059 The Realities of College Football Recruiting

Football 360 Show

• Introduction of Guests

  • Graham Faust, Class of 2026, wide receiver and safety at MICDS, St. Louis, Missouri.
  • Brett Ottensmeyer, Class of 2026, quarterback at Parkway West High School, St. Louis, Missouri.

• Focus on the Recruiting Process

  • Discussion on the path to college football and the recruiting experiences of both players.
  • Emphasis on real-life insights from high school athletes currently navigating recruitment.

• Guest Player Stats and Backgrounds

  • Graham Faust: Impressive stats for the year, including 33 receptions, over 350 receiving yards, and five touchdowns.
  • Brett Ottensmeyer: Completed 224 of 338 attempts, with 2,484 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

• Physical Development as a Key Recruiting Factor

  • Growth spurts and weight gain challenges as critical in recruitment.
  • Colleges look for certain heights and weights in prospective players; both athletes shared their growth journey.

• Challenges in Getting Recognized

  • The pressure and frustration of seeing peers receive offers, as well as strategies to stay motivated.
  • Insight into how college coaches evaluate and what they look for in players beyond stats.

• Offseason Preparation

  • Training routines, including weightlifting, throwing practice, and the importance of seven-on-seven leagues.
  • Balancing multiple sports and the impact of a supportive coaching staff.

• Spring Football and the College Camp Circuit

  • Importance of participating in spring evaluations and summer camps.
  • Discussion of the “Lindenwood Mega Camp,” where both players received initial offers from Miami of Ohio.
  • Strategies for maximizing exposure at college camps.

• Securing and Managing College Offers

  • Offers from Miami of Ohio as a confidence boost and insight into how offers are typically extended.
  • The significance of keeping a broad perspective and not being discouraged by peers’ offers.

• Advice for Aspiring College Football Players

  • Importance of consistency in training and showcasing skills.
  • Value of persistence, patience, and open communication with coaches.

---

Closing Thoughts:

• Matt Bierrmann’s advice on staying grounded and committed to long-term goals.
• Tips for families and athletes: focus on realistic goals, consistent training, and making connections within the college recruiting landscape.