Written by PETE IACOBELLI and JOHN ZENOR, AP Sports Reporters.

The process of recruiting for college often begins with high school students, but it doesn’t end once they are enrolled on campus. It continues to be a constant presence.

Position 1: Hire. Position 2: Maintain.

Coaches across the nation must prioritize spending ample time with incoming players, as the abundance of transfer options heightens the need to retain both talented young athletes and established starters. Furthermore, schools aim to provide opportunities for athletes to earn endorsements and compensation without having to transfer.

According to Alabama coach Nick Saban, relationships are the most crucial aspect, a common sentiment shared by many coaches.

The era of top-tier recruits biding their time before playing may be fading. Even established quarterbacks such as Ryan McCord from Ohio State and Dillon Gabriel from Oklahoma, as well as defensive lineman Walter Nolen from Texas A&M, have joined the transfer portal.

The portal will be accessible until January 2nd and then again from April 15th to 30th. It has become a popular approach for both established and developing teams. The top three finalists for the Heisman Trophy – Jayden Daniels (LSU), Michael Penix Jr. (Washington), and Bo Nix (Oregon) – all came through the portal as quarterbacks. Penix has even led his team to the playoffs.

Several players are seeking additional game time while some are searching for better financial compensation through endorsement deals and finding a better fit. Regardless of the players’ motives for departing, coaches must prioritize retaining them more than ever before.

In November, coach Jake Dickert from Washington State acknowledged the challenges his team is facing in the weakened Pac-12 conference. He mentioned that his school is significantly behind in terms of NIL opportunities compared to other teams such as Oregon, Washington, and USC. He anticipated that December would bring a time for the Cougars to actively pursue potential recruits.

Dickert stated that it is important to supply the team with ample resources to maintain their unity, continue recruiting, and persevere.

An increasing number of coaches have voiced their concerns about the lack of financial support for NIL partnerships. One such coach, Dave Doeren of N.C State, expressed his thoughts during the current season by stating, “It would be great to have 5,000 individuals donate $1,000 each to our NIL program. This would allow us to effectively recruit, retain, and develop our players within the NIL realm, allowing them to reap the benefits as well.”

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said tampering with other teams’ players is a big problem. Swinney said the days after the season ended were spent meeting with his team.

The coach of the Tigers stated that the rosters are different due to the influence of the portal and the increasing trend of players not participating in games. He expressed concern about the situation at cornerback for the Gator Bowl against Kentucky, as one player, Nate Wiggins, chose to leave the team and turn pro while another, Toriano Pride Jr., entered the portal.

Coach Matt Rhule of Nebraska emphasized the importance of prioritizing current players over potential additions from the portal.

“I have a strong desire to show respect and appreciation for the players who were here before me,” stated Rhule. “If any players choose to leave, I will work to address any issues that may have led to their departure. I will not ask anyone to leave in order for me to bring in someone else. I want to keep my promise to all the parents I spoke with during the recruiting process.”

Former Carolina Panthers coach Rhule can seek guidance from veteran NFL executive Bill Polian on how to foster a positive atmosphere in the locker room: avoid signing a free agent as the highest-paid player on the team.

While having a united team and positive coach-player connections does not guarantee that there will be no departures, it certainly doesn’t hurt.

The coach of Kentucky, Mark Stoops, mentioned that it is important to prioritize maintaining connections with both established and up-and-coming players who may not be receiving the amount of playing time they desire. Every month, Stoops advises his coaches to step out of their offices and spend time with their players in places like the weight room.

“We prioritize maintaining communication and building strong relationships with our players, both individually and as a team,” stated Stoops. “In this line of work, forming connections is crucial. Despite our busy schedules and responsibilities, we make sure to spend time with our players, show our support and care for them, and invite them into our homes and meetings. Keeping this contact is, in my belief, one of the top priorities.”

Marshall’s coach, Charles Huff, stated that the portal choices require coaches to establish authentic connections with every player in their locker room, rather than just focusing on the starters and seniors.

“I have initiated a practice of reaching out to one or two colleagues in my office every week just to check in and ask how their mothers are doing,” shared Huff. “Neglecting to stay in touch with friends can lead to the loss of those relationships.”

The distance between the initial connection during recruitment and the current state of their relationship, when it becomes greater, triggers feelings of homesickness. A friend from a different school may reach out and question why the person is not playing.

Hugh Freeze, the coach at Auburn, has employees tasked with building connections with the players.

“I am unsure if any of us will ever excel at it completely, and it definitely poses challenges in terms of managing recruiting and building a roster,” stated Freeze. “However, it is now a necessary aspect of the game and not one that many of us enjoy. Nonetheless, it is important to pay close attention to it because it is here to stay.”

Eric Olson, the AP College Football Writer, contributed to this report.

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The AP (Associated Press) has a dedicated section for college football, which can be accessed through the following links: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football.

Source: wralsportsfan.com