Most parents think the biggest risk in recruiting is starting too late or picking the wrong events. But the truth is, the danger is much bigger than that. The real risk is what happens if your athlete gets injured before they’ve even started the recruiting process.
Injuries Don’t Wait for the “Right Time”
Every athlete thinks they’ll have time. They plan to wait until next season, or until their stats improve, or until junior year before getting serious about recruiting. But injuries don’t wait for convenience.
A torn ACL, a fractured wrist, or even a nagging back injury can take your athlete out of competition for months, or even an entire year. And here’s the hard truth: if they’re not already in the recruiting process, that injury doesn’t just cost them playing time. It can cost them their chance.
Why Timing Matters So Much
College coaches don’t recruit athletes they don’t know about. They don’t hold spots for players who have never crossed their radar. If your athlete gets hurt before they’ve been evaluated, before they have video, and before they’ve been introduced to the right coaches, the window of opportunity can close fast.
Waiting to “get started later” is a gamble. Every game your athlete plays without being in the recruiting process is a roll of the dice.
What Protects an Athlete If They Get Hurt
The good news is this risk can be managed—but only if you act before an injury happens.
• An early evaluation establishes a recruiting foundation and helps identify the right fit before setbacks occur.
• Video on file gives your athlete something to send to coaches even if they’re sidelined.
• An advocate in the process ensures those clips land in front of the right college coaches at the right time.
With those pieces in place, an injury doesn’t end recruiting—it just becomes a hurdle to work around. Without them, it can end the process before it ever begins.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Too many families wait until “next season” to get serious. And then one bad step, one awkward slide, or one collision changes everything. By then, it’s too late to go back and wish you had started earlier.
Recruiting isn’t just about exposure, it’s about protection. Getting evaluated and positioned early is the safety net every athlete needs.
Take the First Step Now
If your athlete is serious about playing at the next level, don’t gamble with their future. Injuries are unpredictable, but preparation isn’t.
Get your athlete evaluated now. Make sure there’s video to fall back on. Put an advocate in their corner who can get them in front of the right coaches—even if the unexpected happens.
Because the truth is simple: once an injury strikes, you don’t get a second chance to start.
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.