Best Funaki Asisi Podcasts (2025)

1
Podcast Update 13:38

12M ago13:38

13:38

In this episode, Funaki Asisi provides updates on the combine and film availability. He also announces a break from the podcast for the summer due to personal commitments. Funaki then shares advice on what athletes should focus on during the summer, including improving weaknesses, staying positive, and showing gratitude. He emphasizes the importanc…

1
Top Performers of The Recruit Grind Combine 26:39

12M ago26:39

26:39

The host discusses the results and highlights of the Recruit Grind combine event. He expresses gratitude to the participants, volunteers, and coaches who made the event possible. The host also mentions areas for improvement and invites feedback from attendees. The top performers in each recruiting class for various combine drills are announced. Tak…

1
The Recruit Grind Combine: Reviewing Your Questions From Instagram Live & More 25:11

12M ago25:11

25:11

In this episode of "The Recruit Grind," host Funaki Asisi discusses the upcoming free combine event aimed at aiding athletes in their recruitment journey. Funaki shares details about the event's structure, the reasons for making it free, and tips on what participants should bring. The discussion includes the importance of support systems, personal …

1
Tana Vea: Making Recruits Feel Valued and Appreciated 1:05:05

1y ago1:05:05

1:05:05

In this conversation, Funaki Asisi and Tana Vea discuss various topics related to football recruiting. They talk about the unique aspect of players who play both offense and defense, the challenges of organizing events in bad weather, and Tana's background in coaching and recruiting. Tana shares his insights on specific players and their potential,…

1
The Journey to the Transfer Portal With Ryder MacGillivray 27:43

1y ago27:43

27:43

Summary Ryder MacGillivray, a former football player at Utah State University, shares his journey and decision to enter the transfer portal. He talks about his experiences on the team, including being awarded a scholarship and battling for a starting position. Ryder discusses the tough conversations he had with coaches and the emotional process of …

1
When Opportunity Knocks: Learning and Growing from the Sideline 25:18

1y ago25:18

25:18

Summary In this episode, Naki discusses the importance of sideline etiquette for players who are not on the field. He emphasizes the impact of body language, understanding momentum, gaining an edge, servant leadership, being engaged in the game, and being ready for opportunities. Naki shares personal experiences and provides practical advice for pl…

1
Recruit Grind Combine FAQ's 27:41

1y ago27:41

27:41

Summary In this conversation, Naki addresses frequently asked questions about a combine event. He discusses the importance of underclassmen attending the combine to showcase their potential and progression. He emphasizes that every position, including linemen, is important and should participate in the combine. Naki also explains that while combine…

1
Kadyn Proctor Made How Much before Transferring!? 10:40

1y ago10:40

10:40

Summary This episode discusses the controversial case of Kaden Proctor, a college football player who made headlines for his NIL transactions. The conversation explores Proctor's background, recruitment, and success at Alabama, as well as his subsequent transfer to Iowa. The focus then shifts to the crowdfunding controversy surrounding Proctor and …

1
A Reintroduction to Your Host 19:06

1y ago19:06

19:06

Summary In this episode, Funaki Asisi introduces himself and shares the story of how he started his podcast. He also mentions the influential people who inspired him to start the podcast, including Gary Vaynerchuk and Shay Haddow. Funaki talks about his background in football and his college experience. He then discusses his journey working in coll…

1
New Signing Day!? 11:16

1y ago11:16

11:16

Summary The conversation discusses the changing landscape of college athletics, specifically focusing on the signing periods for high school recruits. It explores the recent decision to move the December signing period and the proposal to introduce a new signing period in June. The conversation highlights the pros and cons of these changes and refl…

1
Everything You Need to Know About Camps and Which Ones You Need to Go To 36:58

1y ago36:58

36:58

Summary The conversation covers the different types of camps, including institutional camps and non-institutional camps. Institutional camps are run by college football programs and are usually held on campus or at satellite locations. Non-institutional camps include elite camps, showcases, combines, and private camps. Attending institutional camps…

