How to Get Noticed

Hey, Cam Smith here again, former NFL Viking Player. In my last email we covered my journey from Pylon to the NFL. Now I'm back to share what I wish I knew then about the recruiting process. I know how stressful and overwhelming it can feel to navigate this journey. You’ve got the talent, but the question is: How do you get noticed?

There’s so much noise—

coaches, camps, showcases, and endless advice from well-meaning people. I’ve been there, and I can tell you that it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle.

If only I had a platform that could have shown me where to focus, which camps to attend, and how to stay visible to the right coaches. The uncertainty, the time spent on the wrong things, the stress of trying to figure it all out—

I know how it feels. 

There’s a better way.

Tip #1: It’s Not Just About the Big Plays—It’s About Consistency!

Coaches care just as much about consistency as they do about your highlight plays.Anyone can make few big plays here and there, but can they rely on you day in and day out? I wasn’t the type of player to make one massive play a season, but coaches knew I would consistently deliver 10-15 tackles a game and make a few game-changing plays within 60-80 snaps. I was always the same person every day. That consistency shows maturity, leadership, and reliability—qualities coaches crave! 

Tip #2: Building the Right Circle Around You

One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of surrounding myself with the right people.The right circle—family, coaches, mentors—helps you stay focused, grounded, and make the right decisions. These are the people who believe in your talent, challenge you to grow, and offer honest feedback when needed.But remember, not everyone is genuinely trying to help you. Trust your gut—if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. This is your journey, not theirs. Don’t just surround yourself with people who agree with you; find those who will push you to be better. Seek out mentors who understand the recruiting process and can guide you without a hidden agenda. Trust yourself, but lean on your circle for support and perspective.The right people will keep you on track, help you avoid distractions, and make all the difference in your journey. 

Tip #3: Don’t Make the Same Mistake Twice

Being coachable can set you apart from other recruits. Your high school coach will be the first person a college coach talks to. What will they say about you? I’ve played with guys who weren’t the most talented, but they thrived because they never made the same mistake twice. That dependability builds trust. Can a coach trust you to perform when it matters most? In college, and in the NFL, coaches depend on you—their livelihood and their team’s success are on the line. 

Empowering the Next Step

When I went through the recruiting process, I was fortunate to have the right people around me—mentors who guided me and opened doors.

I’m incredibly thankful to have met the right people again, and that’s exactly what led me to FLX. Together, we’ve built a platform to solve the very problems that all athletes face in today’s recruiting process. At FLX, we’re committed to putting athletes first, giving you the tools to own the recruiting process and showcase who you truly are.

We’re here to give you the tools and insights you need to navigate the recruiting process with confidence and clarity.

I can't reveal too much just yet, but stay tuned for this Monday when I'll have more to share! Talk soon