In this episode, we cover…
(0:00) Isaac’s background and growing up in upstate New York
(4:04) Training mistakes and gym culture
(6:56) Keeping drills basic and on-field work
(9:34) 7-on-7 and recruiting value
(12:10) Local D1 camps
(13:24) The reality of recruiting
(16:36) Social media pressure and early recruiting
(19:35) Parent role in recruiting
(23:25) Camp scams and costly mistakes
(27:10) Exposure, the transfer portal, and final advice
Football Recruiting Advice with Isaac Hadac
In this conversation with Athletes Untapped, we are joined by Isaac Hadac, a former college football player, coach, mentor, and founder of 5 Star Football. Originally from Greene, New York, Isaac grew up in what he describes as “the middle of nowhere,” where resources, coaching, and exposure were limited compared to major football regions. Coming from a small school with a graduating class of around 60 students and even playing eight-man football, he had to figure out the recruiting process largely on his own. Today, these experiences drive his mission. He now works with athletes and families to help them avoid the same mistakes he made, providing guidance on training, exposure, and how to realistically navigate the path to playing at the next level.
Why Most Athletes Never Get Recruited
There’s a hard truth about football recruiting that most athletes and parents don’t fully understand: talent alone isn’t enough anymore. The game has changed; social media, recruiting databases, and year-round exposure have made it easier than ever for coaches to find players. With this, the competition is deeper than ever. As Isaac explains, “There’s a ridiculous amount of great football players… and the way that social media is these days, it’s easy to find them and it’s easy to find them young.” Because of that, simply being “good” doesn’t separate you. You need to train smarter, understand the recruiting process, and consistently put yourself in front of coaches.
How to Train the Right Way
A big mistake that young athletes make is thinking that more work automatically means better results. Spending hours in the gym might feel productive, but if it doesn’t translate to the field, it’s wasted effort. Isaac puts it bluntly: you can work out 4 hours every single day, but if you’re just bench pressing, it’s not necessarily going to apply to the field. Football is a speed and skill game. Strength matters, but only if it shows up when you’re actually playing. That’s why he emphasizes getting on the field, sprinting, and focusing on position-specific movements. In his words, “Go to the field more. Do things that are going to make you bigger, faster, stronger… speed and skill is what’s going to separate you.” The athletes who stand out aren’t just working hard; they’re working on the right things.
What Football Coaches Actually Look For
When it comes to recruiting, many athletes believe that highlight tapes, camps, social media are what matters to coaches. But at the core, the evaluation is much simpler than people think. Isaac breaks it down clearly: “Size, speed, film: those are the three pillars 100%.” If you don’t have those, nothing else really moves the needle. Camps, social media clips, and extra exposure can help, but they don’t replace the foundation.
The Truth About Camps and 7-on-7 Football
Camps and 7-on-7 tournaments are a major part of modern football culture, but many athletes misunderstand their role in recruiting. According to Isaac, they are not what gets you recruited in the first place. “It’s not a decision-making evaluation tool… it’s tiebreaker stuff.” Camps can help separate you from similar athletes, but they won’t replace strong film or physical attributes. He also emphasizes being strategic, especially when it comes to spending time and money. He advises his athletes to go to local D1 football camps, because that is where you have the best chance of getting an offer. For many families, this advice is critical. Recruiting doesn’t have to be expensive. It just has to be intentional.
Exposure Is Built, Not Given
A lot of athletes complain about not getting exposure, but the reality is that exposure is something you must create for yourself. He advises that the tools are already there, and athletes shouldn’t be complaining about exposure if they’re not sending out hundreds of emails and DMs. Posting film, reaching out to coaches, and consistently putting your name out there costs nothing. Even recording your own highlights can make a difference. He believes athletes need to be the ones to take out their phones and post their videos. From his experience, he knows that the athletes who get noticed are usually the ones who are the most proactive.
Why D1 Isn’t Always the Best Option
Every athlete grows up dreaming about playing Division 1 football, but that doesn’t always lead to the best experience or outcome. From his own experience, Isaac’s worst experiences came from Division I. What may be surprising to some athletes is that he actually had the best time of his life playing Division III football. The level doesn’t guarantee playing time, development, or enjoyment. In many cases, choosing a situation where you can actually play and grow matters more than chasing the biggest name. That’s why his advice is powerful: “Choose a favorable situation over the biggest offer.”
The Mindset That Separates Athletes
At the core of everything Isaac teaches is a mindset built on consistency and discipline rather than emotion. He explains it clearly: “Make this process as emotionless as possible… inputs versus outputs.” The athletes who succeed are the ones who continue to put in the work, even when results aren’t immediate. Training the right way, consistently reaching out to coaches, and staying patient throughout the process are what ultimately lead to opportunities. In the end, recruiting is about showing up every day and doing the things that actually move you forward.
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