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Joined by my good friend and former colleague, Vincent Marshall, this episode is as good as it gets in terms of recruiting knowledge!   A big takeaway from the show is Vincent's genuine approach to life and football.   Starting off the day with a positive tweet, getting into the office at 4:30am and being authentic in building relationships with players and coaches, his approach is one we all can learn from.   To kick the show off, he discussed what lessons in recruiting he's taken from his own personal journey as a dual sport athlete.   For the potential walk-on recruit: Focus on working hard regardless of the outcome Be prepared to not play a down and, if you give it your all and leave with a degree, you'll have no regrets   When it comes to the recruiting process, Vincent's step-by-step advice will be applicable to recruit and recruiter alike.   After building his list through highlight tapes, it's important to determine how a player is built mentally. Here are the questions that Vincent is asking high school coaches?   Will he block? Is that something he tries to be good at? (Evaluate film of this as well) How are his grades? Does he perform in the classroom? When coached hard, how does he respond? Ask scenario based questions to encourage the coach to paint a picture.   Next, we talked through "Profile Tapes" and what those are in recruiting departments. Highlights are supposed to look good, just like filters on social media.   Here are some quick tips on creating these hit tapes: Find the stats if available Pick out the player's best and worst three games of the season Select 30 clips from each of those games, breaking down why it was one of his best or worst games Be sure to evaluate effort away from the ball, interactions pre/post-snap, blocking, special teams and if he's playing on both sides of the ball   Lastly, Vincent went through how he evaluates a prospect's social media: Look at the "Likes" section; what's important to them? What do they tweet about and does it align with how he speaks to you as the recruiter in your relationship   All in all, this was a great episode to learn about a person I look up to, respect and appreciate for how much he has helped me in my own journey as a college recruiter.   You can follow Vincent on Twitter at @CoachMarshall, and be sure to visit UpCloseInPersonnel.com for complete show notes and listening links!

This is a show I've wanted to record ever since the middle of the pandemic! Due to NCAA rules, I am unable to record with current high school coaches (that are associated with recruits) BUT.... now that Marco Regalado has been named a Recruiting Analyst with Washington State University, we now are graced by his presence!   Jumping on the show after driving nearly 2,000 miles from the DFW to Pullman, Washington, Marco made time this weekend to talk about his amazing path from high school coach to college football recruiter.   In this episode, we cover everything from how Marco makes his viral TikTok videos to his love for the game of football and desire to help other people. What I enjoyed most about the conversation is how genuine Coach Regalado is as a person, how he embraces all of his past experiences and plans to put those lessons to use at the next level!   When giving advice to college football recruiters in dealing with high school coaches, here are two main points made my Marco: 1. Follow up with everyone! Good, bad, or indifferent, let the coach know you watched their prospects. Whether or not you sign the player is irrelevant, the coach just needs to be able to provide his player with constructive feedback. 2. Don't Ask Who's Offered! First off (we didn't say this on the show), you can easily check 247, Rivals, Twitter or ask the kid. Second, you have to trust your eyes and not your ears as an evaluator. Evaluate the student athlete and then do your investigative work. As far as presenting yourself on social media as a college recruiter, Marco also gave great advice for how to put your best foot forward: Don't be vulgar -it's not attractive and not professional at all Be weary of opinions -you're representing more than just yourself Be yourself and have fun -don't take yourself too seriously! I know Marco is going to do great things at the college level and I hope you took something away from this episode! You can follow him on Twitter at @CoachRegalado, and easily find him on TikTok!   For show notes and links, be sure to visit UpCloseInPersonnel.com, and thanks again for tuning in!

