Today was the start of college football’s early signing period. Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide currently have the top-rated class in the nation. However, it appears once it is all said and done, the Ohio State Buckeyes will likely occupy the top spot. One of the main reasons why is the team’s wide receivers coach 34-year-old Brian Hartline.
The following are just some of his recent recruiting signings:
- 2020 top-rated wide receiver Julian Fleming from Catawissa, Pennsylvania
- 2021 top-rated wide receiver Emeka Egbuka from Steilacoom, Washington
- 2022 top-rated wide receiver Caleb Burton to get next year’s class off to hot start
- In the past three recruiting class, six wide receivers ranked in the top-100 players in the nation have signed with the Buckeyes
So why has he had so much success? The following are 9 Lessons From Ohio State Buckeyes Assistant Coach Brian Hartline On Recruiting Top Talent. These lessons and quotes were gleaned from a December 15th The Athletic article written by Bruce Feldman.
Be A Trusted Authority
Johnnie Dixon, a former player, said of Hartline, “He can just be himself. He doesn’t have to go out and fake who he is. With him, there’s a realness about it. He can pull up his college or NFL film and just be himself. He doesn’t have to fake it to make it.”
Be Consistent
Betsy Fleming, Julian’s mother, said, “My son is 18, We need to keep each day positive and focus on the present. You had to kind of be leery about that aspect. We felt (Hartline) would stay there. Ohio was his home. He’s from there, he played there. So that was another piece of it. It felt he would be consistent, and as a parent, that mattered.”
Be Curious
Hartline asked, “Betsy, what do you want for Julian?” She just wanted her son to be happy.
Be Trustworthy
For Julian (and many incoming freshman) COVID has caused significant challenges for both players and coaches. However, Coach Hartline has led well during the process. Betsy said, “Coach Hart has matched what he said. He’s been really good to us.”
Be Respected
Former head coach Urban Meyer said, “He’s one of the best recruiters, if not the best recruiter in the country.”
Be A Connector
Fox analyst Brady Quinn said, “He connects to them because he cares. He loves football, and I think he realizes the impact that it’s had on his life.”
Be Genuine
Hartline said, “At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. The only way that you can really create a relationship is with time. If you don’t spend the time, if you don’t get vulnerable, if you don’t have conversations, then you never really develop a relationship. It’s all B.S.
Be Focused
Hartline said, ““I just want to be a great coach, and whatever that embodies. If recruiting is a part of the job description, I want to try to be great at it, but, at the level of creating great young men that get the 3.5 (GPA) in the classroom and also go out there and ball on Saturdays.”
Be A Great Leader
Hartline concluded, “I got into and like to coach because I wanted to help young men, end of story. I was so blessed to have that opportunity when I became the receivers coach to have those kind of leaders. For the amount I hope they learn from me, they don’t even realize the amount I learn from them.”
A Trusted Authority, Consistency, Curious, Trustworthiness, Respected, A Connector, Genuine, Focused, and being a Great Leader. This is what is takes to recruit top young talent.
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