a bad impression on both the coordinators and coaches.
Offer him now: This is the holy grail. When this happens, the full-court press begins to secure the commitment.
But here’s where things get murky—favor offers. These are the external pressures, the offers given to help local “influencers.” They might help college coaches maintain relationships with high school coaches or 7v7 handlers, but they do nothing for the player. In fact, they only hurt them in the long run.
Sure, a “favor” offer can boost a player’s short-term image and might even lead to other offers, but it’s smoke and mirrors. In the long term, it damages the player's credibility. When coaches present these players to their staff, it’s not about genuine interest but about politics and maintaining relationships. The player, ultimately, pays the price.
That’s why, before any player gets presented to coaches, certain things need to be in place. Obvious traits like above-the-line play and desired measurables matter, but more importantly, the player's character, makeup, and long-term potential come into play. Without that, you might get an offer, but you’re unlikely to ever become a “Take”—a prospect whose commitment the staff would actually accept.
The recruiting process has been tainted by ulterior motives, different agendas from high school coaches, handlers, and 7v7 influences. It might seem like valuable connections, but in reality, these offers fall apart because the fundamentals don’t hold up. This is when we hear about players calling to commit and suddenly getting ghosted. It’s a dirty process for those seeking a quick win.
At L.I.G. Sports Group, we operate differently. We don’t chase quick dopamine hits. We believe in building players for sustainability and long-term leverage. Those recruiting services that promise offers because of a relationship with a coach? Red flag. They’re building a house of cards, and when it collapses, the athlete is left to pick up the pieces.
That’s why it's crucial to travel through this business with the core traits the industry actually values. Yes, you need to be put in front of the right programs, but it’s not about relationships. It’s about you. If someone tells you otherwise, run the other way.
At L.I.G. Sports Group, we are here to bulletproof your development, help you navigate the business, and identify opportunities while mitigating risks. We’re about building for sustainable growth—your career, your future, and your life beyond sports. Don’t just be an offer. Be a Take.
Ready to Go from Offer to Take?
Don’t settle for being just another name on the board. At L.I.G. Sports Group, we don’t chase quick wins—we build athletes for long-term success. If you're serious about navigating the recruiting game with real leverage, it’s time to elevate your development and secure your future.
Contact us today and let’s make sure you’re not just another offer—you’re the one they can’t afford to pass up.