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Joan Ryan's new book "Intangibles" and break down what team chemistry truly is.   Chemistry isn't simply defined or contained, but there are two distinct types of chemistry -social and task chemistry. Social chemistry is what we commonly think of, in terms of social and emotional connectivity. Task chemistry is all about the job and having complete trust in your teammate on the field. Complete task chemistry is that "foxhole" mentality and pride in playing for one another.   And to create true chemistry, there are three stages that Joan outlines from the military model: Trust: This is a foundational piece to Joan's philosophy on team chemistry, as no meaningful relationships can come about without the establishment of trust. We must begin by trusting our teammates and proving our own personal trustworthiness.   Bonding: The second step is bonding. Once trust is established, we are able to create a bond through the hardships and adversity we face as a team. The power of bonding and love for your teammates is the strongest binding force for team chemistry and togetherness.   Commitment: The final stage is commitment, and not commitment to simply a goal or vision but a commitment to each other. The "Just Us" mindset of the Golden State Warriors was Joan's prime example of a team committed to one another.   Within teams, there's also a variety of roles that leaders must be aware of so that they can communicate and lead at a high level. In "Intangibles", Joan lists seven archetypes that we detail on the show but it's not as simple as selecting a set number of archetypes.   Team chemistry is not like actual chemistry in that there's a specific formula for success. As stated in the book, "His role on the field is prescribed… His role in the clubhouse is not. He has to discover it. He gathers signals from teammates about what they value in him. They don't know they're filling a role. They just do it."   I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did in recording it, and encourage you as the listener to pick up her book "Intangibles" and follow Joan on Twitter at @JoanRyan.   For show notes and links, be sure to visit UpCloseInPersonnel.com, and thanks again for tuning in!

In this episode, Coach Carthel gives us an inside look on the challenges SFA faced on the field as a team and off the field in recruiting this past year.   With the Southland Conference cancelling conference games, Coach Carthel and SFA put together a full, 10-game, non-conference schedule and made it happen !   This was one of the more fun show to be a part of and we hit on everything from coach's affinity for the state of Alaska, what he's learned from his dad through coaching together and all the major shifts seen in the college football recruiting landscape over the past 20 years. We even went through his viral, shirt off-celebration following an overtime victory over ACU!     Throughout the episode, you will hear Coach Carthel emphasize the importance of surrounding yourself with great people. Whether that's your personal life, professional or in the recruiting process, this applies to everyone.   For recruits: who are the types of coaches and players you want to align yourself with? Every interaction with college coaches and recruiters is an opportunity for you to evaluate their character.   For college coaches: who are the types of coaches you are willing to work alongside and who are the types of players you want in your program? Culture is built up of the collective character of the people in your building, so what does that look like?     To the recruits' side of things, Coach Carthel provided great advice on how recruits can make better decisions during their recruiting process:   1. Do your homework on the head coach What's their background? What kind of person are they? Job stability? Lean on your high school head coach to help you assess the head coach.   2. Go through the current roster & ask the players Coaches will tell you what you want to hear. Players will give you the real truth on what to expect.     Lastly, Coach added in what he looks for when hiring his staff: Good People, first and foremost Great Recruiters Sound Football Coaches   In that order, Coach wants to add coaches with strong, Christian morals and character, because the ultimate role of a coach is leading their players to success in life (not just ball).   To follow Coach Colby Carthel, check him out on Twitter at @CoachCarthel!   For show notes and links, be sure to visit UpCloseInPersonnel.com, and thanks again for tuning in!

In this episode, Brian Metz walks us through his journey from equipment student manager to full time, Tight Ends coach with the Ohio Bobcats!   As we discuss his approach to networking and career growth, as well as his recruiting process, it's easy to see how and why Brian is where he is. He's passionate about having a "beginner's" or "growth mindset" and takes pride in being what he calls a "master observer". Here are some quick bullet points from the episode and thank you for tuning into the show!   The "Beginner's Mindset" Similar to "growth mindset" - process over outcomes Be acutely aware of what you don't know Hustle to learn everything you can about what you don't know Follow your curiosities when learning (IE snowball effect) Advice for Volunteer Coaches/Recruiters: Be a "MASTER OBSERVER" (IE a fly on the wall) Show gratitude for those that are supporting your career Understand your role within the program: Support the mission and vision of those above you Think critically and write down everything you like/don't like Advice for Networking in the Coaching Profession: Network UP (to those above you) and OUT (to those on the same level or below) Begin with the end in mind If you want a job: be prepared to handout resumes and present If you want to meet new people: go to the main lobby and engage others "Stratify" prioritize people you have to see and overcommunicate that they're a priority Building "Player Profiles" in Recruiting As mentioned with networking, begin with the end in mind Study what has been successful at your program and in your conference Breakdown the roles and duties of each position, with the most important roles prioritized Find players that fit your culture, can do what your system requires and have traits that translate Thanks for listening to another edition of Up Close In Personnel with Alex Brown! You can find and follow Brian on Twitter at @CoachBrianMetz, as well as visit UpCloseInPersonnel.com for any and all show updates! 

