Football Recruiting Guidelines: How Do You Compare to the Average College Football Player Size

How much do you know about college football players' height and weight? Do you know how you measure up to a Division I linebacker or quarterback? We turned to college football rosters to find the average weight, height, and weight-to-height ratio of each division's college football players. All five years' worth of football rosters from the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA were mined for data. Once this was done, we calculated the average height and weight of all players in each position across all divisions.

There are a number of other factors that go into the selection process, including the player's weight and height, as well as their position in the team. A group of former college football coaches came together to add the specific skill sets that college coaches look for in recruits based on their position and desired division level. Become familiar with all aspects of football college selection and the recruiting process. The recruiting process for college football can be seen in action. We also relied on information from NCSA

Use the football recruiting guidelines to your advantage

If you want to know what it takes to play college football, you must take into account both the average weight and skill sets required for your position. Here's why including each of them is critical:

• Current college football players' heights and weights are merely averages; they do not reflect the actual size of athletes when they first entered college. To put it another way, college recruits don't have to be this big right now, but they do have to have the frame to gain weight and bulk up enough to be a threat. Schools often list players on their rosters who are larger than they are, so it's worth noting that these heights and weights might be a little exaggerated.

• Depending on the size of the recruit's school and the competitiveness of their conference, awards and varsity experience will vary greatly. If they want college coaches to take notice of them, high school recruits from a small school need to have the credentials listed below, and sometimes even more. As a result, athletes at larger, more prestigious schools may not need to be varsity starters for a number of years in order to be considered. Families who aren't sure where their school falls on this spectrum should contact their current high school coach.

These guidelines are meant to serve as a starting point, not a definitive answer to the question of how good you should be. Athletes and their families can benefit from using them to determine which divisions they should play in. Yes, I'd like to get involved with the Notre Dame football recruiting process!

The height and weight of a prospective student-athlete are always of interest to college coaches, according to an insider's tip. This demonstrates to the coach that the recruit did not invent these numbers or take them on subpar equipment, but rather that an unbiased measurer did. Football Combines, like the free Rivals adizero Combines held in various cities across the country, are the best way to verify your stats.

Recruiting guidelines for football quarterbacks

NCAA Division 1—FBS 

• 6'2" / 207 lbs is the average weight and height of college football quarterbacks.
• Be a three-year starter at the varsity level.
• Multiple years of All-State competition
• With no loft, you must be able to throw the deep out and comeback, dig, and seam router from the opposite 40-yard line. When it comes to throwing open receivers and executing the back-shoulder throw, recruits should be well versed.

NCAA Division 1—FCS 

• QBs in college football are typically 6'1" and weigh 199 pounds on average.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• Throw the deep out, comeback, dig and seam router with minimal loft, as well as throw the ball through the goalpost from the opposing 45-yard line. Proficient ability to open receivers and execute back-shoulder throws are required.

Division II of the NCAA

• 6'1" / 198 lb. is the average height and weight of college football quarterbacks.
• A two-year starter at the varsity level is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• Throw the deep out, comeback, dig and seam router with minimal loft, as well as throw the ball through the goalpost from the other 50-yard line. Proficient ability to open receivers and execute the back-shoulder throw is required of all recruits. 

NAIA and NCAA Division 3

• 6'0" / 198 lbs is the average weight and height of a D3 college football quarterback.
• The average height and weight of NAIA quarterbacks is 6'1" / 195 lbs.
• Starter for the varsity team for at least one year, but two years is preferred.
• Throw the deep out, comeback, dig and seam router with some loft, as well as throw the ball through the goalpost from the 45-yard line. Candidates should be able to open receivers and perform the back-shoulder throw.

Football recruiting advice for running backs 

Division 1 of the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision 

• At 5'10" and 202 pounds, the average college football player at running back is 5'10" tall.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Multiple All-State appearances over the years.
• In order to get away from defenders, a recruit needs to run with power, speed, and balance. He must be extremely strong in both the lower and upper body. Must be able to catch and protect the pass out of the backfield. 

The Football Bowl Subdivision 

• 5'9" / 196 lbs. is the average college football player's weight and height.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Multiple years of All-State competition
• To be a successful recruit, you must be a hard-hitting, quick runner who can outrun your opponents. To get past defenders and sprint downhill quickly, he'll need to be lightning fast.

Division II of the NCAA 

• 5'9" / 190 lbs is the average weight and height of a college football running back.
• A two-year starter at the varsity level is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• Ideally, the candidate should be a strong and fast runner. Quickness and instinct are essential for him to have. He must have good acceleration, balance as well as effort.

