A Complete Roadmap from High School to College with M.A.N. Kicking
For today’s student athlete, talent alone is no longer enough.
The college recruiting and admissions process has changed dramatically over the past decade. Between the transfer portal, NIL opportunities, roster limits, scholarship restructuring, and academic eligibility requirements, families are navigating one of the most complex eras in college athletics history.
At M.A.N. Kicking, led by Coach Will Nicoloso, we believe athletes deserve more than training alone. They deserve clarity. Structure. Honest guidance. And a plan built around who they are as an athlete and as a student.
This page is designed to help high school and college athletes and their families fully understand the modern recruiting landscape and how M.A.N. Kicking helps guide athletes every step of the way.
Understanding the Modern College Recruiting Landscape
College recruiting today is not the same system parents experienced years ago.
Athletes are now competing not only with high school seniors, but also with:
• College transfers
• Graduate transfers
• Junior college athletes
• International prospects
• NIL focused recruits
• Athletes returning from the portal
This means recruiting is no longer linear. It is fluid, ongoing, and requires strategy.
Recruiting Is Now a Year Round Process
Recruiting does not begin senior year. It often begins as early as freshman or sophomore year for some positions. For specialists like kickers, punters, and long snappers, timing and exposure are critical.
At the same time, many athletes do not receive real traction until late junior year or even after high school through prep programs, junior colleges, or the portal.
There is no single path. But there must be a plan.
The NCAA Divisions Explained
Understanding divisions helps athletes and families set realistic goals.
Division I
• Highest level of competition
• Limited scholarships especially for specialists
• Heavy portal usage
• Increased NIL opportunities
• Academic eligibility still required
Division II
• Partial scholarships common
• Strong balance of athletics and academics
• More personalized recruiting approach
• Less portal pressure than Division I
Division III
• No athletic scholarships
• Strong academic institutions
• High level football programs
• Merit and academic aid often available
NAIA and Junior College
• Excellent development paths
• Faster playing opportunities
• Ideal for late bloomers or athletes needing academic improvement
• Often overlooked but extremely valuable
At M.A.N. Kicking, we educate athletes on all levels so decisions are informed, not emotional.
Academic Admissions Still Matter
One of the biggest misconceptions families have is that football overrides academics.
It does not.
Every athlete must still meet:
• NCAA eligibility standards
• Core course requirements
• GPA minimums
• Test score requirements when applicable
• Admissions standards of the institution
Even a fully recruited athlete can be denied admission.
M.A.N. Kicking works with families to ensure academic alignment early so recruiting momentum is not lost late in the process.
The Transfer Portal Explained
The NCAA Transfer Portal has completely reshaped college athletics.
What Is the Transfer Portal
The portal allows college athletes to formally notify their school they intend to transfer and make themselves visible to other programs.
Once entered, athletes can be contacted by other schools.
Why the Portal Matters to High School Athletes
High school athletes now compete against experienced college players for roster spots.
This means coaches often fill needs with portal athletes first.
That makes development, accuracy, consistency, and reliability even more important for specialists.
At M.A.N. Kicking, athletes are trained to be college ready not just highlight ready.
NIL and Name Image Likeness Explained
NIL allows college athletes to earn compensation based on their personal brand.
This can include:
• Social media partnerships
• Local sponsorships
• Camps and lessons
• Appearances and promotions
However, NIL is not guaranteed money.
Most NIL opportunities are earned through:
• Performance
• Visibility
• Professionalism
• Marketability
• Personal branding
M.A.N. Kicking helps athletes understand realistic NIL expectations and how to build a brand that aligns with their long term goals.
Recruiting Is About Fit Not Hype
One of the most important lessons M.A.N. Kicking teaches is this:
The best school is not always the biggest logo.
The right school is where the athlete can:
• Develop physically
• Compete for playing time
• Progress academically
• Stay healthy mentally
• Graduate successfully
Many athletes chase offers without understanding roster math or scholarship structures. Our job is to help families see the full picture.
What College Coaches Actually Look For
College coaches evaluate far more than distance or raw numbers.
They look for:
• Consistency
• Ball flight
• Mental toughness
• Coachability
• Film quality
• Competition performance
• Academic reliability
• Communication skills
At M.A.N. Kicking, we train athletes the way college coaches evaluate them.
How M.A.N. Kicking Guides the Recruiting Process
M.A.N. Kicking is not a recruiting service that blasts emails.
We are a development and guidance program built on trust, honesty, and long term results.
What We Do
• Evaluate each athlete honestly
• Identify realistic college pathways
• Build individualized development plans
• Prepare athletes for showcases and camps
• Guide recruiting timelines
• Assist with communication strategy
• Educate families on scholarships and offers
• Provide clarity in moments of uncertainty
Recruiting is not about pressure. It is about preparation.