In the inaugural episode of 2021, Yahoo Sports' College Football Reporter - Pete Thamel breaks down the craziness that was 2020 and the seismic shifts facing the sport moving forward!   One of the best in the business, Pete shares how he got started in the sports reporting profession, his writing and reporting process, and insights gained from being around the highest performers in college athletics.    When it comes to interviewing, he shared three critical keys to success: It takes time -each interview is a rep and that's the #1 way to improve Build rapport -ask the hard questions last and tease out the information Tell a story -make sure to extract the anecdotes and specifics to draw others in As far as the State of College Football Recruiting, we touched on: The 85-Man Scholarship Hard Cap & challenges produced by the COVID eligibility waiver The Implications of no campus visits -both from the lens of colleges & athletes The Effects of colleges not being able to evaluate prospects in person for the time being And, the reverberations that will be felt across the sport -specifically in the class of 2022 If you're interested in working in sports media, please do yourself a favor and be ready to take notes from Pete. He's one of the very best at building relationships, networking with high performers in the industry and articulating compelling stories to college football fans. If you're passionate about evaluating, recruiting and the landscape of college football, we have you covered as well! I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it and I look forward to bringing more shows to you all in 2021!   To follow Pete, check him out on Twitter at @PeteThamel, and tune in to his weekly podcast with Dan Wetzel & Pat Forde called the Yahoo Sports College Podcast!   For show notes and links, be sure to visit UpCloseInPersonnel.com, and Happy New Years everyone!  

In this episode, Evan Harrington - Assistant Director for Player Engagement with the Washington Football Team shares incredible insight from his impressive (albeit young) career in the coaching profession.   With the experience of playing at the JuCo, FBS, NFL, CFL, and International levels, along with coaching across four different countries, Evan might be the most traveled football coach in the world.   Throughout the episode he speaks to how it is so critical to hold onto and cultivate relationships with people that have invested in your life. Finding mentors and surrounding yourself with those that will push you to be your best, is a major key to success in this industry (and any industry for that matter).   Additionally, Evan gives a Recruiting 101 tutorial on how to recruit internationally. Where to look (Germany and Sweden for BIGS, Austria for the most well-coached players, and France for speed), and the importance of figuring out what type of coaching these recruits are receiving.   At the end of the day, his lasting advice boiled down to "being where your feet are". Do your job right now with the awareness that there is always someone out there that would kill for your job. Build relationships with others in the industry when you don't need a job (not just when you need one), and never burn a bridge.   To follow Evan and his work, check out his Twitter at @CoachH49 and check out his new show on International recruiting on YouTube called "The Morning Session".   For show notes and links, be sure to visit UpCloseInPersonnel.com, and happy early National Signing Period to all the recruiters following the show!

In this episode, we start out with a deep dive on how to successfully lead and manage a player personnel department with Auburn's DPP - Ryan "Tree" Trichel.   Starting with Tree's experience at Louisiana-Lafayette and working to his current role at Auburn, the emphasis on organization stands out above all else. He truly takes pride in being the most organized recruiter and staying one step ahead of the competition.   At the tail end of our conversation, we brought in his right hand man, Joe Moreno - Player Personnel Graduate Assistant at Auburn, who shared his journey to Auburn and what all he's learned since working with Tree.   If you're looking to learn more about how recruiting works, grow as a director or take the next step as an young recruiter, this episode is absolutely for you.   To follow these two phenomenal guests, check out their Twitter handles at @RyanTrichel and @Joe_Moreno16!   For complete show notes and podcast links, be sure to visit UpCloseInPersonnel.com!