1
The GRINDHOUSE: Coach Kurt Taufa'asau talks NMMI Football & More 1:06:51

1y ago1:06:51

1:06:51

Summary Kurt Taufa'asau shares his journey from playing football at New Mexico Military Institute and the University of Wyoming to getting a shot in the NFL and transitioning to coaching. He highlights the importance of relationships and networking in the football industry and the challenges of making it to the professional level. Kurt's story is a…

1
NIL & Recruitment Reinvented: Discussing GMs in College Sports 1:14:43

1y ago1:14:43

1:14:43

Summary The conversation explores the idea of having a general manager (GM) in college football to handle NIL negotiations and recruitment. The challenges of advancing in coaching and the responsibilities that come with higher positions are discussed. The need for a GM to handle NIL deals is highlighted, along with the challenges of fulfilling thes…

1
Mastering the Mental Game with Riley Jensen: Strategies for Athletes 1:16:42

1y ago1:16:42

1:16:42

Summary Riley Jensen, a mental performance coach and former football player, discusses the importance of resilience, positive self-talk, and focusing on strengths in the recruiting process and in life. He emphasizes the value of football in building confidence, character, and the ability to handle pressure. Jensen also highlights the need for indiv…

1
Junior College Football with Trever McFalls at Snow College 1:34:45

1y ago1:34:45

1:34:45

Summary Coach Trever McFalls shares his journey from high school to college football, including his recruiting experience and decision to attend Southern Utah University. He discusses the challenges of starting the recruiting process late and the importance of sending out film early. Coach McFalls also talks about his transition from playing to coa…

1
Decoding All the 'Shirts' in College Sports 20:08

1y ago20:08

20:08

Summary In this episode, Naki discusses the positive side of gray-shirting and the benefits it can offer in terms of development and preparation. He then explains the concept of red-shirting and the eligibility clock, highlighting the reasons for red-shirting and its advantages. Naki also clarifies the terminology used for different stages of redsh…

1
Advice For Walk-ons 17:59

1+ y ago17:59

17:59

Summary This conversation discusses the experience of being a walk-on player in college football and provides advice for those considering this path. The conversation covers topics such as the recruitment process, the meaning of preferred walk-ons, changes in treatment for walk-ons, perks and support for walk-ons, earning a scholarship as a walk-on…

1
Transfer Portal? or Is The Grass Greener Where You Water It? 28:14

1+ y ago28:14

28:14

Summary In this episode, Naki discusses the transfer portal and provides insights and advice for college athletes considering making a jump. He emphasizes the importance of playing time and having game film to showcase skills to potential coaches. Naki also highlights the significance of self-awareness, academic progress, and mental health in makin…

1
So You Want to Be An Athlete? - A Brandin Bryant Story 1:28:59

1+ y ago1:28:59

1:28:59

Summary The conversation covers the journey of a football player from Omaha, Nebraska, who overcame challenges and setbacks to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. The chapters explore topics such as the football scene in Omaha, the importance of self-belief, the decision to attend a junior college, the transfer to FAU, highlights of the college…

1
NIL Deals and Taxes: What Every Student Athlete Must Know 47:09

1+ y ago47:09

47:09

Summary In this conversation, Funaki Asisi interviews his mother, June Asisi, who is a tax consultant. They discuss the importance of taxes for student athletes, particularly in the context of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. June explains that any income over $600 is taxable and advises student athletes to request a 1099 form from businesses…

1
10 Ways to Build Your Brand and How to Make Money on It 27:10

1+ y ago27:10

27:10

Summary In this conversation, Naki introduces a new intro song and video for the recruit grind. He then discusses the history and development of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the challenges faced by athletes in making money from NIL. He explains the role of platforms, agents, and collectives in helping athletes make money. Naki predicts that …