NAIA and NCAA Division 3

• 5'9" and 190 lbs. is the average weight and height of a D3 college football running back
• NAIA RBs are an average of 5'9" / 191 lbs in height and weight.
• Ideally, a two-year starter is required at the varsity level.
• Recruits must be able to run hard and fast, as well as have a good sense of direction. From the backfield, he should be able to both block and catch. 

Guidelines for recruiting tight ends in football

Division 1 of the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision

• 6'4" / 241 lbs. is the average college football player size for tight ends.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• At the All-State and All-American levels for a long period of time.
• Recruits must be able to change the LOS at the point of attack with a great combination of size and speed. He should be able to extend the field vertically with soft hands. They should be able to find the open window in the zone and separate themselves from man coverage in a D1 FBS TE position. When he makes contact, he shows the ability to break tackles and gain yards. 

The Football Bowl Subdivision 

• TEs typically measure 6'3" and weigh 228 pounds on the collegiate football field.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• At the point of attack, the recruit must shift the line of sight (LOS) to a new location. The ability to extend the field vertically and have soft hands are two of his most important requisites. He is able to find the open space in the zone while avoiding man coverage. 

Division II of the NCAA 

• 6'2" / 224 lbs is the average weight and height of college football tight end players.
• A two-year starter at the varsity level is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• In order for a recruit to be effective, they must be able to change their line of sight at the point of attack. He must be able to extend the field vertically while also having soft hands. It doesn't matter if he's in the zone or if he's on his own. After the catch, he should pose a threat. 

NAIA and NCAA Division 3

• 6'2" / 211 lbs is the average height and weight of a D3 TE in college football.
• An NAIA TE's average height and weight are both listed at 6'2".
• Starter for the varsity team for at least one year, but two years is preferred.
• When a recruit is attacked, they must be able to alter their line of sight (LOS) in order to defend themselves. He is a one-trick pony as a blocker or receiver because he lacks the necessary soft hands. While in zone or separate from man coverage, he should be able to extend the field vertically.

Choosing a Football Wide Receiver for Your Team

Division 1 of the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision 

• The average college football WR is 6'0" and weighs 190 pounds.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• At the All-State and All-American levels for a long period of time.
• To be effective, the new player must pose a constant threat at all times. At the line, his release should be lightning fast with low pad level and little wasted movement, his burst into the route should be explosive with one-step cuts and his catching ability should be flawless. The jump ball should be no more difficult for him to catch than any of the other four types of passes. Running all routes, having rare ball skills, having a great combination of size and speed, and being willing to block are all essential qualities for a defensive end. 

The Football Bowl Subdivision 

• The average college football WR is 6'0" and weighs 183 pounds.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Years of participation in All-State and All-Conference competitions
• Low pad level, burst into route, one-step cuts and outstanding catch ability are all necessary for a recruit to succeed at the college level. He or she must be able to separate himself from opposing defenders with his speed. It's imperative that he can catch a jump ball with the ease of a slant, a hitch, or a mesh. He needs to be able to run all routes with ease, have excellent ball skills, and be willing to block when necessary.

Division II of the NCAA 

• A 6-foot-1, 181-pound wide receiver is a typical college football college football player
• A two-year starter at the varsity level is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• Fast release, good vision and instincts, good hands, and quickness to make defenders miss are all necessary qualities for a good recruit. He's known for his athleticism and dexterity. He's willing to block and has a high level of energy on the field. 

NAIA and NCAA Division 3 

• 5'11" / 175 lbs is the average weight and height of a D3 college football wide receiver.
• 6'0" / 181 lbs is the average weight and height of NAIA WRs.
• Starter for the varsity team for at least one year, but two years is preferred.
• It is imperative that the recruit be able to release from the line quickly, sell the go route, make precise cuts in and out of breaks, catch the ball on a consistent basis, and is typically quicker than he is fast.

Recruiting tips for football's offensive line

Division 1 of the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision

• a 6-foot-4, 297-pound offensive lineman is a typical college football player.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Multiple years of All-State competition
• The recruit must be the most physically dominant player on the field, and he must be able to consistently move the line of scrimmage forward by five yards. Against the pass rush, he needs to have a devastating hand punch and the ability to lock on to and control his defenders while playing at a high pad level with a natural knee bend. He'll need to be physically fit to keep up with the ball carrier in open field and show good body control to make a play in tight quarters.

The Football Bowl Subdivision

• 6'3" / 285 lbs is the average weight and height of an OL in college football.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• One of the most physical players on the field is expected to consistently move the line of scrimmage by three yards. As a result, he should be able to play with excellent pad level and a devastating hand punch against pass rushers, as well as lock on and control defenders. His athleticism and body control must be on point in order to keep up with the ball carrier in open field. 

