If you're serious about playing in college, your highlight reel is a valuable asset in your recruiting journey.
Coaches often decide whether to keep watching within the first 30 seconds, so it’s worth getting it right.
Here's how to do that.
1. Start with your best clips
Don’t warm up. Don’t build momentum. Start with your “wow” moment. Coaches watch dozens of these every day. If yours doesn’t grab them in the first 3-5 plays, it probably won’t grab them at all.
2. Always identify yourself
Use a simple arrow, circle, or spotlight at the beginning of each clip. You might think you’re obvious—you're not. Don’t make a coach guess who they’re watching.
3. Keep it 3–5 minutes
This isn’t your personal hype video. It’s a tool to get recruited. Stay efficient, focused, and concise. Only include what showcases your best skillsets at game speed.
4. Show variety
A coach wants to see the full picture. If you’re a wide receiver, don’t just show your TDs. Show route running, blocking, and how you create separation. If you’re a setter, show your decision-making, placement, and footwork.
5. Game footage > anything else
Forget the slow-mo edits. No cinematic filters. Coaches want raw, full-speed, in-game moments against real competition.
Bonus: If you're not sure what your best clips are, ask a coach you trust or a former player who’s already in college. They’ll be blunt. That’s a good thing.
Need help editing? Free tools like iMovie, DaVinci Resolve, or Kapwing are solid picks.
Bottom line: A great highlight reel gets a coach to say “I want to see more.” That’s the entire goal. Make it count.