1
The Recruit Grind's Top 10 Episodes of 2023 37:21

1+ y ago37:21

37:21

🎊 As 2023 draws to a close, join us in a special celebration episode on 'The Recruit Grind' where we highlight our Top 10 Episodes of the year. This episode isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a tribute to the incredible stories, insights, and invaluable advice shared by our distinguished guests. 🙌 A huge thank you to every listener, guest, an…

1
DJ Nelson's Playbook for High School Football Success 1:05:23

1+ y ago1:05:23

1:05:23

This conversation explores the art of constructing a game plan and the importance of understanding the game of football. It delves into the legacy of Logan High School football and the coaching philosophy of Coach Favero. The impact of Coach Favero's game strategy is discussed, as well as the success of Logan High School football. The conversation …

1
"A Life-Changing Kick" - Grady Gross Discusses Recruitment and His Pivotal Game-Winning Moment 35:03

1+ y ago35:03

35:03

Grady Gross, the kicker for the University of Washington, discusses his journey from high school to college football, including his recruitment process and the challenges he faced. He shares how he transitioned from soccer to football and the transferable skills he gained. Grady also talks about his game-winning field goal in the Apple Cup and the …

1
Unlocking the Mystery of Full-Ride Scholarships in College Football 20:08

1+ y ago20:08

20:08

In Episode 58 of "The Recruit Grind," host Funaki Asisi (Naki) demystifies the components of a full-ride scholarship within FBS and FCS football programs. Using his insights from the University of Oregon, Naki breaks down the financial and academic aspects, such as cost of attendance, athletic aid, and the specifics of stipend checks. He also delve…

1
Bronson Kaufusi's Family-Driven Approach to College Football Recruiting 1:14:21

1+ y ago1:14:21

1:14:21

In this episode of "The Recruit Grind," host Naki has an in-depth conversation with former BYU football star and NFL player Bronson Kaufusi. They discuss Bronson's multifaceted journey through high school, college sports, and his professional career, offering insights into the challenges and strategies of recruiting and the importance of adaptabili…

1
Leadership, Learning, and Love: Ryan Zimmerman's Story 1:07:24

1+ y ago1:07:24

1:07:24

In this insightful episode of The Recruit Grind, Naki Asisi welcomes Coach Ryan Zimmerman, a former multi-sport athlete turned coach, now thriving in academia. Zimmerman shares his unique journey from the sports field to becoming a department chair, offering valuable lessons on leadership, the challenges in coaching, and the importance of pursuing …

1
Achieve Dreams: Chris Randle's High School, College, and CFL Journey 1:25:26

1+ y ago1:25:26

1:25:26

In Episode 55 of "The Recruit Grind," host Naki engages in an insightful conversation with Chris Randle, a former professional football player in the Canadian Football League (CFL). They discuss Chris's journey from high school football to the CFL, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and his post-retirement ventures in real estate and youth …

1
Youth Football 101: Finding the Perfect Coach & Program for Your Kid 29:58

1+ y ago29:58

29:58

Hey there, fellow parents and sports enthusiasts! I’m your host, Naki, and in episode 54 of "The Recruit Grind," I dive deep into a topic we all wrestle with: figuring out the right time and place to introduce our kids to sports, especially football. I get real with you all by sharing a funny yet eye-opening story about my son's first year on the f…

1
Season Over? No Offers? Let's Put a Plan Together! 17:15

1+ y ago17:15

17:15

In episode 53, we revisited the highlights from episode 52 before shifting our focus to the post-season journey for young athletes. We discussed the importance of reflection, staying active, attending sports camps, and updating highlight reels. Moreover, we explored the challenges of waiting for college offers and the significance of resilience, dr…

1
You Are More Than Just an Athlete: A Chat with One of My Mentors, Jason Thomas 1:00:33

1+ y ago1:00:33

1:00:33

In a special edition of *The Recruit Grind*, I am thrilled to welcome someone who's been instrumental in my journey, both as a mentor and now a cherished friend, Jason Thomas (JT). Currently shining as the Director of Talent Management for the Oregon State University Foundation, JT's path as a student-athlete and his transition from the glitz of So…

