Getting to the Next Level

I. All-star games

• Senior Bowl
• Shrine Game
• What are they like?
• The invitation process
• Benefits
• What if you don’t get invited?

II. Agents

• Who are they?
• Why are they needed?
• What do they do?
• How do I select one?
• Can one get me drafted?
• What if I don’t have one?

IIl. Financial advisors

• How important?
• Who are they?
• Hiring one

IV. The scouting services

• National/BLESTO
• Where do they get their information?
• How does info get to teams?
• Grades

V. The combine

• Selection process
• Non-invitees
• Pay combines

VI. Combine trainers

• TX vs. Nation
• Fourth game
• Other games
• TX vs. Nation
• Fourth game
• Other games

VII. The draft

• How long?
• Who gets drafted and why?
• What if I’m not drafted?

VIII. Draft analysts:

• Which are reliable?
• Where do they come from?
• Should I read them?
• What role do they play?

IX. Other leagues

• CFL
• AFL/AF2
• UFL
• Regional leagues
• Foreign leagues

X. How do I get drafted?

• On the field
• Off the field

Also:
Helpful references and tools
A sampling of combine gyms