@BariBigboy@McConnaugheyTom@NotSoAngryScout If you play at a level below FBS (even FCS) then previously and very simply you must dominate your competition in all facets of game! With today's Transfer Portal if you do that you have a chance to go up and prove yourself! Whether you stay or go up - the film doesnt lie!
@NotSoAngryScout@sunshinestate00 I'd argue that "The Art" of scouting has been lost regardless of your role! Those with "boots on the ground" used to have "seats at the table" and to your point being an info gatherer doesn't have any appeal.
In the football industry, networking is everything.
This business is built on relationships, trust, reputation, and consistency. Opportunities rarely come from sending one message asking for a job. They come from building genuine connections over time and showing people who you are through your work ethic, professionalism, and character.
Too many people approach networking the wrong way. They immediately ask for a position instead of taking the time to build a relationship first. The most respected people in this industry understand that networking is about adding value, learning from others, staying connected, and being authentic.
Some of the best places to build relationships in football are through in person events:
✅ @seniorbowl
✅ @ShrineBowl
✅ @TheAmericanBowl
✅ @CGSAllStar
✅ NFL Combine
✅ College Pro Days
These events bring together scouts, coaches, general managers, player personnel staff, agents, media members, and decision makers from every level of football. One conversation, one handshake, or one strong impression can create opportunities that impact your career for years.
Networking is not about using people.
It is about building trust and long term relationships.
Be someone who:
➡️ Follows up
➡️ Supports others
➡️ Adds value to conversations
➡️ Shows professionalism
➡️ Learns from experienced people
➡️ Builds relationships before asking for anything
In football, your reputation travels fast. The people who consistently show up, work hard, help others, and build authentic relationships are the ones who stay around the longest.
It is not just what you know.
It is WHO you know.
@NotSoAngryScout@sunshinestate00 Experienced guys cost too much money but I'd argue the combines are where you should spend money, hire scouts with experience, and you'll find the attitude towards improves. The hard work is gratifying.
@NotSoAngryScout@sunshinestate00 Many people in leadership positions in the past, and some present, started as Combine Scouts. They understand the value brought by good combine scouts. Experienced scouts stayed combine scouts b/c people knew the role they played and did it with pride. Still the best job.
@NotSoAngryScout@ballsaccc69 When I was a combine scout the pride we had in making sure our club scouts had the correct info and identified players was what we were paid for!! We didn't necessarily have to get the grade exactly right but we damn well better have them on the list going into the fall!
@BariBigboy Your insinuation is beyond insulting to the 100's of coaches and 1000's of players who work their tails off to have successful careers. If they can play - scouts with boots on the ground will find them. Rest Assured.
@CoFLArrows@coflfootball@WolvaLion A great Football Guy and an even better human. He's scouted/found more guys than you can count. If they are out there he will get them and coach 'em up! So happy Kaz!
@Nate_Tice Nate - the kid can spin it. Saw him live. Got some inconsistency with launch angle (knock downs @ LOS) but his release and ball speed are no joke. He's a big boy & plays like it. May not make it his first place but a team with room & time to develop could have a player.
I have a Particular set of skills
Early in my career at one of my coaching stops when I was a poor assistant, the head coach resigned. A new head coach was named, and he interviewed the leftover staff members. I was one of the leftovers.
The first coach went in and came out fired or wacked as we called it back then. The second coach went in and was wacked. The new head coach came out said, “Does anyone know how to do a two-sided Xerox? I need 10 copies!” Copy machines back in that time period were called Xerox machines after the name of the company. Departments were charged for each copy from their budget. One had to put a department copy counter card in the machine to make it work and the number of copies were billed to your department. Department money was tight, so you did not want to waste any copies. Also, unlike today’s copy machines that at a touch of a button it would make a two-side copy, so you need to copy the first side then put it back in the paper loading tray. You had to make sure the blank side was loaded correctly so you did not copy over the first side.
I told the new head coach that I knew how to do it. He said don’t screw up and waste money. I made the 10 copies in a minute and knocked on his door. He yelled, “What!” I told him I had his copies. He questioned if I wasted any copies and I said no. Then he said come in and asked me what else do I know how to do.
My answer was that I know everyone on campus to get things done. I know the history of the campus, give a great tour, was a damn good recruiter and a hell of an offensive line coach. He hired me on the spot! I was the bridge that he was looking for between the old staff and his new staff.
Who knew that being able to do a two-side copy would save my job! It all goes back to having skills that others do not!
Reminds me of the Liam Neese movie, Taken! His line in the movie when he said to his daughter’s kidnapper, “I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career!”
If you have skills, then you can be the bridge for the new boss!
I see it as a duty under the role of GM (or whatever title a school has for the top FO person). There should be honest conversations throughout the season with those that you want to retain. Engage on all matters that you have to sell from the education, location, NIL, etc. While at the same time have honest conversations with those players who aren't part of your future plans giving them an opportunity to make a decision that's best for them.
I haven't talked about this publicly until now, but my beautiful wife Tracy has been in the ICU since Dec. 22 and has the fight of her life still ahead of her.
If you feel compelled to know more or to possibly help, you can do so here:
https://t.co/Rh4hcMP9KK
Oh at some point I think we all knew we’d be lucky to hold on to Lou and legends like him much longer. So many we’ve looked up to and many I had the honor and privilege of not only covering, but working alongside eventually head to their next life of eternal glory. ✝️🙏🙏My thoughts are with his family, especially my dear friend @SkipHoltz his wife Jen and their extended family. His beloved wife Beth awaits. 💜Coach Holtz has always been a National Treasure. 🏈