1
Specific Measurable Metrics College Coaches are Looking for in Recruiting 27:37

1+ y ago27:37

27:37

In this episode we discuss the ongoing evaluation period in college sports recruiting. This period allows athletics staff to assess prospective student-athletes without in-person off-campus recruiting contacts. In which, I ran into some while attending a high school game last weekend. Also, side note, If you have suggestions for games to attend, fe…

1
Unleashing Grit: Josh Flores' Walk-On Triumph 47:02

1+ y ago47:02

47:02

In Episode 50, we welcome a special guest, Josh Flores, a former walk-on at Utah State University who defied the odds and earned a scholarship. Josh's story is one of sheer determination and perseverance, as he reflects on his high school days as a standout multi-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. During this episode, Josh opens u…

1
First Steps in Recruiting (Combining Two Episodes From The Vault) 1:07:57

1+ y ago1:07:57

1:07:57

In this special episode, we revisit two essential topics from previous discussions. First, we take a deep dive into NCAA Eligibility, breaking down core course requirements, the GPA vs. ACT/SAT sliding scale, and where to find crucial information. This revisit comes after the overwhelming response to a TikTok video on eligibility. Next, we explore …

1
Navigating Career Challenges in Sports: Insights from Naki Asisi 39:47

1+ y ago39:47

39:47

In this engaging discussion with Southern Utah University Sports Communications students, Naki Asisi shared valuable insights from his extensive career in college athletics. He emphasized that his experiences and lessons learned were applicable beyond sports careers and encouraged students to critically consider their own paths. Key takeaways inclu…

1
Measurable Metrics and Athletic Performance: Recruiting Insights with Micah Cloward 1:12:42

1+ y ago1:12:42

1:12:42

In Episode 47 of The Recruit Grind podcast, we're joined by Micah Cloward, Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Sioux Falls. As always, our goal is to provide you with valuable insights into college sports recruiting. In this episode, we had an enriching conversation covering various aspects: 1. Micah's Inspiring Journey: We d…

1
Lessons for the Losers: Lets Win in the Locker Room First 20:46

1+ y ago20:46

20:46

In Episode 46 of The Recruit Grind, we delve into the power of perseverance, the essence of a winning culture, and the impact of leadership in sports. We're addressing the struggles of teams that might be facing a tough season and discussing how they can turn the tide. We draw inspiration from the book "You Win in the Locker Room First" by Coach Mi…

1
From Undrafted to NFL Veteran: Tyler Larsen's Inspiring Journey 59:59

1+ y ago59:59

59:59

In Episode 45 of The Recruit Grind, we have the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Tyler Larsen, currently the center for the Washington Commanders in the NFL. Tyler takes us on an awe-inspiring journey through his recruiting story, from his early days working in landscaping alongside his family to becoming a seasoned NFL athlete enterin…

1
NCAA Recruiting Calendar Explained & Impact Players From the Provo vs. Timpview Live Stream 24:02

1+ y ago24:02

24:02

Welcome to Episode 44 of The Recruit Grind podcast! In this episode, we shine a spotlight on impact players from the Provo High School vs. Timpview High School game. If you missed the action, catch it here: https://ska.tv/88dd34a But that's not all—our episode takes an informative turn as we delve into the NCAA Recruiting Calendar for football. Thi…

1
Conferences, NIL, and EA Sports with Bryson Lester 51:45

1+ y ago51:45

51:45

In Episode 43 of The Recruit Grind podcast, Bryson Lester, the Big Sky Conference Director of Communications, joins the conversation to shed light on the evolving landscape of college sports recruiting, how conferences show support to their schools, how you can leverage social media for your gain, and the recent changes in NCAA policies, particular…

