Girls' flag football recruiting timeline

Play, learn positions, start a footprint

• •Get on a team — school, club, or NFL FLAG league. Reps matter more than anything else right now.
• •Try multiple positions (QB, receiver, rusher, defensive back). Coaches recruit versatility early.
• •Create a free FlagPlay profile so there is a home for your first film and, later, your combine numbers.
• •Film every game you can, even on a phone. You are building a library, not a highlight reel yet.

Establish a position and a baseline

• •Settle into a primary position and a secondary one. Your profile should say what you do.
• •Get your first hardware-timed combine numbers (40-yard dash, vertical, broad jump, shuttle) so you have a verified baseline to improve on.
• •Turn your best plays into a short highlight reel. Quality over length — 60–90 seconds of clean clips beats a 10-minute dump.
• •Follow college programs adding flag football. The list grows every season; know who is building.

Raise your numbers and your film quality

• •Retest at a combine and show improvement. Coaches love a trend line, not just a single number.
• •Keep your reel current — replace old clips as you make better plays. Recruiters watch the first 15 seconds.
• •Make sure your academics are on track. GPA and core coursework matter for admission and, at some divisions, for eligibility.
• •Start a simple target list: reach / match / likely programs. Note their division, location, and academic fit.

The most important recruiting year

• •Junior year is when most college conversations begin. Have a complete profile: verified stats, current film, position, grad year, GPA, and contact routing.
• •Attend showcases and combines where college staff are present. In-person evaluation moves the needle.
• •Respond promptly and professionally to any coach who reaches out. On FlagPlay, coach messages to under-18 athletes route through your guardian first.
• •Ask coaches direct questions: roster needs at your position, roster size, scholarship or aid picture, and academic requirements. Verify every answer with the school.

Convert interest into an offer and a fit

• •Keep competing and keep your film fresh — senior-year tape can still change an evaluation.
• •Take official/unofficial visits where you can. Culture and coaching fit matter as much as the depth chart.
• •Complete admissions and any required eligibility paperwork early. Missing a deadline can undo a year of recruiting.
• •Compare offers on the whole picture: playing time, academics, cost after aid, distance from home, and the staff you trust.