Dreaming of suiting up for Arizona’s three-time HJCAC champions? This complete guide walks you through every step of the Gila River Hawks tryout process — from submitting your film to what coaches look for on day one — so you can give yourself the best possible shot at making the roster.
WHO SHOULD TRY OUT FOR THE GILA RIVER HAWKS?
The Gila River Hawks are not a typical football program. As a junior college (JUCO) team competing in the Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference (HJCAC), they exist specifically to serve athletes who need another chapter before moving to a four-year university — whether that’s due to academics, development time, or simply wanting more competitive reps at the college level.
The program is built for athletes who are hungry, coachable, and serious about both football AND education. Head Coach Larry Cain has built a culture centered on discipline, teamwork, and advancement — and the results speak for themselves: three HJCAC Championships (2019, 2020, 2022), a #18 national ranking, and 49+ scholarship opportunities generated in just their first two championship seasons.
| Athlete Type | Why It’s a Great Fit |
|---|---|
| High School Senior | Didn’t receive a D1/D2 offer but want to develop and earn one. The Hawks are the perfect bridge program. |
| 4-Year Transfer | Left a four-year program and want to regain eligibility, improve your game, or find a new path forward. |
| Returning Player | Took time away from football and are ready to get back on the field with a structured, competitive program. |
| Academic Catch-Up | Need to improve grades or earn college credits before transferring to an NCAA/NAIA school. The Hawks support your academic path. |
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Before submitting your questionnaire, make sure you meet the baseline eligibility criteria for HJCAC participation:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma / GED | Required for all players. Must be completed before the season begins. |
| Community College Enrollment | Must be enrolled (or willing to enroll) at an HJCAC-approved community college. This includes local Maricopa Community Colleges or Snow College (Ephraim, UT). |
| Academic Standing | Must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by HJCAC guidelines. Coaches actively support player academics. |
| Age / Year | No strict age limit for JUCO — but typical players are 18–24. Contact staff for specific questions. |
| Prior Football Experience | High school varsity experience minimum preferred. Coaches will evaluate film to assess ability level. |
| Character / Conduct | Players must demonstrate coachability, positive attitude, and willingness to be part of a team-first culture. |
Academic Partnership
The HJCAC has a formal deal with Snow College in Ephraim, Utah — offering players low-cost education options. Even if you don’t attend Snow, local Maricopa Community Colleges provide enrollment options. Counselors from Snow College have come directly to HJCAC programs to register players for classes on-site.
STEP-BY-STEP TRYOUT PROCESS
Here is the exact process to go from prospect to Gila River Hawk:
Step 1: Visit gilariverhawks.com
Go to the official website and navigate to the recruit section. The program announced in September 2025: “2026 recruits — our season starts now.” This means the coaching staff is actively reviewing incoming questionnaires right now.
Step 2: Complete the Recruit Questionnaire
Fill out the official prospect questionnaire with your full name, contact details, position(s), high school and any college experience, academic status, athletic measurables (height, weight, 40-yard dash if available), and a brief statement about your goals. Be honest and thorough — this is your first impression.
Step 3: Prepare Your Highlight Film
This is the most important part of your recruitment package. Edit your best 3–5 minutes of footage showing your skills at your primary position. See the section below for specific tips on building a film that gets coaches excited.
Step 4: Submit Film to Your Position Coach
Contact the relevant position coach directly via the contact information at hjcac.com/hawks.html. Send your Hudl link, YouTube link, or direct video file. The Hawks staff has publicly stated they watch all submitted film, especially at defensive positions.
Step 5: Follow Up Professionally
If you haven’t heard back within 1–2 weeks, follow up with a brief, professional email. Express continued interest and reiterate your commitment to the program’s values of discipline, academics, and team-first culture. Persistence and professionalism are noted by coaches.
Step 6: Confirm Academic Enrollment
Work with the coaching staff to confirm or complete enrollment at an HJCAC-approved institution. The Hawks staff actively helps prospects navigate this step — it’s part of the program’s mission to ensure players have academic pathways, not just football ones.
Step 7: Attend Practice / Evaluation
Qualified prospects are invited to attend team practices and formal evaluation sessions. This is where coaches evaluate your athleticism, football IQ, work ethic, and how you fit within the team dynamic. Come physically prepared, mentally focused, and ready to compete from minute one.
HOW TO CREATE A GREAT HIGHLIGHT FILM
At the JUCO level, your highlight film is your resume. The Hawks coaching staff makes initial decisions based almost entirely on film before inviting prospects for in-person evaluation. Here’s how to make yours stand out:
| Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Length | Keep it between 3–5 minutes. Coaches won’t watch 15-minute reels. Get to your best plays fast. |
| Opening | Put your 3 best plays in the first 60 seconds. Coaches make snap judgments in the first minute. |
| Variety | Show different types of plays — not just touchdowns. For QBs: show reads, throws under pressure, and scrambles. For DBs: show coverage, press technique, tackles, and pass breakups. |
| Clarity | Use full-speed plays only. Slow-motion edits are fine for highlights but include the real-speed version too. |
| Intro Card | Start with a 5-second card showing your name, position, graduation year, height/weight, and high school. |
| Platform | Upload to Hudl (preferred at HJCAC level) or YouTube. Make the link publicly accessible. |
| Audio | Music is optional. If used, keep it clean and appropriate for a professional audience. |
Film Pro Tip
The Hawks publicly posted: “Still looking for defense! Drop your film. D Line, DBs, and LBs.” If you play a defensive position, your film submission is especially timely right now. Move fast.