Joined by my good friend and mentor, Bob Merritt - Assistant GM for the Edmonton Eskimos, this week's edition of Up Close In Personnel is basically a tutorial on how to successfully assemble a recruiting department and construct a roster in college football!    Having coached, scouted, and recruited at all levels of football, Bobby details his career path and lessons he's learned along the way.   We really dialed in on the roster management and construction aspect of personnel, so this week I decided to drop all of the notes I took away from the conversation in bullet form below!   Topics Covered: Bobby's Current Role in the CFLAssistant General Manager Evaluating US College, Canadian College, CFL and NFL players   Diverse Experiences in FootballSuccess comes down to the ability to communicate and collaborate at a high level with the various personalities involved in the profession Must be able to connect with people around you and work effectively; a more diverse background helps with the ability to relate and connect   The Impact of the Air Force and Military   Making the move from Coaching to Personnel   Roster Construction 101Identifying MUSTS, NEEDS and WANTS Assessing the value of your roster and incoming players Defining a clear role and vision for new players   The Head Coach-General Manager Relationship   Advice for Interviewing and Hiring Interns   Building and Growing a pro-styled Personnel Department3 Core ValuesBe a great teammate Compete to be your best Build relationships Developing as an evaluatorCannot be afraid of being wrong Say what you see with conviction Be a great listener and hear the traits Understand what your team values Parameter vs Skill SetDepends on level of ball Certain positions require parametersEx: Perimeter players must have length and speed Some positions don't require as stringent parametersEx: Height doesn't matter as much for linebackers   Evaluating speed without verified timesAssess the player's play speed on game film3 key components to look for:Stride length (gait) Stride frequency (turnover) Hip mobility (fluidity and knee drive)   Predicting the draft vs projecting the playerRemember to always define the role a player will play on your team prior to him joining the program; if you don't, then there's no way of reviewing the success or failure of the acquisition.   Let me know what you took away from the show and be sure to give Bobby a follow on Twitter at @BobbyMerritt8!   For listening links and notes from previous shows, please visit the show's official website UpCloseInPersonnel.com and comment with whatever notes and takeaways you had from our conversation! Thanks again and see you all next week!

In this interview, Ethan Johnson of Liberty talks through his personal journey in the recruiting world, what he's learned along the way and actionable advice for making personnel decisions in college football.    Liberty is one of the fastest rising programs in the country, so I had to make sure we got Ethan on the show to break down his process and how Liberty has performed so well on a national front.   The words "Process" and "Fit" are constantly used in this episode, and for good reason. You must be detailed and consistent in your approach, if you intend to learn along the way and continually improve as a recruiter.   Refining the Evaluation Process: As a recruiting director, you have to train up your team of assistants and interns.   Defining the evaluation process with a series of benchmarks and checklists, creates a more refined attack. Don't just type in comments that pop into your head; hone in on what is important to your team, to that specific side of the football and position, so you bring players that fit what you're looking for as a program.   Understand that each year is different in terms of needs within your program as well. It's critical that you do an after action review of the class you are signing, what is returning to your team the following season and spelling out what it is that you need for the next cycle. This will get everyone on the same page and empower your full-time coaches to better mine their recruiting areas for talent.   Finding the "Fit": The biggest takeaway from this episode comes down to the "fit". When it comes to finding the right "fit", college programs must be hyper aware of what makes their program unique - or as Ethan says, "What makes us, us?"   Factors that come into play go beyond the field and include things like region, location, academics, campus life, alumni, culture within football program, personalities on staff, etc. Each program has a unique selling point or collection of traits that set them apart, and targeting players that value what you have to offer creates a win-win scenario.   Bringing in student athletes that don't fit into your culture, or academic structure, or some other component to the school, is a huge disservice to both parties. It's our job in the recruiting process to be honest with recruits on what the program truly is like and for the recruits to be upfront about what they care most about.   Recruiting R&D: Lastly, we talked about how research and development is how we as recruiting staffs get better. Take what you did in the past, break it down to its core parts and reassess the outcomes. What went well? What didn't go well?   From budget spending to official visits to national signing day to camps and recruiting travel, to player personnel there is always room for improvement. Being detailed in the documentation of evaluations, itineraries, calendars and other recruiting material, will allow you to go back and revisit those things.   On the player personnel side, recruiters must also be diligent in re-evaluating talent that is in the building and monitoring the development of players. Who's added weight? Who's more explosive? What factors in their makeup or physical traits has allowed them to develop? What are common themes in the progression of players in our program?   These are just some of my notes from this episode, but please visit the show's official website, UpCloseInPersonnel.com and comment with whatever notes and takeaways you had from our conversation!   As always, if you enjoyed listening to Ethan, be sure to follow him on Twitter at @EthanJohnsonCFB!

