Combines: The Pro's & Con's

Pros

1. Exposure to university football programs

2. Compete against other top recruits 

3. Get a baseline on your measurables/testing results as a first time attendee

4. Get an idea what areas of the game the athlete needs to improve

5. Testing is part of the university experience, getting the experience now helps athletes become 

used to the process and what is expected.

Cons

1. Recruiters rely more on game tape than measurables 

2. An injury could hold back the athletes off-season training regiment

3. Not all combines follow strict guidelines for gathering testing results which can make those 

results useless for recruiters

4. Some combines are to help kids get noticed but others are just trying to make money

Tips

Ask these questions before attending:

Who/which company is holding the combine?  Is it a non-profit group or private business?

Will there be recruiters attending the combine?  Is it specific as to which recruiters will be attending?

Are the tests hand timed or electronic?  What surface will the tests be conducted (Field Turf, Gym, 

Track, etc)?

Is the combine in-doors or outside?

Where will the results be posted after the combine?  Do you get access to your results?

Will there be individual position drill sessions?  1 on 1s?  7 on 7s?

Which coaches will be running the position/1v1/7v7 drill sessions?