The NLR Playbook

Recruiting tips, NCAA rules explained, highlight tape strategy, and everything else athletes and parents need to navigate the process.

Highlight Tapes6 min readMay 10, 2026

What College Coaches Actually Look for in a Highlight Tape

Most recruiting tapes lose a coach in the first 20 seconds. Here’s what coaches want to see, and what makes them stop watching.

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Recruiting 1018 min read

NCAA Recruiting Rules Explained: What Every Athlete and Parent Needs to Know

The NCAA recruiting calendar, contact rules, dead periods, and evaluation windows, broken down in plain language so you don’t make a costly mistake.

May 5, 2026

Basketball10 min read

How to Get Recruited for College Basketball: A Complete Guide for SoCal Athletes

From AAU exposure to official visits, everything a Southern California basketball player needs to do, in the right order, to earn a college offer.

April 28, 2026

Transfer Portal7 min read

Transfer Portal Recruiting: What College Athletes Need to Know in 2026

The transfer portal has changed college athletics. Here’s how to navigate it successfully, from deciding to enter to landing in the right spot.

April 15, 2026

Recruiting Profiles5 min read

Why Every Serious Recruit Needs a Recruiting Profile Website

A recruiting profile website is the one link that does all the work, giving coaches everything they need to evaluate you without digging through emails.

April 5, 2026

Ready to Build Your Tape?

Reading about recruiting is step one. The tape is step two.

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