The College Gridiron Showcase

Since 2015, we have prided ourselves on giving opportunity to players from all types of programs. As rosters were announced this week, 81 CGS players are currently on NFL rosters, many from small programs that just needed a shot!

Honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, and thank you to all who have served and continue to serve our country. 🇺🇸

One of the most undervalued traits in a wide receiver is blocking in the run game Physical, consistent perimeter blocking can completely change an offense by creating explosive plays on the edge, extending runs, and helping establish offensive identity Wide receivers who are willing to block add major value beyond just catching passes

🚨 High School Football Recruits 🚨 I can’t reiterate this enough… Camp season is important But going to more than 5 camps is usually not helping your recruitment, it’s hurting it. ‼️ Be strategic: ✅ Go where you are realistically recruitable ✅ Go where coaches already have interest ✅ Go where your measurables and film fit the level Recruiting is about exposure, evaluation, and relationships not collecting camp shirts every weekend At some point, constantly camping can lead to: • Fatigue • Poor performances • Wasted money • Missed training time • Overexposure A strong offseason of development, quality film, strength gains, speed work, and targeted camps will always carry more value than attending every camp possible. Work smart, not just busy ✅

This was totally for fun and up for debate 😂 Tried building the ultimate football roster from the animal kingdom based on traits that translate to the field: Speed Power Instincts Range Violence Intelligence Physicality Some animals naturally fit certain positions from a scouting perspective: 🦒 Giraffe at WR because of the catch radius 🦏 Rhino at NT because he’s impossible to move 🦍 Gorilla at Guard because of the raw strength 🐆 Jaguar at SAM because of the versatility and explosiveness 🐺 Wolf in the slot because of instincts and spatial awareness Definitely some arguments to be made for different lineups 😂 Who would YOU change?

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🚨 NFL & CFL Certified Agents 🚨 The college all star game circuit moves fast for all of us. Let’s not wait until October or November to start conversations about potential prospects for the @CGSAllStar Let’s connect NOW, build relationships early, discuss who you’re evaluating, and work together throughout the process Whether you’re a veteran agent with years in the business or just getting started, I’d love to connect, talk football, and build new relationships within the industry The earlier the communication, the better we can all help create opportunities for prospects. #AllstarSeasonStartsWithCGS

I always hear the term layering the throw with quarterbacks, thought it might be interesting to have a quick guide of what it is From both a coaching and scouting perspective, layering a throw is one of the best indicators of a quarterback’s touch, timing, anticipation, and overall field awareness It is not simply about arm strength or throwing the football hard It is about understanding leverage, coverage spacing, trajectory, and putting the football in a location where only the receiver has an opportunity to make the play A layered throw requires a quarterback to throw the ball over underneath defenders such as linebackers while dropping it safely in front of deeper defenders like safeties The ability to change ball trajectory and control pace is what separates quarterbacks who can consistently attack the middle of the field from those who rely only on velocity From a coaching standpoint, quarterbacks must learn how to manipulate arc, maintain proper footwork and timing, and trust their eyes and anticipation. The throw needs enough velocity to beat the defense, but enough touch to allow the receiver to catch the football cleanly and continue through the route From a scouting perspective, quarterbacks who consistently show layering ability typically demonstrate: ✅ Better anticipation ✅ Improved ball placement ✅ Higher-level spatial awareness ✅ The ability to attack intermediate windows ✅ Lower turnover-worthy throw percentages over the middle

Thought of this recently: Since the NFL has the NFL College Advisory Committee for underclassmen considering entering the NFL Draft, I wish there was something similar for college football players thinking about entering the transfer portal A true non biased advisory group that could honestly evaluate: • Potential landing spots • Scholarship level projections • Scheme fit • Roster situations • NIL realities • Playing time opportunities • Overall market value Too many athletes enter the portal without real guidance, realistic expectations, or understanding the current landscape of college football Sometimes the best move is transferring Sometimes the best move is staying where you are and continuing to develop Having experienced, objective evaluators involved in that process could help a lot of athletes make better long term decisions for their careers

If you are interested in getting into the scouting and personnel space I highly recommend listening to @InsideTheLeague and @RightStepAdv content Neil and Rodrik do a fantastic job of providing insight on the industry, lucky to call them both good friends and they are supporters of the @CGSAllStar (Neil is on our board) Make sure to connect with them and stay in the know of what’s going on in the industry