In this interview, we catch up with UTSA's Joe Price as it's nearly been 7 months since his last visit to the show. We talk about how this season has been for UTSA in Head Coach Jeff Traylor's first season at the helm and Joe's first year as Director of Player Personnel.   EDITOR'S NOTE: Our conversation was recorded Wednesday, 2 days before the announced postponement of the matchup between Rice and UTSA due to positive cases on UTSA's team.   With that being said, there were a lot of great insights shared by Joe that I'd like to highlight in this week's show notes!   Throughout the show, you'll hear Joe talk about BRANDING. Finding an identity as a program is so critical and UTSA has done a very good job of that. The "Triangle of Toughness" which is directed at running the ball on offense, being great on special teams and physical on defense, is a staple to the program and something you'll see all over their social media.   To that point, I asked Joe how he and his recruiting team work to identify players that fit into that culture of toughness. In the evaluation process of watching tape, here are some examples given by Joe on what he looks for: Ex. 1: How does a receiver play without the ball in his hands? Does he give great effort on the backside of a progression? Does he block with great effort? Ex. 2: On defense, how does a player pursue to the ball? Does he sprint to the football and strain to finish plays?   Also, we discussed the team's focus on winning in their home city - The "210" of San Antonio. The benefit of keeping players home is that the entire city will know who these guys are and it not only benefits the crowds you draw but the future recruits as well. The ripple effect is having your team engaged with selling the program to local recruits, which breeds success on the road!   As always, if you enjoyed listening to Joe Price, you can follow him on Twitter at @CoachJP3!   Also, don't forget to check out our official website, UpCloseInPersonnel.com for links, notes and updates!

In my conversation with Marshall, we talked through his journey to the Bay Area and his process as a recruiter.   There's so much to pull away from this episode, especially if you want to learn the mindset of one of the top recruiters in the country. Marshall understands the importance of promoting the brand of Cal football and the connection that must exist with the target audience of recruits.   Below are some of my notes from this show, be sure to let me know what you took away and thanks for tuning in!   "Getting a foot in the door" - LIVE IN THE MOMENT   If you want to break into the football industry, you must have an open mind to working in a role that may not be exactly your desired "end state". Marshall started out in equipment and instead of complaining that he wasn't working in recruiting, he excelled in the role he DID have. Learn all the "little things" and become a master in the work you're given. As you do a great job "where your feet are", THEN you can seek out additional work to display your ability to perform a different type of role. Marshall found ways to assist recruiting while working in equipment, and the bottom line is that people in the building recognized his work ethic and performance.   Leadership Lesson 101 - MAKE YOUR PEOPLE FEEL VALUED   To be a good leader, you have to learn your people and their perspectives. Be considerate of what they may be going through and take time out of the day to check in with where they are at mentally. Give out responsibility and meaningful tasks to create a sense of value.   The Role of a Director of Recruiting Strategy - PRIMARY TOUCH POINT   In Marshall's position as Director of Recruiting Strategy, his primary role is to serve as main touch point to recruits. That includes: providing facts on the university, the football program and the local region; overseeing and organizing the communication strategy with recruits; relationship building and character assessment; maintaining a pulse on the recruiting landscape nationally; and assisting in the evaluation process.   Best advice for FaceTime Calls with Recruits - TALK ABOUT LIFE   Recruits get hit up constantly about ball and school. Talk about life with recruits and show that you care about them as a person, not just as an athlete. Equally important, you must get them on the phone and in front of the right faces -that's the area coach, position coach, coordinator, head coach and at least one person in recruiting. That way they know who to go to with questions.     If you enjoyed listening to Marshall, you can follow him on Twitter at @MWCherrington!   Also, don't forget to check out our official website, UpCloseInPersonnel.com for complete show notes and future updates on the show!

Joined by Tony Cappuccilli - Manager with the Ogden Raptors (rookie ball club within the LA Dodgers' farm system) episode 27 is loaded with material for anyone trying to learn more about teambuilding, coaching, player development, scouting and recruiting!   As a member of the Dodgers' organization since 2017, Tony's hoping that the third time is the charm when it comes to World Series runs. We recorded this show while the Dodgers were in the midst of their 3-1 NLCS series comeback.   Let me know what you took away from the show, but here are a few of my favorite notes from this week's episode:   Advice on Navigating the Coaching Profession You have to constantly evolve -"what got you there, won't keep you there" Be ready to pay your dues -are you okay with volunteering? Find the right fit -make sure you can make the most of an opportunity before going "all-in"   Building a Winning Franchise - The Los Angeles Dodgers They have really good people, first and foremost -no problem guys Leadership starts from the top down, creating a winning environment and culture "Don't suck as a person", do things the right way and everything falls into place   Breaking Down an MLB Scouting Report Athleticism and how the player moves, first Offensive ability second Strengths, weaknesses as a player Areas for Improvement Must include how the player communicates and takes coaching* Projected Role on the team   "Do's and Don'ts" for Recruiting Emails Put the coach's name in the address Talk about the school and show them you've done your homework Keep the email text short and to the point Keep any video attachment short and to the point Know what you're expecting to receive -a camp invite   Thanks again for listening, if you liked hearing from Tony - be sure to follow him on Twitter at @tcapp19! Also, don't forget to check out our official website, UpCloseInPersonnel.com for complete show notes and future updates on the show!   Thanks for tuning in and see you next week!

