The Recruit Grind
College Sports Recruiting 101: A Podcast for High School Student-Athletes, Parents, Coaches, and Counselors. Learn valuable insights and guidance on how to make your dreams of playing at the collegiate level a reality. Our expert advice will prepare you for the steps you need to take, what to expect when you get there, and how to achieve your goals. Join us as we educate and empower the next generation of collegiate athletes.
Episodes
82 episodes
Podcast Update
In this episode, Funaki Asisi provides updates on the combine and film availability. He also announces a break from the podcast for the summer due to personal commitments. Funaki then shares advice on what athletes should focus on during the su...
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Season 1
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Episode 82
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13:38
Top Performers of The Recruit Grind Combine
The host discusses the results and highlights of the Recruit Grind combine event. He expresses gratitude to the participants, volunteers, and coaches who made the event possible. The host also mentions areas for improvement and invites feedback...
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Season 1
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Episode 81
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26:39
The Recruit Grind Combine: Reviewing Your Questions From Instagram Live & More
In this episode of "The Recruit Grind," host Funaki Asisi discusses the upcoming free combine event aimed at aiding athletes in their recruitment journey. Funaki shares details about the event's structure, the reasons for making it free, and ti...
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Season 1
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Episode 80
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25:11
Tana Vea: Making Recruits Feel Valued and Appreciated
In this conversation, Funaki Asisi and Tana Vea discuss various topics related to football recruiting. They talk about the unique aspect of players who play both offense and defense, the challenges of organizing events in bad weather, and Tana'...
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Season 1
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Episode 79
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1:05:05
The Journey to the Transfer Portal With Ryder MacGillivray
SummaryRyder MacGillivray, a former football player at Utah State University, shares his journey and decision to enter the transfer portal. He talks about his experiences on the team, including being awarded a scholarship and batt...
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Season 1
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Episode 78
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27:43
When Opportunity Knocks: Learning and Growing from the Sideline
SummaryIn this episode, Naki discusses the importance of sideline etiquette for players who are not on the field. He emphasizes the impact of body language, understanding momentum, gaining an edge, servant leadership, being engaged i...
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25:18
Recruit Grind Combine FAQ's
SummaryIn this conversation, Naki addresses frequently asked questions about a combine event. He discusses the importance of underclassmen attending the combine to showcase their potential and progression. He emphasizes that every...
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Season 1
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Episode 76
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27:41
Kadyn Proctor Made How Much before Transferring!?
SummaryThis episode discusses the controversial case of Kaden Proctor, a college football player who made headlines for his NIL transactions. The conversation explores Proctor's background, recruitment, and success at Alabama, as wel...
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Season 1
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Episode 75
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10:40
A Reintroduction to Your Host
SummaryIn this episode, Funaki Asisi introduces himself and shares the story of how he started his podcast. He also mentions the influential people who inspired him to start the podcast, including Gary Vaynerchuk and Shay Haddow. Fun...
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Season 1
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Episode 74
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19:06
New Signing Day!?
SummaryThe conversation discusses the changing landscape of college athletics, specifically focusing on the signing periods for high school recruits. It explores the recent decision to move the December signing period and the proposa...
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Season 1
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Episode 73
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11:16
Everything You Need to Know About Camps and Which Ones You Need to Go To
SummaryThe conversation covers the different types of camps, including institutional camps and non-institutional camps. Institutional camps are run by college football programs and are usually held on campus or at satellite locations...
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Season 1
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Episode 72
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36:58
The GRINDHOUSE: Coach Kurt Taufa'asau talks NMMI Football & More
SummaryKurt Taufa'asau shares his journey from playing football at New Mexico Military Institute and the University of Wyoming to getting a shot in the NFL and transitioning to coaching. He highlights the importance of relationships ...
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1:06:51
NIL & Recruitment Reinvented: Discussing GMs in College Sports
SummaryThe conversation explores the idea of having a general manager (GM) in college football to handle NIL negotiations and recruitment. The challenges of advancing in coaching and the responsibilities that come with higher positio...
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Season 1
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Episode 70
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1:14:43
Mastering the Mental Game with Riley Jensen: Strategies for Athletes
SummaryRiley Jensen, a mental performance coach and former football player, discusses the importance of resilience, positive self-talk, and focusing on strengths in the recruiting process and in life. He emphasizes the value of footb...
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Season 1
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Episode 69
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1:16:42
Junior College Football with Trever McFalls at Snow College
SummaryCoach Trever McFalls shares his journey from high school to college football, including his recruiting experience and decision to attend Southern Utah University. He discusses the challenges of starting the recruiting process ...
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Season 1
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Episode 68
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1:34:45
Decoding All the 'Shirts' in College Sports
SummaryIn this episode, Naki discusses the positive side of gray-shirting and the benefits it can offer in terms of development and preparation. He then explains the concept of red-shirting and the eligibility clock, highlighting...
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Season 1
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Episode 67
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20:08

Advice For Walk-ons
SummaryThis conversation discusses the experience of being a walk-on player in college football and provides advice for those considering this path. The conversation covers topics such as the recruitment process, the meaning of pr...
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Season 1
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Episode 66
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17:59
Transfer Portal? or Is The Grass Greener Where You Water It?
SummaryIn this episode, Naki discusses the transfer portal and provides insights and advice for college athletes considering making a jump. He emphasizes the importance of playing time and having game film to showcase skills to poten...
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Season 1
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Episode 65
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28:14
So You Want to Be An Athlete? - A Brandin Bryant Story
SummaryThe conversation covers the journey of a football player from Omaha, Nebraska, who overcame challenges and setbacks to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. The chapters explore topics such as the football scene in Omaha, th...
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Season 1
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Episode 64
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1:28:59
NIL Deals and Taxes: What Every Student Athlete Must Know
SummaryIn this conversation, Funaki Asisi interviews his mother, June Asisi, who is a tax consultant. They discuss the importance of taxes for student athletes, particularly in the context of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals...
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Season 1
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Episode 63
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47:09
10 Ways to Build Your Brand and How to Make Money on It
SummaryIn this conversation, Naki introduces a new intro song and video for the recruit grind. He then discusses the history and development of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the challenges faced by athletes in making money ...
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Season 1
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Episode 62
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27:10
The Recruit Grind's Top 10 Episodes of 2023
🎊 As 2023 draws to a close, join us in a special celebration episode on 'The Recruit Grind' where we highlight our Top 10 Episodes of the year. This episode isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a tribute to the incredible stories, insights,...
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Season 1
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Episode 61
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37:21
DJ Nelson's Playbook for High School Football Success
This conversation explores the art of constructing a game plan and the importance of understanding the game of football. It delves into the legacy of Logan High School football and the coaching philosophy of Coach Favero. The impact of Coach Fa...
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Season 1
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Episode 60
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1:05:23
"A Life-Changing Kick" - Grady Gross Discusses Recruitment and His Pivotal Game-Winning Moment
Grady Gross, the kicker for the University of Washington, discusses his journey from high school to college football, including his recruitment process and the challenges he faced. He shares how he transitioned from soccer to football and the t...
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Season 1
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Episode 59
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35:03
Unlocking the Mystery of Full-Ride Scholarships in College Football
In Episode 58 of "The Recruit Grind," host Funaki Asisi (Naki) demystifies the components of a full-ride scholarship within FBS and FCS football programs. Using his insights from the University of Oregon, Naki breaks down the financial and acad...
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Season 1
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Episode 58
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20:08