How We Rank Athletes at TDRecruits
Year-Round High School Football Recruiting Coverage
At TDRecruits, our player rankings are driven by in-depth evaluations, on-the-ground scouting, and trusted insights from a network of high school coaches and recruiters. Our goal is simple: provide college coaches and programs with accurate, comprehensive rankings that highlight the top football talent across Texas. Here’s what sets our rankings apart:
1. Comprehensive Scouting Process
We attend games, practices, and showcases throughout the season to see athletes perform in real-game situations. Our team evaluates player performance across key metrics such as athleticism, football IQ, leadership, and positional impact.
- On-Field Performance: From game tape to live evaluations, we analyze how players execute under pressure, their consistency, and playmaking ability.
- Positional Strength: Each athlete is evaluated based on the specific demands of their position, ensuring a fair assessment relative to their role.
2. Collaborative Insights from Coaches
We collaborate closely with high school coaches, trainers, and program insiders to gather additional context that numbers and stats alone can’t reveal. This includes:
- Work ethic during practice
- Coachability and leadership
- Progression over the season
3. Data-Driven Analytics
In addition to qualitative assessments, we integrate data-driven performance metrics, such as:
- Game statistics
- Physical testing results (40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, etc.)
- Injury history and recovery
4. Long-Term Potential
Our rankings are not solely based on immediate performance. We consider each athlete’s growth potential, including size, physical development, and how their skills project at the collegiate level.
5. Player Submissions
We provide an opportunity for athletes to submit their profiles and game film for consideration. While submissions do not guarantee rankings, they help us discover emerging talent throughout Texas.
6. Continuous Updates
Rankings are not static—they are updated regularly to reflect recent performances, new information, and emerging stars. This ensures that our list remains relevant and accurate as players grow and develop.
Our Commitment to Transparency
We believe in offering athletes and their families insight into the ranking process. We’re here to provide honest, objective assessments designed to help athletes earn the recognition they deserve.
Let us help you get noticed. Explore our athlete profiles and learn more about how to get on our radar.
Exposure & Recruiting Tips: Boost Your Chances of Being Seen
1. Compete in Events and Showcases
To rank you, we need to see you play. Participate in school events, games, showcases, and offseason competitions. The more opportunities we have to evaluate you, the better your chances.
2. Share Your Highlights with Us
We are active on social media. Please send us your highlights and schedules, but don’t overdo it. Regular updates are good—monthly reminders are not necessary. Let your performance speak for itself.
3. Optimize Your Social Media
College coaches and scouts often find athletes online, so be easy to find:
- Use your real name and position in your bio.
- Include your high school/club team, accurate size, and GPA.
- Link your highlight videos and pin your schedule for easy access.
4. Control What You Can: Performance & Work Ethic
Your recruitment ultimately depends on you. Consistency, work ethic, and showing up under pressure are key. If you’re a college-level athlete, coaches will find you. Our rankings are a bonus tool—but your on-field success is what drives your recruitment.
Exposure & Recruiting Tips: Boost Your Chances of Being Seen
1. Claim or Create Your Player Profile
Join our Player Profiles List, where you can:
- Fix name or school errors
- Update your college offers
- Provide accurate contact details visible to college coaches
This makes it easier for coaches to reach out directly and boosts your visibility.
2. Promote Your Ranking on Social Media
Share a screenshot of your player profile on platforms like Twitter or Instagram. Our database helps coaches identify key prospects, and sharing your profile signals that you’re serious about playing at the next level.
3. Link Your Player Profile in Coach Outreach
When emailing college coaches, include a link to your player profile. Many coaches subscribe to TDRecruits and are familiar with our platform. Feel free to include links to highlight videos, articles, or social media coverage by our scouts.
Final Tip:
Be proactive, stay consistent, and let your performance do the talking. We’re here to help guide you, but it’s up to you to seize the opportunities!
FAQ: How We Rank Athletes
How often do you update rankings?
We update our rankings 3-4 times per year to reflect player growth and emerging talent. Updates depend on our team’s evaluations and input from coaches to stay accurate and on schedule.
Why do you update so often?
Players develop at different rates due to growth spurts, skill improvements, and new opportunities. Frequent updates allow us to stay current and reflect the ever-changing nature of player development. We’re always striving to improve accuracy.
Why don’t you share the names of the people involved in rankings?
To maintain unbiased evaluations, our team works anonymously. This allows them to provide honest, fair input without outside pressure, ensuring the rankings remain credible.
How did you leave so-and-so off the list?
We can only rank players we’ve evaluated, mostly through live viewings. Unfortunately, we can’t see everyone, and players may be left off if we haven’t watched them or caught them on an off night. This is why we update our rankings regularly to account for emerging talent.
Do players need to play club or year-round to get ranked?
No, but it helps. Athletes who participate in year-round events or club sports get more exposure. More games mean more opportunities for our scouts and college coaches to evaluate their potential.
Can I pay for preferred coverage or a spot in the rankings?
No. Our rankings are based strictly on merit. Paying for a profile or participating in events does not influence rankings.
Do players from certain clubs or teams get preference?
No. Our rankings include players from a variety of clubs and teams. While playing for high-profile programs may lead to earlier visibility, our rankings reflect performance against competition, not the team name. A player competing against top-level opponents will be evaluated differently from one playing against weaker competition.
How do you rank players beyond the top 20?
Ranking players beyond the top tier is challenging but important. Our goal is to group players into the right tiers. For example, athletes ranked between #20-40 should be those capable of playing at a similar college level, like Division II or higher.
Are stats part of the evaluation?
Yes, but stats are just one piece of the puzzle. We look at who players are performing against, how they contribute beyond the box score, and their overall impact on the game.
What happens if I transfer to a different state?
If you’re ranked and transfer, you’ll automatically be placed on your new state’s Watch List. Once the local scout evaluates you, your ranking will be updated.