🚨 7v7 CAN STILL BE A VALUABLE PART OF THE RECRUITING PROCESS If it is used the RIGHT way 7v7 gives athletes an opportunity to compete, gain exposure, improve timing, sharpen football IQ, and showcase movement skills in a competitive environment It can help quarterbacks, wide receivers, defensive backs, linebackers, and even coaches continue to develop during the offseason But 7v7 SHOULD be viewed as a supplement to real football development, not a replacement for it. College coaches still evaluate: ✅ Friday night film ✅ Physicality and toughness ✅ Pads and contact ✅ Blocking and tackling ✅ Speed and play strength ✅ Practice habits and character ✅ Multi sport athleticism and overall development 7v7 helps show: • Route running • Ball skills • Coverage ability • Timing and chemistry • Processing speed and instincts • Competitiveness and communication The athletes who benefit most from 7v7 are the ones who use it to improve their overall game while still focusing on strength development, technique work, academics, and real football fundamentals Exposure matters. Development matters more. Use 7v7 as a tool to get better, compete against quality talent, and continue building relationships with coaches and recruiters, not as the final evaluation

🚨 Offensive Linemen 🚨 Versatility is king‼️ The more you can do, the more valuable you become to a football program One of the biggest things I recommend: Learn how to snap Get comfortable with the mechanics and consistency of it Being able to play center or provide emergency depth inside adds major value to an offensive line room whether it’s high school, college or the Pro’s

What a great couple of days of football during Western PA Showcase Week. It was an outstanding opportunity for athletes to showcase their talent in front of college programs and continue building relationships throughout the recruiting process. Big thank you to @coachkeef_, @CoachDonHoll1, @CoachPeckich, @DKnause5, @CoachKasper, @Coach_LeDonne, @CoachJummz32, and @CoachRBalog for hosting and running the showcase sites. Great work by everyone involved!

🚨 HOW HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RECRUITS SHOULD REACH OUT TO COLLEGE COACHES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 🚨 Social media is a recruiting tool. Treat it professionally. College coaches evaluate more than film: ✅ Communication ✅ Maturity ✅ Consistency ✅ Professionalism ✅ Coachability 1️⃣ Build a coach friendly profile Include: • Name • Grad Year • Position • Height/Weight • School & State • GPA • Hudl/Film Link • Coach Contact Info Make it easy for coaches to evaluate you. 2️⃣ Follow the RIGHT coaches Don’t only follow the Head Coach. Most evaluations begin with: • Position Coach • Area Recruiter • Recruiting Coordinator • Personnel Staff 3️⃣ Keep your first DM short & professional Example: “Coach, my name is John Smith. I’m a 2027 WR from Central HS (PA). I’m 6’1 180 with a 3.6 GPA. I wanted to introduce myself and share my film for evaluation.” Include: • Film Link • Contact Info • Coach Contact 4️⃣ Personalize messages Do NOT copy/paste the same DM to every school. Mention: • Scheme fit • Camp plans • Visits • Academic interests • Why you fit their program 5️⃣ Your FILM matters more than edits ✅ Best plays first ✅ Easy to access ✅ Jersey # visible ✅ Varsity film labeled ❌ No long intros needed 6️⃣ Don’t spam coaches No response does NOT always mean no interest. ❌ “???” ❌ “Did you watch my film?” ❌ Angry posts/messages Be mature and professional. 7️⃣ Follow up with PURPOSE Good reasons: • Updated film • New stats • Verified testing • Academic updates • Camp schedule 8️⃣ Use social media wisely Post: ✅ Film ✅ Training clips ✅ Academic achievements ✅ Team success ✅ Leadership moments Coaches evaluate character too. 9️⃣ Tag coaches carefully ❌ Don’t tag 50 coaches in one post. Better approach: • DM directly • Tag your school/recruiting staff • Keep posts professional 🔟 Keep your high school coach involved College coaches value communication with HS coaches because they help verify: • Character • Work ethic • GPA • Competition level • Football IQ 1️⃣1️⃣ Don’t chase fake attention 🚨 A follow is NOT an offer 🚨 A like is NOT an offer 🚨 A camp invite is NOT an offer REAL interest looks like: ✅ Transcript requests ✅ Live evaluations ✅ Consistent communication ✅ Campus visits ✅ Scheme conversations 🏈 BOTTOM LINE: Be organized, respectful, coachable, and easy to evaluate. Professionalism matters

Quarterback accuracy is one of the most important traits scouts and coaches evaluate because it directly impacts offensive efficiency, ball security, timing, and overall production At every level of football, accurate quarterbacks consistently keep offenses on schedule, sustain drives, and create explosive plays without forcing unnecessary risks From a coaching perspective, accuracy is not just about completing passes, it is about precise ball placement, anticipation, timing, and putting receivers in position to succeed after the catch. A well placed football allows playmakers to stay in stride, maximize yards after the catch, and avoid taking unnecessary hits in traffic From a scouting perspective, accuracy translates across every offensive system and level of competition. Arm strength may create highlight throws, but consistent accuracy is what wins football games over the course of a season Accurate quarterbacks reduce turnovers by limiting tipped balls and dangerous throws into traffic while also showing the ability to fit passes into tight windows against high level coverage. Scouts closely evaluate placement on short, intermediate, and deep throws, along with how a quarterback performs under pressure, outside structure, and in critical down and distance situations. Key traits scouts and coaches look for in accurate quarterbacks: • Ball placement that allows receivers to stay in stride • Consistent timing and anticipation before receivers break open • Ability to throw accurately under pressure and versus blitzes • Precision in tight coverage and condensed throwing windows • Placement that protects receivers from unnecessary hits • Accuracy on all three levels of the field short, intermediate, and deep • Decision making that limits turnovers and negative plays • Ability to sustain drives and convert critical third downs Great quarterbacks do not simply throw hard, they throw with precision, timing, touch, and consistency Accuracy elevates the entire offense and gives teams the best opportunity to move the chains, control the game, and finish drives with points

