Ja’Juan Seider’s addition to Notre Dame’s football coaching staff as the associate head coach and running backs coach marks a significant shift in the recruiting strategy of the program. With an extensive coaching background, particularly in player development and recruiting, Seider brings an invaluable wealth of experience to the Fighting Irish’s recruiting efforts. His approach to recruiting, based on trust, relationship-building, and an emphasis on personalized coaching, is something that stands out not only in his previous stints at schools like Penn State but also in the broader world of college football.
A Proven Track Record of Recruiting Success
Seider’s recruiting resume is nothing short of impressive. Throughout his coaching career, he has earned numerous accolades for his ability to recruit top-tier talent, including being named the 247Sports Big Ten Recruiter of the Year in 2023. His success as a recruiter has not only been recognized by 247Sports but also by On3, which ranked him among the top 10 recruiters in 2022. In 2019, 247Sports ranked him in the same top-10 list, underscoring the consistency and impact Seider has had in bringing in highly regarded players to his programs.
At Penn State, Seider was instrumental in recruiting and developing some of the team’s most notable running backs in recent years, including Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. These two players became the first-ever Penn State duo to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season. This kind of success on the recruiting trail is what has allowed Seider to build a reputation as one of the most effective and dynamic recruiters in college football today.
Seider’s Unique Recruiting Philosophy
Seider’s approach to recruiting extends beyond simply finding the best talent. He is well aware of the increasingly competitive recruiting landscape, especially in an era where NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and financial incentives play a more significant role than ever before. While Seider acknowledges the importance of these factors in a recruit’s decision-making process, he places a greater emphasis on the importance of trust and personal relationships with recruits and their families.
Seider believes that recruiting is not just about offering the best financial package or flashy promises but about forming deep, meaningful connections with athletes and their families. He often speaks about the importance of understanding the key decision-makers in a recruit’s life—whether that be parents, grandparents, high school coaches, or mentors—and ensuring that these individuals feel comfortable and confident in the decision to commit to a school. This relationship-centered approach to recruiting helps establish a foundation of trust, which is vital in building long-term loyalty and commitment from players.
In practical terms, Seider’s recruiting efforts are focused on regular communication with recruits, offering them insight into the culture of the football program at Notre Dame, and ensuring that recruits understand how they would fit into the broader vision of the team. Seider’s goal is to present Notre Dame not just as a school that can provide an excellent football experience but also as a program that values character, education, and long-term success.
Navigating NIL in Modern Recruiting
The arrival of NIL has changed the recruiting process in college sports, and Seider is keenly aware of how it has altered the landscape. Financial incentives are now a key consideration for many recruits, and Seider does not shy away from acknowledging the role that NIL plays in shaping their decisions. However, he remains firm in his belief that the heart of successful recruiting lies in building genuine relationships and providing players with a comprehensive collegiate experience that goes beyond just football.
At Notre Dame, Seider is committed to balancing the competitive advantages that NIL offers while keeping the focus on what truly matters: developing student-athletes both on and off the field. He sees NIL as just one piece of the puzzle, not the entire picture. By emphasizing the values of trust, family, and education, Seider hopes to appeal to recruits who are looking for more than just a place to showcase their skills but a place that will help them grow as individuals, athletes, and future leaders.
Coaching Philosophy: Development Beyond the Field
Seider’s recruiting success is inextricably linked to his philosophy on player development. At the core of Seider’s approach is the idea that coaching goes beyond teaching athletes the technical skills of the game. It’s about helping players identify their weaknesses and turn them into strengths. This commitment to individualized player development has been one of the cornerstones of his career, particularly with the running backs he has coached.
When working with his players, Seider takes the time to help each one understand what they need to improve in order to succeed at the highest level. Whether it’s improving their footwork, ball security, or contact balance, Seider tailors his coaching to each player’s specific needs. This individualized coaching helps players reach their potential and positions them for success in college football and beyond. Seider’s track record of producing NFL-caliber talent speaks volumes about his ability to develop players.
Under Seider’s tutelage at Penn State, players like Miles Sanders, Charles Sims, Geno Smith, and Pat White went on to have successful careers in the NFL. He is also known for his ability to turn under-recruited players into high-level prospects. This commitment to developing talent and helping players reach their full potential is something Seider is eager to bring to Notre Dame’s program.
Building Notre Dame’s Brand: Seider’s Vision for the Future
Seider’s vision for Notre Dame’s football program is one that emphasizes both excellence on the field and integrity off the field. By leveraging the school’s rich football tradition, academic prestige, and commitment to developing young men into leaders, Seider plans to make Notre Dame a top destination for elite talent across the country.
As part of his recruiting strategy, Seider is keen to forge strong relationships with high school coaches across the nation. He understands that these relationships are crucial for gaining insights into the character and work ethic of recruits, and he plans to foster these ties to ensure that Notre Dame remains on the radar of the best high school football players. This, in turn, will help ensure that the Fighting Irish continue to attract top talent year after year.
Seider also recognizes the unique role that Notre Dame plays in the college football landscape. With its blend of academic excellence, commitment to faith, and rich football history, Notre Dame offers something that few other programs can match. Seider is committed to making sure that recruits understand this special combination, which will serve as a key differentiator for the Fighting Irish as they compete with other elite programs for the nation’s top prospects.
Seider’s Impact on Notre Dame’s Future
Ja’Juan Seider’s hiring marks a new chapter in Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts. His combination of proven recruiting success, coaching expertise, and emphasis on building strong relationships makes him an ideal fit for the Fighting Irish’s program. As Notre Dame continues to position itself as one of the premier programs in college football, Seider’s ability to recruit and develop talent will be a key component in that success.
Seider’s holistic approach to recruiting, focusing on trust, relationship-building, and player development, will undoubtedly resonate with the next generation of college football players. By fostering these values, Seider is not only helping to build a strong recruiting pipeline for Notre Dame but also contributing to the program’s continued growth and success on the field.
Through his recruitment strategies, coaching philosophy, and dedication to player development, Seider is poised to help Notre Dame continue to build on its legacy while preparing its players for success both on the football field and in life. With Seider at the helm of the running backs room and his key role in recruiting, Notre Dame football is poised for an exciting future.
Leave a Reply