Expert: Vic Winnek - 4/27/2011

Question
How can a walk-on from a division II football program showcase his talent to transfer into division I program with out the help of their current coach?  Also, is it easier to be recruited from a Jr. College vs a Division II College? Are there any combines for  current college players who want to show case their talent?

Answer
Tina
Thanks for the questions.  Some of what you ask call for subjective responses and there is no one correct answer.  Is it easier to be recruited by a Div. I team from JC vs. a Div.II school?  The recruiting is designed to go after players from high school or Jr. College.  Recruiters don't try to recruit players from other NCAA institutions.  So There really is no recruiting effort direct toward Div. II players.  Also New NCAA rules do not allow Division 1 college coaches to attend any combines or spring camps. This rule was passed in January 2008 and takes effect this spring. So combines are not a good alternative in my opinion.

A player needs to market and promote his/her abilities in and out of the classroom as well as on and off the field.

From my experience if a player wants to transfer from a NCAA Div. II program to a NCAA Div. I program the player must make sure he/she is in compliance with all NCAA regulation and must know the amount of eligibility he/she has.  The best way to approach this is to contact the compliance officer at the Div. II school and the Div. 1 school and coordinate how to best proceed and coordinate the filing of paperwork with the NCAA.

Additionally, contacting the new school's coach or recruiting coordinator to advise of the player's intent to transfer is vital.

The best way to show case one's talents to transfer into a Div. 1 program is another subjective matter.  Remember these are student athletes. So the better the grade point average and the better the student the more apt the player is to catchthe attention of the coach.  with that said, size, speed, strength and skill are also important.  But a solid student or honor student-athlete will many times ease the walk-on process.  Remember coaches are also concerned about graduation rates, team GPAs, etc.  If they have a skilled walk-on with good grades that is a selling point and a point that should be marketed.

Ways to help show one's skills are game films [from high school and Div. II]; letters from coaches, current and past coaches.  Letters from current professors and athletic directors also help open doors.  I always recommend a face to face meeting with a coach, as first impressions can win a coach over.

As far as combines, I am not sure they are all that good.  Players are show cased but if you have talent and are a good student you should be able to market yourself.  Combines are geared toward high school and JC players.  They are expensive as well. Remember someone is making money on the combines and there are no guarantees.

Below is a a starting place to assist with your transfer process question:
Eligibility Center Contact Information
NCAA Eligibility Center:
Certification Processing
P.O. Box 7136
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7136
Package or overnight delivery:
1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
Eligibility Center customer service
Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.