Do You Need Stars To Get A D1 Football Scholarship? (Are Rankings a SCAM?)
In this episode of The Football Scholarship Podcast, Richie Contartesi and cohost Brian Overton, a recruiting expert with 15 years of Division 1 experience, break down the truth about star rankings—and whether they actually matter when it comes to earning a scholarship.They expose the rise of fake “5-star” athletes, how most rankings are misunderstood or misused, and why chasing stars could hurt your son’s chances more than help. You’ll also learn how real offers happen, what college coaches actually look for, and how athletes are winning scholarships without rankings, camps, or hype.If you’ve ever wondered whether your son needs to be ranked or attend exposure events, this episode will give you the honest answers—and a clear path forward.
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37:02
How To Earn A D1 Football Scholarship During The Quiet Period
In this episode of The Football Scholarship Podcast, Richie Contartesi and Brian Overton explain what the Quiet Period really is and why it's a huge opportunity. Most athletes make the mistake of sitting back, but this is the time to take action and stand out.You'll learn how coaches actually view the Quiet Period and how to use campus visits and junior days to build real relationships. Richie and Brian also break down why smart, consistent outreach during this time can lead to more real offers.
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21:26
How To Turn A Football Camp Into A Scholarship Offer
In this episode of The Football Scholarship Podcast, Richie Contartesi and cohost Brian Overton, a recruiting expert with 15 years of Division 1 experience, reveal the step-by-step strategy athletes should use to confidently introduce themselves to college coaches at camps—and turn those conversations into scholarship offers.They break down why most athletes fail to get noticed, how simply introducing yourself gives you a massive edge, and how to ask the right questions to start real relationships with coaches.They explain how to practice your approach, what not to say, and how to confidently ask for a coach’s cell number the right way—so you're not just another face in the crowd, but someone they remember and follow up with.
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24:47
Football Scholarship Offers EXPLAINED: Is It Legit or a Fake?
In this episode of The Football Scholarship Podcast, Richie Contartesi and cohost Brian Overton, a recruiting expert with 15 years of Division 1 experience, break down the truth about scholarship offers—specifically the difference between offers and committable offers.They reveal what’s really happening behind the scenes, how to spot fake momentum on social media, and what players can do right now to take control, get clarity, and earn real opportunities
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31:20
How Riley Went From Being Ghosted To Multiple Football Offers
In this episode of The Football Scholarship Podcast, we sit down with Riley and his dad, Henry, to share the story of how Riley went from getting ghosted by coaches—even after camps and visits—to earning multiple scholarship offers and becoming the kind of young man who confidently calls, DMs, and follows up with coaches on his own.They talk about the frustration of doing everything “right” and still hearing nothing, and how things changed once Riley had a real plan, real accountability, and someone guiding him every step of the way. You’ll hear how he built the daily habits, communication skills, and confidence to stand out—not just as a football player, but as a future leader.
The Football Scholarship Podcast is hosted by Richie Contartesi, founder of Next Play, this podcast is dedicated to helping high school football players transform into confident leaders, communicators, and businessmen. Richie shares his personal journey of overcoming the odds to earn a D1 football scholarship in the SEC at Ole Miss, despite being just 5'7" and 150 pounds. Through stories, interviews, and expert advice, this podcast equips athletes with the tools and mindset needed to secure the best college football scholarships possible. Tune in to learn how to live your dream!
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