When it comes to getting noticed by college scouts and football recruiters, your highlight reel is often the first impression you make. A well-crafted football recruiting video can open doors to scholarship opportunities and coveted roster spots, while a poorly executed one might result in getting overlooked. With the competition for spots more intense than ever, knowing exactly what to include in your highlight reel can make all the difference.
If you’re looking to give yourself a competitive edge, this guide will walk you through the top plays to showcase in your highlight reel, why they matter, and how to structure your footage for maximum impact. Whether you’re a quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, or lineman, you’ll find out more about what coaches are truly looking for.
Why the Highlight Reel Matters
Before diving into the must-have plays, it’s important to understand the role your football recruiting video plays in the overall recruiting process. Most coaches simply don’t have the time to attend every high school game or watch full-length game films. A highlight reel allows them to quickly evaluate your skill set, athleticism, and football IQ in just a few minutes.
A great reel not only demonstrates your talent but also reflects your preparation, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure—all qualities recruiters value.
Essential Elements of a Successful Highlight Reel
Before we break down the top plays to include, let’s go over some best practices:
- Keep it short and focused: Aim for 3–5 minutes of high-quality footage. Longer reels often lose the viewer’s attention.
- Lead with your best plays: Don’t build up to a great moment—start with it. Grab attention early.
- Highlight yourself clearly: Use arrows, spot shadows, or pauses to indicate where you are before each play.
- Use high-resolution video: Clear, well-lit footage is more professional and easier to evaluate.
Top Plays to Include by Position
Your position on the field will heavily influence the type of plays you should feature. Below is a breakdown by position, with examples that will grab a recruiter’s attention. If you’re not sure where to start, check over here for position-specific reel templates and resources.
Quarterback
As a quarterback, you are the leader of the offense. Coaches want to see your arm strength, decision-making, and poise under pressure.
- Deep passes: Show off your arm strength with accurate deep throws.
- Reads and progressions: Include plays where you clearly go through multiple reads.
- Pocket presence: Highlight your ability to evade the rush and keep the play alive.
- RPO and option plays: Demonstrate athleticism and football IQ.
Running Back
Running backs need to show quickness, vision, and durability. Your highlight reel should show your ability to create yardage in various scenarios.
- Breakaway runs: Long touchdowns where you outrun the defense.
- Tough yards: Plays where you fight through contact.
- Catching out of the backfield: Display versatility by showcasing receiving ability.
- Blocking: Don’t overlook pass protection; it’s a big part of the role at the next level.
Wide Receiver
Receivers must show route-running, hands, and the ability to make contested catches.
- Diverse routes: Showcase your ability to run crisp slants, fades, outs, and comebacks.
- Highlight-reel catches: Include one-handed or contested grabs.
- Yards after catch (YAC): Show what you can do in open space.
- Blocking: Demonstrate effort on plays away from the ball.
Offensive Lineman
Linemen must demonstrate strength, technique, and footwork.
- Pancake blocks: Nothing gets a recruiter’s attention like dominating your opponent.
- Pulling and trap plays: Show agility and movement in space.
- Pass protection: Keep your quarterback clean and show sound technique.
- Double teams and combo blocks: Highlight teamwork and awareness.
Defensive Lineman
Coaches look for explosiveness, leverage, and hustle.
- Sacks and tackles for loss: Show your ability to disrupt plays.
- Shedding blocks: Demonstrate technique and quick hands.
- Pursuit plays: Even better if you chase down a play from the backside.
- Goal-line stops: High-pressure situations where effort and power shine.
Linebacker
Linebackers need to exhibit versatility, from run-stopping to coverage.
- Big hits: Within the rules, of course—show physicality.
- Coverage: Interceptions or pass breakups highlight your range.
- Run reads: Show your instincts and ability to fill gaps.
- Sideline-to-sideline pursuit: Demonstrate speed and motor.
Defensive Back
Defensive backs must be athletic, reactive, and smart.
- Interceptions: Especially those made in tight coverage or off good reads.
- Man coverage: Show you can mirror a receiver step-for-step.
- Zone awareness: Demonstrate how you read the quarterback and react.
- Run support: Show your willingness and ability to tackle in space.
Special Teams
Don’t underestimate the value of special teams. Many recruits first make an impact here.
- Kick returns/punt returns: Big plays that show vision and burst.
- Kicking/punting highlights: Accuracy, hang time, and placement matter.
- Tackles on special teams: Hustle plays that show determination.
Additional Tips to Stand Out
To ensure your highlight reel gets watched and shared, consider the following:
- Include basic player info: Name, height, weight, position, school, and contact details at the start and end of the video.
- Use a clean editing style: Avoid over-the-top graphics or distracting music.
- Keep it updated: As your skills improve, update your video. Coaches love to see progression over time.
You can go right here to view examples of standout reels from past recruits and see what worked for them.
Final Thoughts
Creating a compelling football recruiting video isn’t just about throwing clips together—it’s about strategically presenting yourself as a smart, athletic, and coachable player. By including the right plays and following a professional format, you’ll significantly improve your chances of catching the eyes of college programs.
