In a rapidly evolving landscape of college football, Notre Dame's new associate head coach and running backs coach, Ja’Juan Seider, is reshaping the recruitment process. Emphasizing the importance of trust and relationships, Seider brings a fresh perspective to Notre Dame's football program. His approach focuses on establishing strong bonds not only with potential recruits but also with their families and influencers. This strategy aims to differentiate Notre Dame from other top-tier programs by fostering genuine connections that go beyond financial incentives or facilities. By prioritizing trust and communication, Seider believes he can create an environment where athletes feel supported and valued throughout their collegiate journey.

Ja’Juan Seider, who has built a reputation as one of the sport’s leading recruiters, recently shared insights into his methods during a press conference at Notre Dame Stadium. With over two decades of experience, including seven years at Penn State, Seider understands the complexities of recruiting in today’s competitive climate. He stressed the significance of building meaningful relationships with both players and their support systems. “It’s about establishing trust with the players, but it’s not just the players,” Seider explained. “It’s the family. Those kids didn’t get there by themselves.” Recognizing that high school athletes often rely on multiple decision-makers, Seider emphasized the importance of identifying key influencers in a recruit’s life. These could range from parents and grandparents to teachers or even custodians who have close ties to the student-athlete.

The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has added another layer of complexity to the recruitment process. However, Seider believes that trust remains the ultimate deciding factor. “What’s going to separate when Notre Dame can pay this and Ohio State can pay this?” he asked rhetorically. “We can all say we got the same things, but at the end of the day that kid can come to me because I built the best relationship where there’s a little bit of trust.” Seider highlighted the role of trust in ensuring that athletes feel confident in their choice of college. He drew parallels between his own experiences and those of his predecessor, Deland McCullough, noting the importance of being a mentor figure for young players navigating the challenges of college life.

Seider’s relentless work ethic extends beyond initial recruitment to include ongoing engagement with current players. He pointed out the necessity of maintaining open lines of communication, especially in an era where transfers are increasingly common. “If you’re going to sit around and not communicate with the kid and the parent, well, somebody else is,” Seider said. “I never change. I’m going to outwork you.” This commitment to staying connected ensures that athletes continue to feel supported throughout their time at Notre Dame. By focusing on building trust and fostering strong relationships, Seider aims to create a program where players thrive both on and off the field.

Ultimately, Seider’s approach underscores the value of personal connections in college football recruitment. By prioritizing trust and communication, he seeks to establish Notre Dame as a destination where athletes can grow and succeed. In a world where resources and opportunities may be similar across institutions, it is these intangible factors that can make all the difference. Through his dedication to building lasting relationships, Seider is poised to lead Notre Dame’s recruitment efforts into a new era of success and excellence.