The Complete Guide to Post-Grad Football Programs: Improving Your Recruitment Path

A post-grad year is one of the most overlooked moves in football recruiting. For the right player, it turns a thin offer sheet into a real college opportunity — more film, better academics, and another season against college-caliber talent. Here is how it works and how to decide if it's for you.

What is a post-grad football program?

A post-grad (PG) year is an additional year of school and football after you finish high school and before you enroll as a college freshman. Players train, take college-prep coursework, and compete on a schedule built around exposure to college recruiters. Programs run at prep schools, athletic academies, and junior colleges.

Who benefits most?

• Late bloomers who added size, speed, or a position change senior year.
• Players who need to raise a GPA, retake a test, or complete NCAA core courses.
• Athletes coming back from an injury that cost them a junior or senior season.
• Prospects with mid-major or JUCO interest who want a shot at a bigger offer.
• Players who were recruited late and are choosing between a walk-on spot and a fresh look.

Why a post-grad year improves recruitment

Recruiting decisions are made on film, measurables, academics, and character. A PG year lets you upgrade all four at once:

• New film against tougher competition. PG schedules include college JV, prep national opponents, and other academies — better film than one more high school season.
• Real strength & conditioning. College-style S&C usually adds meaningful weight, speed, and durability in nine months.
• Academic runway. A year to lift GPA, finish core courses, or retake the SAT/ACT and clear an eligibility center.
• Direct recruiter access. Good PG staffs have relationships with dozens of college programs and host recruiters at practices and games.

Does a post-grad year cost college eligibility?

At most college levels, a properly structured post-grad year at an academy or prep program preserves your full college eligibility because it is not a college season of competition. Rules vary by division and by governing body, so always confirm with the recruiting program and with the association you plan to compete in.

How to choose the right program

• Academic support. Small class sizes, tutoring, and a clear plan to meet eligibility requirements.
• Strength & conditioning staff. Full-time S&C, not a coach doubling up.
• Schedule strength. Ask for last year's opponents and results.
• Placement history. Where did players sign the last two cycles? Ask for names, not just counts.
• Film production. Multi-angle film cut and delivered quickly to your Hudl.
• Coach access. Direct coach-to-coach outreach on your behalf, not just an open camp.
• Cost & aid. Understand tuition, room and board, and any athletic aid before you commit.

Suggested timeline

• January – March: Identify programs, request info, share film.
• April – May: Campus visits, evaluations, offer conversations.
• June: Commit and enroll; begin summer conditioning.
• August – November: Season, new film, ongoing college conversations.
• December – February: Sign with your college program.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating a PG year like a redshirt vacation — the calendar is short and every rep matters.
• Choosing a program on brand name instead of fit, film, and placement history.
• Ignoring academics. If eligibility isn't cleared, the film doesn't matter.
• Waiting until fall to reach out — the best PG spots fill in the spring.

How the Mocs think about post-grad players

Jacksonville Athletic Academy Mocs Football competes in the ICAA and regularly evaluates post-grad and transfer prospects who want a real developmental year with a schedule built for exposure. If you're weighing a PG year and want to know if you're a fit, reach out through our recruiting page.