Division II of the NCAA 

• 6'2" / 282 lb. is the typical college football player size for offensive linemen.
• A two-year starter at the varsity level is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• Physicality is essential; the recruit should be able to consistently move the line of scrimmage forward by two yards. A natural knee bend, hand punch, and the ability to lock on to and control defenders are all requirements for him to play at a high level of protection. To pull and get up field, he'll need some serious athleticism. 

NAIA and NCAA Division 3

• Average height and weight for a D3 OL in college football are 6'1" and 270 pounds.
• NCAA Division I-AA college football offensive linemen are typically 6'2" and weigh 273 pounds on average.
• Starter for the varsity team for at least one year, but two years is preferred.
• He must be a player who enjoys physical contact and is able to move the scrimmage line more frequently than stalemate or lose ground. Against the pass rush, he must play with above-average pad level and show a natural knee bend while also showing active hands and the ability to keep defenders out of the pocket. To pull and get upfield, he'll need some serious athleticism.

Guidelines for recruiting defensive linemen in football

Division 1 of the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision

• The typical college football defensive lineman is 6'3" and weighs 270 pounds.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Multiple years of All-State competition
• Recruits must be able to perform at an All-State level against both the run and pass for at least three years. It's imperative that he show the strength and leverage to be a dominant run defender. As an edge rusher, the recruit should be able to win with speed, agility, and power. This player has the potential to be a standout performer.

NCAA Division I and FCS recruiting policies are summarized here.

• Defensive linemen typically measure 6'2" and weigh 259 pounds in college football.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• Recruits must be able to perform at an All-Conference level against both the run and the pass for at least two years. As a run defender, he must show the strength and leverage to dominate the field. As an edge rusher, he should be able to win with either his speed and agility or his strength and power. There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that this player is an exceptional one.

NCAA Division 2 guidelines for recruiting

• The typical college football defensive lineman is 6'2" and weighs 252 pounds.
• A two-year starter at the varsity level is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• The recruit must be an All-Conference player in both the run and the pass for at least one to two seasons. As a run defender, he must show the strength and leverage to dominate the field. As an edge rusher, he should be able to win with either his speed and agility or his strength and power. To progress, a player must be a consistent contributor who possesses both physical and athletic potential.

Recruiting standards for Division 3 and NAIA schools

• D3 DL average player height and weight: 6'0" / 246 lbs.
• The NAIA defensive lineman's average height and weight are 6'1" and 251 pounds, respectively.
• Starter for the varsity team for at least one year, but two years is preferred.
• Participates in the All-Conference competition for at least a season
• An All-Conference performer in both the run and pass defense is required of the incoming player. A good run defender needs to be strong, and a good edge rusher needs to be quick and quick. While his physical and athletic abilities are still developing, he has the potential to become an all-star. 

Football recruiting guidelines for defensive backs

Division 1 of the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision

• 5'11" / 189 lb. is the typical college football defensive back's height and weight.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Multiple years of All-State competition
• The new player should be the best on the field! To get into and out of breaks, he can easily flip his hips. In the run game and against screens, he is a force to be reckoned with. The new player must be able to keep up with the pace of play and be aware of all coverage. In order for him to be effective in both man and zone defense, he must be aware of his responsibilities at all times. He also needs to be the fastest kid on the field and be able to cover the distance from sideline to sideline effectively. There's no way he's going to know what's going on.

NCAA Division I and FCS recruiting policies are summarized here.

• The typical college football defensive back is 5'11" and 183 pounds.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• In order to be considered, a candidate must be familiar with every aspect of coverage and be able to move quickly. When it comes to man coverage and zone coverage, he must be both strong and excellent. He also needs to be the fastest kid on the field and be able to cover the distance from sideline to sideline effectively. This defensive back must be able to read quarterbacks and offenses in order to react appropriately.

NCAA Division 2 guidelines for recruiting

• DBs typically measure 5'11" and weigh 181 pounds on the collegiate football field.
• A two-year starter at the varsity level is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• In order to be considered, a candidate must be familiar with every aspect of coverage and be able to move quickly. When it comes to man coverage and zone coverage, he must be both strong and excellent. One of the fastest kids should be on the field.

Recruiting standards for Division 3 and NAIA schools 

• The average height and weight of a D3 defensive back is 5'10" / 175 lbs.
• The average height and weight of an NAIA DB college football player is 5'11" and 181 pounds.
• Starter for the varsity team for at least one year, but two years is preferred.
• In order to be considered, a candidate must be familiar with every aspect of coverage and be able to move quickly. He'll be okay in man coverage, but he'll be fantastic in zone coverage. He must have a good understanding of defensive schemes and be a quick runner.