The M.A.N. Kicking Philosophy
We believe elite athletes are built through:
• Mental discipline
• Physical consistency
• Technical excellence
• Accountability
• Education
That philosophy extends beyond the field and into recruiting decisions.
Recruiting Guidance Packages at M.A.N. Kicking
Every athlete’s journey is different. That is why M.A.N. Kicking offers structured guidance options.
Foundation Recruiting Guidance Plan
Ideal for early high school athletes.
Includes:
• Initial athlete evaluation
• Recruiting education overview
• Timeline planning
• Academic guidance discussion
• Development roadmap
• Quarterly check ins
Purpose is clarity and foundation.
Advanced Recruiting Strategy Plan
Ideal for juniors and seniors actively pursuing college opportunities.
Includes:
• Detailed recruiting assessment
• College level targeting strategy
• Film review guidance
• Showcase planning
• Communication education
• Offer evaluation assistance
• Monthly check ins
Purpose is structure and execution.
College Transition and Portal Guidance Plan
Ideal for current college athletes or those entering the portal.
Includes:
• Honest performance evaluation
• Portal timing strategy
• Transfer pathway guidance
• Scholarship conversations education
• Next level development planning
• Mental reset support
Purpose is direction during high pressure transitions.
Why Families Trust Will Nicoloso and M.A.N. Kicking
Coach Will Nicoloso has spent years developing specialists and guiding athletes through real recruiting outcomes.
Families trust M.A.N. Kicking because:
• Guidance is honest not inflated
• Development comes before exposure
• Communication is clear
• Expectations are realistic
• Athletes are treated as individuals
• Long term success matters
We are not here to sell dreams.
We are here to build careers.
A Message to Parents
Recruiting can feel overwhelming.
There is pressure. Conflicting advice. Social media noise. And fear of making the wrong decision.
You are not alone.
Our role is to help families slow the process down, understand options, and move forward confidently.
A Message to Athletes
Your journey does not need to look like anyone else’s.
There is no deadline on belief.
There is no shortcut to consistency.
There is no replacement for preparation.
At M.A.N. Kicking, we help you build not just a college opportunity, but a foundation that lasts beyond football.
Start Your Recruiting Journey with M.A.N. Kicking
Whether you are a freshman just beginning, a senior seeking opportunities, or a college athlete navigating the portal, guidance matters.
M.A.N. Kicking exists to bring clarity to chaos.
To turn confusion into confidence.
And to help athletes reach the next level prepared.
Your future deserves a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About College Recruiting and M.A.N. Kicking
What grade should athletes start the college recruiting process?
Most athletes should begin learning the recruiting process as early as freshman or sophomore year of high school. While offers may not come until later, early planning helps athletes understand academic requirements, development goals, and realistic college pathways.
Do I need a recruiting service to get recruited?
Not every athlete needs a recruiting service, but every athlete needs guidance. The recruiting landscape is complex and constantly changing. M.A.N. Kicking provides education, structure, and honest direction so athletes avoid costly mistakes and missed opportunities.
How important are academics in college recruiting?
Academics are critical. Even fully recruited athletes must meet NCAA eligibility standards and school admissions requirements. Many recruiting opportunities are lost due to academic misalignment rather than athletic ability.
What is the NCAA Transfer Portal?
The Transfer Portal is a system that allows college athletes to declare their intent to transfer and become visible to other programs. It has significantly increased competition for roster spots at all levels of college football.
How does the Transfer Portal affect high school athletes?
High school athletes now compete with experienced college players for scholarships and roster spots. This makes development, consistency, and readiness more important than ever.
What is NIL in college athletics?
NIL stands for Name Image and Likeness. It allows college athletes to earn money through sponsorships, appearances, and personal branding. NIL opportunities vary widely and are not guaranteed.
Can high school athletes earn NIL money?
In most cases, NIL earnings occur after enrolling in college. Some states allow limited pre college opportunities, but families should approach NIL carefully and with proper guidance.
Does M.A.N. Kicking help athletes communicate with college coaches?
Yes. M.A.N. Kicking educates athletes on how and when to communicate with coaches, what coaches actually want to see, and how to present themselves professionally throughout the recruiting process.
Does M.A.N. Kicking guarantee college offers?
No program can guarantee offers. M.A.N. Kicking provides honest evaluations, development planning, and strategic guidance that gives athletes the best possible opportunity based on their individual potential.
Is M.A.N. Kicking only for kickers?
M.A.N. Kicking specializes in football specialists and works closely with athletes to build position specific development plans while guiding families through the broader recruiting and admissions process.
Schedule a recruiting guidance consultation.
Get in touch so we can start working together.