In my conversation with Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting, we touched on everything from comparing quarterbacks to characters from the classic show, "The Office" to scouting processes, navigating the football industry and behind the scenes stories from his experience overseeing player personnel within the XFL!   Knowing Eric as both a friend and former colleague, this was one of the most enjoyable conversations I've recorded and chock full of personnel insight!   Here are some of my own takeaways from the episode, but please be sure to comment or tweet at me with what you took away from the show:   Network with a purpose - BRING VALUE.   UTSA's Joe Price discussed this when he joined the show (Episode 4) but you have to find a way to stand out from the pack. Identify possible pain points or problems to solve for the people you're trying to connect with, be patient and be prepared with an answer when the time comes.   Hire people that are UPWARDLY DRIVEN.   To reach true heights as an organization, you have to bring in high performers. With that said, most high performers will have their own career aspirations and part of the role of being a leader is developing your employees to reach their own personal and professional potential. Be prepared to lose your best employees as they climb the ladder and accomplish their dreams, and continually seek, recruit and incorporate those types of workers into your program. That applies to recruiting, coaching and any business field for that matter.   Decision makers want to hear your ONE LINER (Not your entire report).   Don't lose the forest for the trees and get lost in the minutiae. Break down the role of the player you are evaluating and what his fit is within your program/scheme. That's it. Have the rest of the scouting report information ready to answer any follow up questions, but cut to the chase because decision makers don't always have the luxury of time.   When constructing your roster, DON'T MISS ON INFO.   What are we talking about when it comes to info? That's your background and character of a player, the work ethic, coachability, accountability, professionalism, etc. That's injury history. That's verified measurables and up to date testing numbers. Lastly, but certainly not least is the analytics piece. How does a player with "x" production and measurables stack up historically to other players at his position?   The information gathering component to scouting is the most OBJECTIVE segment of an extremely SUBJECTIVE process. Being aware of the subjectivity of evaluating the game film and limiting errors within the more predictive, objective field of research/information is the first step in lowering your "misses".     Again, be sure to hit me up with your top takeaways from the episode and thank you for taking time out of your day to tune in!   If you enjoyed listening to Eric talk ball, you can follow him on Twitter at @EricGalko! Also, don't forget to check out our official website, UpCloseInPersonnel.com for complete show notes and future updates on the show!

In my conversation with Jordan Arcement - Director of Recruiting from UVA, we honed in on relationship building and making the connection as a recruiter.   Over the course of this podcast, we've had multiple guest bring up how important relationship-building is in the process and how it separates the good from the great recruiters.   Still, this is one episode where we dig past the surface and provide specific examples of how to execute; and while some of the conversation gears around Jordan's experiences, there are two main principles that any recruiter can take away from this episode.   1). You need to DEFINE YOUR WHY (PURPOSE).   Jordan's why is deep, it's tough, but it's real, authentic and relatable to recruits. Growing up in a single parent household after losing his father, Jordan seeks to provide that mentorship and guidance as a father-figure to recruits who may not have a father in their life. Moreover, he also endured career ending injuries and is able to relate to the uncertainty and doubt that clouds an athlete's mind when the game is ripped away.   2). Secondly, you have to BE ORGANIC.   Everybody likes to talk ball, but that's also the only thing most people talk about with recruits. Don't be afraid to open up and be vulnerable with the recruit you're engaging with. Trust is vital, and it's a two-way street -you have to give it in order to receive it.   As you get to know more information about the person you're talking to, find common interests and common ground that you can hone in on. Once you've found that connecting piece, you're able to have a different relationship than other schools and stand out.   If you enjoyed listening to Jordan talk shop, you can follow him on Twitter at @JordanArcement! Also, don't forget to check out our official website, UpCloseInPersonnel.com for complete show notes and future updates on the show!   Thanks for tuning in and see you next week!

