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Jermaine Bishop Jr. of Willis High is one of area's top influencers
HOW TO: Can Tik Tok help in college recruiting?
TikTok has become a powerful tool for football recruiting, especially with how much attention athletes can grab through short-form content.
When used strategically, it can help players build a personal brand, showcase talent, and even attract the attention of college coaches. Here are some top ways to use TikTok for football recruiting:
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1. Highlight Reels That Pop
- Keep it short, exciting, and cinematic. Post 15–60 second clips that showcase your best plays, speed, strength, or unique skills.
- Add text overlays (position, class, stats, GPA, height/weight).
- Use trending sounds and music to boost visibility.
- Include captions like “#QB1 | Class of 2026 | 6'2” | 4.0 GPA.”
2. Training & Behind-the-Scenes
- Show your work ethic with gym, speed, agility, or film study clips.
- College coaches love seeing that you're grinding when no one’s watching.
- Authenticity builds trust and connection with fans and recruiters alike.
3. Football IQ & Leadership
- Break down your film or explain a play using TikTok voiceovers.
- Post game-day speeches or leadership moments with teammates.
- It shows you're a student of the game and not just an athlete.
4. Engage & Network
- Reply to comments, do duets with other athletes, or post recruiting tips.
- Follow and tag college football programs, coaches, or recruiting pages.
- Use hashtags like:
- #FootballRecruiting
- #CollegeFootball
- #ClassOf2026 (or your class)
- #[Position]Prospect (#QBsOfTikTok, #WRProspects, etc.)
5. Recruiting Journey Updates
- Share scholarship offers, visits, camps, or messages from coaches (if allowed).
- Announce when you're attending a showcase or 7v7 tournament.
- These updates let coaches know you're active and getting looks.
6. Brand Building / Personality
- Mix in personality—funny moments, game-day routines, team culture.
- This gives scouts a sense of who you are off the field.
Bonus Tips:
- Put your HUDL link or recruiting profile in your TikTok bio.
- Use a consistent username across social media so you’re easy to find.
- Pin your best highlight video to the top of your profile.
Trey Finney has transferred from Dekaney to St. Pius X
THE RISE OF TREY FINNEY: St. Pius X freshman gaining national attention
HOUSTON — At just 15 years old, Trey Finney III is already turning heads on the recruiting trail.
The 5-foot-9, do-it-all freshman was a second-team all-district selection for Dekaney High School this past fall. Since the end of his freshman football season, Finney has already pulled in double-digit Division I offers, a testament to his elite speed, versatility, and football IQ. He's also transferred to St. Pius X.
“I really don’t like to limit myself,” he said. “That’s why I consider myself an athlete. I can play receiver or cornerback. Travis Hunter has paved the way for guys like me to play both ways. If you have the talent and the heart for it, you can never come off the field.”
While Finney shines under the Friday night lights, he’s equally impressive in the classroom. Now at St. Pius X, he’s embracing the academic rigor with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
“I came to St. Pius X because I’m really big on academics,” Finney said. “I want to be challenged in the classroom, and this school gives me that.”
He’s also a self-described bookworm, recently finishing the entire Game of Thrones book series. In his downtime, you might catch him deep into anime adventures.
“I’m really into Naruto and Luffy from One Piece,” he laughed. “That type of adventure genre is my thing.”
New head coach Shaun Stephens is fired up about Finney joining the program — not just for his athleticism, but for who he is as a person.
“The kid enjoys the process,” Stephens said. “He understands that greatness is built in the dark. He pushes himself every day — in the classroom, on the field, and in the weight room. He’s competitive in every sense of the word.”
Stephens added, “He can score from anywhere on the field, and then flip to defense and lock down your best receiver.”
Finney’s spring and summer will be packed with visits, including trips to Miami, Georgia, Baylor, and Purdue before the end of the school year. But he’s not caught up in the hype.
“I’m not chasing a logo,” he said. “I’m not chasing the money. I’m looking for fit, culture, and the right coach.”
It’s that mindset — paired with elite talent — that sets Finney apart as one of the most intriguing freshmen in the country.