This graphic is designed to be a quick reference guide for coaches, players, scouts, and football personnel when studying defensive front structure and technique alignments Understanding head up, inside shade, and outside shade alignments is critical when teaching run defense, front mechanics, leverage, and block destruction Too many players memorize technique numbers without understanding what they actually mean within the defense. Coaches please reshare this for players and young coaches learning defensive front structure and defensive line technique

Looking forward to day 4 of the Western Pa Showcase @ Beaver High School this evening! Blackhawk High School Football has prospects attending! College Coaches let’s connect tonight to chat about the student athletes in our program! Myself and @Coach_TG_ will be in attendance! #RecruitTheRange

Understanding offensive surfaces is critical from both a coaching and player development perspective because surfaces dictate how an offense creates leverage, numbers advantages, run lanes, and pass protection structure A surface is simply the number of eligible blockers attached to one side of the formation, and defenses are constantly adjusting fronts, fits, and coverage strength based on those surfaces A 2 man surface is typically built with the Guard and Tackle attached to one side of the Center and is often used in spread formations or balanced looks. This keeps spacing clean and forces defenses to defend width and space A 3 man surface usually includes the Tight End attached to the Tackle and Guard, creating additional edge support and allowing offenses to run stronger downhill concepts, gap schemes, and play action off the surface A 4 man surface adds another attached player such as an H Back, Fullback, or extra Tight End, creating the ability to overload a defense, generate double teams, create vertical displacement at the point of attack, and control the line of scrimmage physically From a coaching perspective, surface recognition is one of the most important parts of offensive football because it impacts: • Run fits and defensive alignments • Box counts and leverage • Pass protection structure • Front identification and communication • Blocking angles and double teams • How defenses set their strength The best offenses understand how to manipulate surfaces to force defenses into unfavorable numbers and leverage situations Surface variation also allows offenses to disguise intentions, create formation stress, and dictate how defenses must communicate and adjust pre snap

High School and College Football athletes seeking representation for NIL opportunities: Do your due diligence before signing with anyone Not every agent, marketing rep, or “advisor” has your best interests in mind Take your time, ask questions, research their background, and understand exactly what they are bringing to the table before making a decision Talk with trusted coaches, family members, mentors, and people in the industry who have experience dealing with representation Ask about: • Their track record • Current clients • Communication • Brand connections • Contract details • Financial expectations • Long term vision for your career The right representation should help protect your brand, create opportunities, and guide you professionally both on and off the field Too many athletes rush the process because of social media hype, empty promises, or flashy presentations. NIL is a business now, Treat it like one Representation is about more than just getting deals. It is about finding people you trust to help manage your career, your image, and your future Make informed decisions. Protect your value. Protect your future.

Defensive stemming is one of the most effective ways a defense can create confusion before the snap From a coaching perspective, the goal is not just movement it is controlled, disciplined movement designed to disrupt blocking assignments, slow down communication, and force the offense to react under pressure By showing one front pre snap and shifting into another as the quarterback begins his cadence, the defense forces offensive linemen to quickly identify new gaps, leverage points, and protection responsibilities That hesitation can lead to missed assignments, poor blocking angles, free rushers, and negative plays A great stem also slows down the offensive line’s get off. Instead of firing off aggressively, linemen are forced to process movement and communicate adjustments at the last second Defensively, this helps neutralize bigger or more physical offensive fronts by preventing them from playing fast and comfortable Stemming is also a major tool for disguise. Defensive coordinators can rotate fronts, shift linebackers, or alter pressure looks while still keeping the quarterback guessing on coverage and blitz structure until the snap Key coaching points: • Stem with purpose and communication • Maintain leverage and gap integrity • Stay low and balanced through movement • Time the stem with the QB cadence • Force offensive hesitation and communication • Never sacrifice assignment responsibility From a scouting perspective, defenses that stem effectively usually show strong football IQ, preparation, communication, and discipline When coordinated correctly, stemming allows a defense to dictate tempo, create confusion, and gain an advantage before the play even starts

This memory popped up, was a great experience to attend @OLMasterminds two years ago @BigDuke50 has done a tremendous job of building this event into something very special, Grateful and thankful to have had the opportunity to attend it