WHAT COACHES LOOK FOR
Coach Cain and his staff evaluate prospects across four pillars:
| Pillar | What It Means | How It’s Evaluated |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Ability | Raw physical tools — speed, strength, size, explosiveness | Film evaluation + in-person workout |
| Football IQ | Pre-snap reads, understanding of scheme, instincts | Film study + practice rep evaluation |
| Coachability | Response to coaching, attitude, willingness to improve | Practice evaluation + coach interviews |
| Academics | Commitment to eligibility and long-term educational goals | Transcript review + enrollment plan |
Raw athleticism alone is NOT enough. The Hawks have a program culture built on “Relentless every rep. Ruthless every snap. Practice like you never won. Perform like you never lost.” Coaches are looking for players who bring that mentality every single day.
POSITIONS OPEN FOR 2026
The Gila River Hawks are recruiting across all positions for 2026, with the following positions at high priority:
| Priority | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| HIGH | Defensive Line (DL) | HIGH NEED |
| HIGH | Defensive Backs (DB) | HIGH NEED |
| HIGH | Linebacker (LB) | HIGH NEED |
| MEDIUM | Quarterback (QB) | ACTIVE RECRUITING |
| MEDIUM | Offensive Line (OL) | ACTIVE RECRUITING |
| OPEN | Wide Receiver (WR) | OPEN |
| OPEN | Running Back (RB) | OPEN |
| OPEN | Special Teams (K/P) | OPEN |
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS & SNOW COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP
The Gila River Hawks are not just a football team — they are an academic and athletic development program. The HJCAC was explicitly founded to ensure student-athletes have access to education alongside competitive football. This means academic commitment is not optional — it’s a core requirement of participation.
Snow College Partnership
The HJCAC has a formal academic partnership with Snow College in Ephraim, Utah — a fully accredited community college. This gives Hawks players an excellent low-cost educational option that ties directly into the program. Snow College counselors have visited HJCAC programs in person to help players register for courses on-site.
Local Maricopa Community Colleges
Players who prefer to stay in Arizona can attend any of the Maricopa County Community College District institutions (once formally re-approved) or other HJCAC-approved local colleges. The coaching staff will guide you through enrollment options based on your academic goals and location.
| Academic Pathway | Option |
|---|---|
| Snow College (Ephraim, UT) | Low-cost, accredited — direct HJCAC partnership |
| Maricopa Community Colleges | Local AZ option for HJCAC-approved programs |
| Other Accredited Community Colleges | Subject to HJCAC approval — check with coaching staff |
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU MAKE THE ROSTER
Making the Gila River Hawks roster is just the beginning. Here’s what you can expect as part of the program:
- Training Camp / Pre-Season: Full-team fall camp with conditioning, film study, and install of offensive and defensive schemes
- Regular Season Competition: 4–6 HJCAC games against conference rivals, broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060
- Film Sessions: Weekly film review with position coaches — critical for development
- Academic Check-ins: Coaches and staff monitor academic progress and intervene early if eligibility is at risk
- Transfer Recruitment Exposure: Coaches actively promote eligible players to NCAA D1, D2, D3, and NAIA programs — generating four-year scholarship opportunities
- Community: You join a brotherhood. Former Hawks like Jeremy Mercier (University of Utah) stay connected with the program and serve as an inspiration for what’s possible.
TOP TIPS FOR GETTING RECRUITED BY THE GILA RIVER HAWKS
Lead with Film
Your highlight reel is your first conversation with coaches. Make it clean, punchy, and position-specific. Under 5 minutes. Best plays first.
Be Proactive
Don’t wait to be found. Email the position coach directly, reference specific things about the program that appeal to you, and follow up.
Get Your Academics Right
Coaches ask about grades and enrollment plans early. Have a clear academic plan ready — it shows maturity and commitment beyond football.
Show Up in Shape
When you get invited for a tryout, arrive physically ready. Arizona’s year-round outdoor training means the competition is always working. You should be too.
Know the Program
Research the Hawks’ history, championships, and coaching staff before you contact them. Referencing the team’s three titles shows genuine interest, not just desperation.
Be Coachable
During practice evaluations, the #1 thing coaches watch for is your reaction to coaching. Listen, adjust, and apply feedback immediately. That’s what earns roster spots.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do I try out for the Gila River Hawks?
A: Start by completing the recruit questionnaire at gilariverhawks.com and submitting your highlight film to the coaching staff. Qualified prospects are then invited to attend practices and evaluations. Follow the step-by-step process outlined in this guide.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the Gila River Hawks?
A: You must have a high school diploma or GED, be enrolled (or willing to enroll) at an HJCAC-approved community college, maintain academic eligibility, and demonstrate coachability and team-first values. See the Eligibility Requirements section for full details.
Q: Is there a cost to play for the Gila River Hawks?
A: As a JUCO program, costs are generally limited to tuition and fees at the HJCAC-approved college you attend. The program has partnerships with Snow College and local community colleges to offer low-cost options. Contact the coaching staff for specific financial questions.
Q: Do the Gila River Hawks offer scholarships?
A: The Hawks program itself does not offer athletic scholarships, but it has generated 49+ scholarship opportunities for players to transfer to four-year NCAA and NAIA programs. The program exists to help players earn scholarships at the next level.
Q: Can I join the Gila River Hawks if I’m not from Arizona?
A: Yes! The Hawks recruit players from across the country. The program has an academic partnership with Snow College in Utah and welcomes out-of-state prospects. Submit your questionnaire and film to get started.
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