National Signing Day is a beautiful and hopeful time, and if you ask me, should be a national holiday. Unfortunately, it also can be a day for top recruits to stay away from social media, fearful of the backlash from angry fan bases. Before you post on social media tomorrow, be sure to check the Social Media Do’s and Don’t’s for NSD 2018.
DO: Retweet, Like, Reply to the Main Account of your Favorite School
Personally, as a Syracuse Orange fan, I follow too many accounts for Syracuse sports, including a few recruiting sources. These are the accounts you should be looking to interact with. Your school got a big commitment from a highly sought after recruit? Great, retweet the announcement from the verified (sorry Texas) account. Chances are your followers already know where your allegiance lies, but if they do not, make sure to let them know.
DON’T: Tweet at ANY Recruits
If the star offensive player you REALLY wanted your team to sign chooses another school, DO NOT tweet at them.
Thinking about sending off a fire tweet to a high school senior that will surely get him to sign with your favorite team this week? Read this first. pic.twitter.com/E3T9w04kCL
— Nick de la Torre (@NickdelaTorreGC) February 5, 2018
Please please please do not tweet at recruits. Especially if they don't pick your favorite school. Your angry tweet is not changing their decision @StudentUSports https://t.co/KlQqhp0wXG
— Student Union Podcast (@SUSportspod) February 6, 2018
DO: Use Twitter to Stay up to Date with Breaking News
The power of the internet is immense, and using Twitter as a breaking news source is (almost) always a good idea. Many news outlets will be tweeting and retweeting big recruiting news (including Student Union).
DON’T: Fall for the Fake Accounts
Before you jump for joy or hit that retweet button, make sure the account you are reading is a credible source. That blue check mark does not come very easily (Twitter, please verify Student Union).
DO: Use your Favorite School’s Hashtag to Congratulate the Staff
Usually, a coaching staff member will use a certain hashtag when tweeting about NSD. Find out what that hashtag is, and use it when tweeting. You may even get an interaction from your favorite head coach.
DON’T: Angrily Tweet at ANY Coaching Staff Member
As with the recruits, never, ever, tweet an angry message at a coaching staff member. If you are looking for a reply or some other form of recognition, you will probably be disappointed to find yourself blocked. A congratulatory tweet is acceptable, but do not get angry when your tweet does not receive interaction by the person you tweeted at. They are very busy doing their job. Like you should be during the middle of a Wednesday afternoon.