Football recruiting rules for linebackers

Division 1 of the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision

• In college football, the average LB is 6'1" and weighs 223 pounds.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Multiple years of All-State competition
• Both in the running game and in coverage, the newcomer must be equally active. When he takes the first step downhill, he maintains his athleticism while gaining ground. The newcomer has the strength and explosiveness necessary to play on the line of scrimmage, and he can change the LOS and knock ball carriers back with ease. He plays with good knee bend and fluid hips while wearing pads. To be considered, a prospective player must be proficient in both zone and man coverage, as well as be able to hold his own against the best player on the field. Fast and agile, he has the ability to bend the corner in tight situations. 

The Football Bowl Subdivision

• LBs typically measure 6'0" and weigh 217 pounds on the football field in college.
• A three-year starter on the varsity team is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• The recruit must be able to run and pass at the same time. With his first step, he should consistently gain ground, win the point of attack, and slow down or stop ball carriers. He has the ability to reroute and pursue downfield plays, as well as good coverage skills. With his disciplined route recognition and ability to cover both running backs and tight ends in man coverage, he is an asset. He should also be able to contribute on special teams. 

NCAA Division 2 guidelines for recruiting

• LBs typically stand 5'11" in height at the collegiate level.
• A two-year starter at the varsity level is expected.
• Several years of All-Conference competition
• Both the pass and the run must be countered by the newcomer. He plays flat at LB depth with his first step and doesn't give ground to blockers when they make contact with him. Good body control and versatility allow the recruit to play in both man and zone defense.

Recruiting standards for Division 3 and NAIA schools

• The average height and weight of a D3 LB is 5'11" / 207 lbs.
• The average height and weight of an NAIA LB college football player is 5'11" and 209 pounds.
• Starter for the varsity team for at least one year, but two years is preferred.
• Ideally, the newcomer will be able to hold his own in either the run or the pass game. On the floor, he's a force to be reckoned with. Despite a few missteps, he is always ahead of the pack with his first step. His ability to get off blocks and make plays in coverage is consistent, and he has shown it.

Recruitment guidelines for kickers 

Division 1 of the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision

• 5-foot-8 to 6-foot-2
• Competing at the All-State level for several years now
• It's in the country's top 20
• A field goal range of 55 yards or more, a hang-time of 3.8 seconds, and a kickoff average of 65 yards or more are required.

The Football Bowl Subdivision

• 60-65 inches tall and 180 pounds.
• Competing at the All-State level for several years now
• It's in the country's top 20
• A field goal range of 55 yards or more, a hang-time of 3.8 seconds, and a kickoff average of 65 yards or more are required.

Division II of the NCAA

• 160 to 179 pounds / 5'6 to 5'8 inches tall.
• Multiple years of All-Conference competition experience
• A field goal range of 50 yards or more, a hang-time of 3.6 seconds, and a kickoff average of 55-60 yards are required. 

NAIA and NCAA Division 3

• An ideal weight for this height is 160 pounds.
• At least one year of All-Conference competition
• Field goal range of 45 yards or more and 3.4 second hang time are required for kickoffs. 

Guidelines for finding and hiring punters

Division 1 of the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision

• 6-foot+, 185-190 pounds.
• Competing at the All-State level for several years now
• It's in the country's top 20
• Must be able to throw 40 yards on average and have a 4.5-second hang-time. 

The Football Bowl Subdivision 

• Over 6 feet tall and weighing in at 185-190 pounds.
• Competing at the All-State level for several years now
• It's in the country's top 20
• A minimum average distance of 40 yards and a maximum hang time of 4.5 seconds are required.

Division II of the NCAA

• 5'9" / 175-185 lb. is my height and weight.
• Multiple years of All-Conference competition experience
• Must have a minimum distance of 38 yards and a maximum hang time of 4.3 seconds.

 NAIA and NCAA Division 3

• 5'8" and 175 pounds
• Competing at the All-State level for several years now
• A hang time of 4.0 seconds and a distance of 35 yards or more are required.

Recruiting rules for Long Snappers 

NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, and NAIA

• It is up to each coach and their special teams to decide the size of a college long snapper (i.e. a bigger size for programs that require the snapper to block after snapping vs. a taller, quicker long snapper for programs that want their athlete to be the first one down the field).
• Snap time should be at least.75 seconds or better..
• A snap time of at least.75 is given precedence in D1 programs. Even if an athlete has a slower snap time, coaches will take him into account if he is more reliable.
• e., in the event that one snapper has an average snap time of.7, while the other has an average snap time of 0.78, the coach will prefer a slower but more accurate snapper.