Q&A: Here's what you need to know to recruit recruiters

• Who should I contact? Head coaches regularly receive letters, e-mails, phone calls and DVDs, but much of it is overlooked in the sheer volume of information they receive. Instead, visit the college's Web site and contact the recruiting coordinator. They oversee recruiting and know how to get information to the right person. No recruiting coordinator? Contact the coach that recruits your area and get your vital statistics to him. A third option it to send information to the college coach who handles your position.

• Should I be direct? Many recruits struggle as the process nears completion. They're in contact with college coaches, but they don't know exactly where they stand with the schools they're talking to. Recruits should be direct with coaches, asking where they stand. Many families avoid being direct with coaches because they're worried about stepping on toes. Remember, these coaches are tough and aren't easily offended. If a coach isn't direct when answering a question, consider attending a different school.

• Is bigger better? Many recruits want to enjoy the "college experience," but equate bigger with being better. Yes, some of the best colleges are large. However, if you want to play sports, this mindset may limit you.Of the 2,871 undergraduate colleges and universities, 78.6 percent have fewer than 5,000 students -- so there are far more opportunities at smaller colleges.

• Should I call them? As a prospect, you love it when a coach comes after you and expresses interest in you. On the flip side, coaches enjoy hearing from students who are interested in their program. If you are compatible and have a strong interest in the school,you will get their attention.

• What are unofficial visits? Colleges bring in top-level recruits for official visits, with the school paying the bill, but many welcome unofficial visits, too. Determine your budget and decide which campuses to visit, and schedule time to see the coach. That commitment shows a coach you are serious about their program. You also get a good look at the campus to see if it's a place you want to spend five years.

• Does it matter what I say? A frustration for many coaches is the small amount of factual information they get while talking to some athletes. If you're shy, practice giving good, detailed answers to questions you expect to receive. Make sure you are engaging during a conversation with a coach. Many athletes are poor communicators in person and on the phone.

• What should I provide? Getting a coach everything they need to evaluate you will put you a step ahead. Fill out the school's questionnaire and return it. Send your high school transcript, and SAT and ACT scores, with any information packet you send to a school. If they ask for video highlights, get it to them quick. Nothing frustrates a coach more than waiting for material from a prospect, and nothing hurts more than waiting two weeks when responding to a coach.

• What about partial scholarships? Every athlete and their parents want a free college education. When that happens, it's a wonderful thing. The reality is, few get "full rides." Coaches know you want as much money as possible, but many programs split scholarship money between athletes. Others have first-year players walk-on and earn money based on their role in the program. If you are willing to listen to a coach who is providing a partial deal of inviting you as a walk-on, you've put yourself ahead of other prospects who have unrealistic expectations about the process.

• Should I limit myself? Listen to every offer. You have "dream" programs you hope will notice you and make an offer. If that happens, great! In the meantime, consider every school that contacts you, no matter how large or small.