Official visits are a crucial part of the recruiting process, offering coaches and current athletes a glimpse into how a potential recruit might fit into the program. While talent and skill level are important, character, attitude, and interpersonal skills often make the difference between a great addition and a future headache. Regardless of a recruit’s ranking, there are a few warning signs that coaches and team hosts should watch for during an official visit. Here are seven red flags that might indicate potential challenges down the road.
7 Red Flags to Look Out for During an Official Visit
1. NIL is the only focus of their questions. With NIL opportunities now a major part of college sports, it’s normal for recruits to ask about brand-building, endorsements, and financial opportunities. However, if a recruit seems only concerned about NIL money—without asking about academics, team culture, or development—it could signal misplaced priorities. Positive Sign: a well-rounded recruit asks about growth as an athlete and student, in addition to NIL opportunities.
2. Lack of engagement during the visit. If a recruit barely makes eye contact, doesn’t ask questions, or seems disinterested in conversations, it could indicate a lack of enthusiasm for the program. A player who isn’t engaged during a visit may struggle with commitment when things get tough. Positive Sign: recruits should be engaged, ask thoughtful questions, and show genuine interest in their potential future team.
3. Poor people skills or disrespect toward others. How a recruit treats team hosts, staff, and even restaurant servers says a lot about their character. Rudeness, dismissiveness, or a sense of entitlement can be early warning signs of locker room issues. Positive Sign: a good recruit treats everyone with respect, from coaches to teammates to support staff.
4. Overbearing or controlling parents. I’m seeing and hearing more about this every day. Parents play an important role in a recruit’s decision, but overly involved or controlling parents can create future problems. If a parent speaks for their child, interrupts constantly, or seems to be making the decision instead of the athlete, coaches should take note. Positive Sign: supportive parents allow their child to engage, ask their own questions, and take ownership of their recruiting process.
5. Red flags on social media. A recruit’s social media can offer a window into their character. Negative posts, disrespectful comments, or a focus solely on personal brand (without much team focus) can be red flags. Positive Sign: social media presence should reflect maturity, respect, and a balance of personal and team interests.
6. Poor body language or bad energy. If a recruit seems uninterested, slouches, or gives off negative energy, it might reflect a lack of discipline or enthusiasm. Coaches and team hosts should observe how recruits interact in different settings—team meals, meetings, and social events. Positive Sign: a strong recruit carries themselves with confidence, maintains good body language, and interacts well with others.
7. A “too cool” or entitled attitude. Confidence is great, but arrogance is not. If a recruit acts like they’re doing the team a favor by considering the program or behaves as if rules don’t apply to them, they may struggle to accept coaching and accountability. Positive Sign: a recruit should show confidence but also humility and a willingness to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Recruiting is about more than just skill—coaches need athletes who will buy into the team culture, contribute positively, and be coachable. While talent might get a recruit in the door, character, attitude, and engagement will determine if they’re the right fit for a program. Coaches and team hosts, pay attention to these red flags. A great player with a bad attitude can hurt a program, while a solid player with the right mindset can be a valuable asset for years to come.