If you're interested in the world of NFL scouting, then this episode is for you! Neil Stratton, President of Inside The League, talks shop on the scouting process, how to break into the industry and his new book called "Scout Speak"!     "Scout Speak" is an easy $9.99 purchase that can be found on Amazon (link provided below) and touches on all things related to the scouting process, the draft room and how to carve a career out in the industry!     Current and former NFL scouts weigh in on the various topics covered in the book, all adding their own flavor and unique draft room or road trip stories for you to read through.       Getting to my conversation with Neil, we got deep in the weeds on what the best scouts have in common, the difficulty in "evaluating the evaluators" and how to break into the game for the young, aspiring NFL scout out there listening to the show.     Here are my notes and main takeaways from this week's episode:     Commonalities Among the Best Scouts Courage to develop their own opinions and be wrong, while learning from mistakes Awareness that this is a people driven industry and the ability to connect with people Consistency in always showing up     Evaluating the Evaluators This question is ultimately a tough ask for anyone to answer, but Neil does a great job of breaking down exactly why this question is rarely answered:   It's an "Ole Boy Network" and most scouts don't want to fire their buddies There's a distinct difference between information gatherers and talent evaluators, so that adds a layer of complication So many people are involved in the cross checking process, which makes the pick more of a consensus and collective decision (by design) Ultimately, success is a function of the area the scout oversees, team needs and the development process once that player reaches your building     *In my mind, the only way to get an accurate assessment of your process as an evaluator is to implement and execute a system of case studies -I.E. reviewing previously acquired players, re-grading them off the film, assessing how they performed in your program, identifying what went right (or wrong), and identifying how those positive or negative traits may have been overlooked or glossed over.     Breaking Into the Scouting Industry Asking this one is also a difficult question for Neil, but he nailed it on this podcast:     The human element - Nothing is more important than connecting with scouts and decision makers that can vouch for your character, ability but most of all, your personality. Don't take the easy way out with a text or email. Make the effort to write a handwritten letter or take the time to call and create a dialogue. People want to hire other people they like. It's a pretty simple fact.     There's an old saying that it's not what you know, but who you know. That may be true, however the real quote should read "It's not what you know, but who knows you."     Build your reputation one day at a time, master the area you are in currently and invest in relationships.       You can follow Neil on Twitter at @InsideTheLeague, visit his website Inside The League and check out his latest book on scouting, "Scout Speak" on Amazon!

This week's convo with Lucas Jadin covers mental skills training and his new book "Win In The Dark". The book dropped at the perfect time, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and it was an absolute privilege to have Lucas on the show!   From a process, habits and routines perspective, here were some quick nuggets that I took away from the episode:   Finding Balance Balance can be elusive in the world of high performance, so we should instead focus on harmony and alignment with our principles.   Stress comes out of not being in alignment with who YOU want to be as a person.   Passion is when you're working on things that align with who you are and what you want to be.   Putting First Things First When it comes to coaching, teaching, investing in the lives of other people and leading, there is a lot of giving involved that can leave us feeling empty. How do you find restoration and refuel?   For Lucas, with having a full house of kids, he talks about how he "bookends his day".   Have a routine, whether that be reading or meditating to quiet your mind in the evening. Plan out your next day, the night before and allow your mind to slow down.   That means turning the TV off, putting the phone away, let your mind rest while your body does the same.   Comparison from Two Lenses Comparison is something we cover extensively in this episode.   The negative effects of comparing oneself to others is obvious, particularly from the lens of insecurity. The feelings of self doubt, inadequacy will undoubtedly creep into the back of your mind during these moments.   Instead, Lucas talks about using comparison as a superpower. By coming from a place of security and knowing our self worth, we can look at the success of others and use that as an inspiration for our own growth.   For recruits, recruiters, coaches, and all listeners of the show, I do hope that you are taking time to put first things first in your own life.   Invest in yourself and don't neglect your own mental health. You need to be filling yourself up on a daily basis. For me, that's spiritually, relationally, mentally and physically, in that order. What do you do to start your day on the right foot, and how are you working to "unlock yourself mentally"?   This one was much different than previous episodes, but please comment, hit me up with what you thought of this week's show and check below for your listener's guide to the topics covered! Living in Alignment with your principles (3:21) Nightly Routines & Bookending Your Day (5:47) Lucas' Personal Journey in Mental Training (8:36) Overcoming the Fear of Failure (14:10) “Win In The Dark” Origins (36:37) Learning Internally from our Forged in Fire Moments (41:25)   You can follow Lucas Jadin on Twitter at @Lucas_Jadin and find his newest book, "Win In The Dark" on Amazon!

