Timeline

Freshman Year: Do your research

Create a list of 100 prospective schools (research two or three schools each week).
Send introductory letters to coaches of programs you're interested in.
Fill out questionnaires you receive in the mail and send them back right away.
Follow up with phone calls and letters to coaches.
Find camps or combines in your area.
Attend those events and keep track of your accomplishments.
Film every game that you participate in.
Try to go on at least three unofficial visits.

Continue to send letters and make calls to the coaches of programs that interest you.
Schedule unofficial visits.
Hone in on the schools you like best from your list of 100.
Know that Division I and II coaches cannot personally contact you, but you can contact them by sending letters.
D-III and NAIA coaches can contact you. Stay in touch and build relationships.
Many high-level D-I schools begin making offers during the summer after your sophomore year.
Continue filming games, and consider filming a workout.

Develop a 5-5-5 List: five programs that may be slightly above your reach, five that are a good fit and five back-up schools.
Follow up with coaches through phone calls, emails and letters to determine where you stand on their lists of recruits.
Attend combines, camps and one-day college-sponsored camps.
Make highlight videos.
If you haven't heard from Division I coaches, reach out to D-II, D-III or NAIA programs.

Follow up with coaches and schedule official visits. (Note: You are limited to five official visits to D-I and D-II schools.)
Start your financial aid planning; register for FAFSA (fafsa.ed.gov) as soon as January 1.
Officially commit to a program. Signing Day is the first Wednesday in February, and signings continue through April 1.
Find out when you need to report to camp.
On September 1, D-I coaches can start calling on a weekly basis. In most cases, they will have already made offers.
D-II, D-III, NAIA schools do most of their recruiting and make offers in the spring of your senior year.
Junior college is a good option for student-athletes who want to develop academically.