Which College Football Camps Should I Attend

Which College Football Camps Should I Attend?

Coaches recruit people, not just film.

You’re doing the work — building your brand on X, messaging coaches, attending Junior Days, and maybe even getting some interest. Nice job.

Next step? Camps.

🏕️ The 4 Types of Football Camps

There are a ton of camps out there, but they generally fall into four categories:

1. College Camps

These are held at a college and run only by that school’s coaching staff.
✅You’ll get direct feedback from those coaches
✅You can see if you’re a good fit for their culture and level of play

These are great if you’re already in contact with a school or want to get on their radar. These are also great if local and easy to attend, if only for the experience.

2. Mega Camps

Held at a college but attended by lots of coaches from different schools and divisions.
✅Broad exposure
✅One camp, many opportunities

Great for casting a wide net.

3. Invitational Camps

Smaller, invite-only events — usually hosted by one college.
✅More personal
✅A sign a school is already interested in you

Prioritize these if they’re from one of your target schools.

4. Combine/Showcase Camps

Designed like an NFL Combine — 40 times, vertical jumps, etc.
✅Can help you get measured, rated, and seen
🚫Many are just money grabs with no real coaching exposure

Only go if actual college coaches will be there. Ask your high school coach or teammates before signing up.

🎯 What’s Your Goal at Camps?

Your #1 job at every camp: Talk to coaches.

Yes, you’ll do drills — but that’s the easy part. The hard part is stepping up and starting conversations. That’s what separates serious recruits.

🔑 Pro tip: Do the hard thing first.

Get there 30 minutes early and walk right up to a coach wearing a school logo you recognize.
Introduce yourself. Shake their hand. Start a conversation.

Most players won’t do this — you’ll stand out immediately.

Here are a few easy ways to break the ice:

• “Coach, what position do you coach at [School]?”
• “Is this your first year at this camp?”
• “What are you looking for from players today?”
• “Do you recruit my area — [Your City, State]?”
• During drills: “Coach, is there anything I can do better?”

And to wrap it up:

• “Can I get your number so I can send you my film?”
• “Great meeting you, Coach. Would love to follow up after camp. Can I get your number?”

🧭 How to Choose the Right Camps

There are hundreds of camps. You can’t go to all of them — time and money are real limits. So, choose wisely based on your grade level and goals.

If You’re a Sophomore (Going into Junior Year):

• Start with 2–3 Mega Camps that match your goals (region, academic level, playing level)
• Add 1–2 College Camps, even if it’s not your dream school — just get reps and experience
• If you’re invited to an Invitational Camp at a school you like, prioritize that over a Mega Camp
• Consider one Combine, only if coaches will be there
• Ask teammates and your coaches which camps are legit

🎯 Goal for Sophomores: Learn how camps work and start building relationships with coaches.

If You’re a Junior:

• Focus on Mega Camps only if you’re still looking for exposure
• Prioritize College Camps where your target schools will be
• Go to Invitational Camps only if it’s one of your top choices and you’re a good academic/athletic fit
• Be selective with D2/D3 camps — only go if you're seriously interested in that school
• Combines can help you prep for drills, but don’t overdo it unless there’s strong  coach attendance

🎯 Goal for Juniors: Get seen by the coaches you’ve already contacted or who are recruiting your area.

🗂️ Pro Tip: Build a Camp/School Matrix

Make a simple chart:

• Down the left side: List the camps you’re considering
• Across the top in columns: List your target schools
• Put a ✅ anywhere a school will be attending a camp

This helps you visually confirm that you're attending the right camps to get in front of the right coaches.

📬 Before the Camp: Reach Out

If you already know a coach you want to meet, message them a few days ahead:

“Hey Coach, I’ll be at the [Camp Name] this Saturday. I’d love to introduce myself in person.”

It shows initiative and helps them remember you when you show up.

🔁 After the Camp: Follow Up

Always follow up with coaches you met:

• Send a message or email that day or the next
• Thank them for their time
• Ask to continue the conversation
• Send your film if they didn’t already have it

Refer to the blog post: “How to Talk to Coaches” if you need help with what to say.

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