Not the tallest? Not the heaviest? Not on anyone’s “prototypical” list?
Good.
Being undersized doesn’t mean you can’t play college football — it just means you’ll have to outwork, outsmart, and outcompete the players who rely on their size. Coaches care about results, toughness, and coachability — not just height and weight.
Here’s how to get recruited if you’re undersized, and how to turn every doubt into fuel.
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✅ Play to Your Strengths — Literally
If you’re not the biggest, you need to be one of the fastest, toughest, or smartest on the field.
✅ Speed: Quickness and change of direction are major advantages
✅ Agility and leverage: Low-man wins — being shorter can actually help here
✅ Motor: Coaches love relentless players who chase every play
✅ Skill execution: Crisp routes, clean technique, textbook tackling
📌 Tip: Your highlight video should immediately showcase explosiveness, efficiency, and effort. Make them forget about your size.
✅ Show Coaches You’re Built for College Football
Coaches don’t care as much about size — they care about whether you can survive and compete.
✅ Strength and conditioning: Show you’re durable and physically ready
✅ Versatility: Undersized players often shine by playing multiple roles
✅ Football IQ: Outthinking your opponent can make up for physical mismatches
📌 Tip: Include workout clips and hustle plays in your highlight reel — show them you’re not afraid to work or hit.
✅ Get in the Right Program for Your Playing Style
Not every system fits every athlete — especially if you’re undersized.
✅ Look for schools that value speed, skill, and flexibility
✅ Programs with high-tempo offenses or aggressive, zone-based defenses often prioritize intelligence and effort over size
✅ Some coaches love gritty players with a chip on their shoulder — find those programs
📌 Tip: Use College Football Openings to target schools actively recruiting for your position, regardless of size.
✅ Get Coaches to Focus on Your Tape, Not Your Measurables
Let your film do the talking — if your tape is strong, they’ll take notice.
✅ Start with your most explosive plays
✅ Make your position and role crystal clear
✅ Add your GPA, contact info, and coach reference up front
📌 Tip: Don’t hide your size — but don’t lead with it either. Let your tape speak for your game.
✅ Communicate Like a Pro
Professionalism can separate you from taller players who don’t take recruiting seriously.
✅ Write clear, respectful emails
✅ Include your film, academic info, and a quick message about why you’re a great fit
✅ Follow up and stay consistent — coaches respect persistence
📌 Tip: Ask coaches what they look for in your position — then show them how you bring it, even at a smaller size.
✅ Use College Football Openings to Find the Right Fit
✅ Skip the programs looking for “6’3+, 220 lbs” only
✅ Target schools still recruiting your position and class year
✅ Filter by level (D1, D2, NAIA, JUCO) to find the programs that value production over profile
📌 Tip: Many of the best schools for undersized players aren’t on ESPN — they’re the ones actually offering playing time.
🔥 Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how to get recruited if you’re undersized, remember this:
✅ Size is just one part of the game.
✅ Effort, execution, toughness, and character win out every time.
✅ Coaches recruit ballers, not just bodies.
👉 Visit College Football Openings now to find coaches who are recruiting players like you — fast, smart, gritty, and ready to prove everyone wrong.