Ohio University Coach Blair Cavanaugh explains why film matters more than anything in the recruiting process. He breaks down what coaches actually look for on tape, why game film outweighs camp highlights, and how athletes can create film that gets real attention from college programs.
For every high school athlete chasing a scholarship, the truth is simple: your film is your résumé. In this episode of Athlete Country Club, host Marcus McMaryion sits down with Ohio University Running Backs Coach Blair Cavanaugh to talk about how players actually get noticed — and what really separates the ones who make it from the ones who don’t.
Coach Cavanaugh pulls back the curtain on the recruiting process, explaining how coaches evaluate highlight tapes and what they’re looking for in game film. He also shares insight into how athletes can stand out at college camps, the importance of coachability and football IQ, and how small details like effort, attitude, and consistency can make or break a first impression.
From understanding the daily grind of college football to developing real habits of preparation, this episode gives athletes and parents a clear, honest look at what it takes to get recruited, and why putting good stuff on tape is the foundation of every opportunity that follows.