In this conversation with Steve Palazzolo, we talk through how he got involved with the football analytics juggernaut - Pro Football Focus - and the role that their data plays for decision makers across the sport.   Broken down to its core, PFF provides information to help football teams make better decisions regarding gameplanning and personnel.   Instead of taking the route of efficiency and evaluating the most recent four games, PFF cuts down the time it takes to cutup games and allows coaches to digest a higher sample size of plays. This leads to more informed decision making, better data and a better process overall!   From a personnel standpoint, production isn't limited to archaic stat lines that left out the context of the other players' contributions to a given play. PFF's vision and aim is to find the truth in the stats, and Steve does a great job of going into detail with multiple stories and examples.   Lastly, when talking through the best team builders in the NFL, Steve dropped the following insights on what separates the good from the great teams in the league. The top two teams from a team building perspective, the Patriots and the Ravens, consistently remain ahead of the curve and always seem to zig when the rest of the league zags.   Hope You Enjoy the Show & Below is Your Listener's Guide to the Pod:   Interview with Steve Palazzolo (2:50) Steve's Experience as a Minor League Pitcher (4:48) PFF & Seeing the Vision for Success (10:00) How Teams Utilize PFF Data & Analytics (15:10) "Figuring Out What the Data Means" (19:09) Baseball Cards & Steve's Passion for Stats (25:48) Why the Patriots & Ravens Excel at Team Building (29:39)   You can follow Steve on Twitter at @PFF_Steve! Also, don't forget to check out our official website, UpCloseInPersonnel.com for complete show notes and future updates on the show!

This week's notes will read different than previous week's.  I'll drop a handful of main takeaways and you can visit UpCloseInPersonnel.com for the complete show notes! Thanks for taking time to listen and see you next week!   1. Pro Tip for Live Evaluations "Let the players come to you." Avoid the urge to be right and instead focus on being present. Information changes. Scouting is dynamic, not static   2. Evaluating the Character & "Makeup" of a Player Trust, discipline and maturity are non-negotiables Does the player have a growth mindset? How do they handle life, specifically when they're away from the game?   3. Final Pieces of Advice for Identifying Talent Focus on what the player CAN do! Surround yourself with great evaluators and learn from them Take the time to evaluate your hits AND your misses Constantly build your "rolodex" of player evaluations Recruit kids that aren't on lists -I.E. trust your eyes, not your ears as an evaluator Value players that "get it done", even if it doesn't "look pretty" And finally, always lean on the side of athleticism and traits with underclassmen Let me know your takeaways from this episode by tweeting me @alexm_brown, emailing the show at upcloseinpersonnel@gmail.com or sending in a question through the site's official website, upcloseinpersonnel.com!   Also, Be sure to follow Coach Trip on Twitter at @TripCouch11 and check out more on South Carolina Baseball at https://gamecockbaseball.exposure.co/!

From a content perspective, this show is all about the mindset, approach and traits required to excel as an evaluator in the football industry.   Whether you're working at the collegiate level, pro level or just a fan of the draft, Dane breaks down his process and gives real actionable advice on how to hone the skill of evaluating football talent.   Like I do each and every week, here's your listener's guide to the pod:   Traits of the Best Evaluators in Football (2:51) NFL Scouting Mentors & Influences (5:05) Information Gathering as a Talent Evaluator (7:33) Maximizing Every Day & Self Improvement (10:15) The Importance of Culture & Chemistry (14:10) Books & Listens Recommended by Dane (18:40) Dane's Path to the Draft & Football Journey (21:39) Putting Family First & Balancing Career Aspirations (26:14) Best Advice for Evaluating Prospects In-Person (32:05) Upcoming Challenges for Scouts this Fall (36:37) Advice for Making School Calls & Scouting Virtually (44:21)   You can follow Dane on Twitter at @dpbrugler! Also, don't forget to check out our official website, UpCloseInPersonnel.com for complete show notes and future updates on the show!   Thanks for tuning in and see you next month for season 2!