1
Recruiting Tips: Ways to Get More Playing Time 34:54

1+ y ago34:54

34:54

In Episode 42 of The Recruit Grind podcast, we delve into essential strategies for athletes who find themselves facing challenges when it comes to playing time and performance. We explore a comprehensive range of factors that can influence your journey in sports, from skill improvement to attitude, teamwork, competition, and academic performance. K…

1
Navigating FBS and FCS Scholarships: Advice from SUU's Athletics Leaders 1:07:35

1+ y ago1:07:35

1:07:35

In Episode 41 of The Recruit Grind podcast, we have the privilege of hosting two esteemed guests from Southern Utah University, Jeff Tukuafu, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Events, and Hayden Coombs, Professor of Sports Management & Communications. Together, they provide valuable insights on a wide range of topics, including …

1
Navigating Coach Meetings with Confidence: Key Tips for High School Athletes 35:17

2y ago35:17

35:17

In Episode 40 of The Recruit Grind podcast, we explore the importance of displaying confidence and self-awareness when meeting a coach in person for the first time. As high school athletes, it's crucial to be prepared and ready to make a lasting impression during these significant interactions. Here are some valuable tips to help you approach coach…

1
Preparing for Your Upcoming Football Season: Tips for Your Recruit Grind 30:23

2y ago30:23

30:23

In Episode 39 of The Recruit Grind podcast, we explore game-time success strategies for high school athletes aiming to impress college recruiters. As the season heats up, we emphasize the importance of this critical time, especially for seniors, where their summer hard work comes to fruition. We address uncertainties post-senior year, acknowledging…

1
Life Lessons for Success: 10 Insights That Shaped My Journey 41:15

2y ago41:15

41:15

Episode 38 of The Recruit Grind is a captivating departure from the usual recruiting-focused content. Join us as we dive into a compelling exploration of 10 life lessons that have shaped me and can positively impact your journey. From finding purpose and passion, to the profound influence of people in your life, to taking control of your mindset an…

1
Undersized Walk-On to Defensive Standout: Frankie Sutera's Path in College Football 1:07:29

2y ago1:07:29

1:07:29

In Episode 37 of The Recruit Grind, we sit down with Frankie Sutera, former walk-on turned scholarship player at Utah State University. Join us as we dive into Frankie's inspiring journey as an undersized and under-appreciated walk-on, and how he overcame adversities to become a key player on the defense. We discuss the importance of building stron…

1
Insider Tips for Aspiring QBs: Coach Matt Wells Reveals All in Episode 36 1:13:40

2y ago1:13:40

1:13:40

Episode 36 of The Recruit Grind features an insightful interview with Matt Wells, former head coach at Utah State University and Texas Tech University. In this episode, Coach Wells shares his coaching journey, reflecting on the valuable lessons learned along the way. He discusses the challenges and rewards of college coaching, from starting at the …

1
High School to D1: Trey & C.J. Fite's Tips for Aspiring College Players 51:49

2y ago51:49

51:49

In Episode 35 of The Recruit Grind, we sit down with Trey and C.J. Fite, two talented brothers from Tatum High School who are now making waves in D1 college football. Trey is playing at Louisiana Lafayette while C.J. is representing Arizona State. Join us as they share their unique perspective on growing up just 15 months apart and the invaluable e…

1
Overcoming Setbacks, Demeanor, and Triumphs: Recruit Chronicles | The Recruit Grind Podcast 42:14

2y ago42:14

42:14

In Episode 34 of our podcast, we're highlighting some of the most inspiring moments from previous episodes. Join us as we delve into the stories and insights shared by our remarkable guests. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect: In Episode 15, we sit down with BoJay Filimoeatu, who reveals how a setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise, s…

1
Recruit Grind Celebration: Highlights & Insights for College Sports Recruiting Success 40:47

2y ago40:47

40:47

Celebrate with us on "The Recruit Grind" as we reach over 1000 podcast downloads! In this special episode, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our listeners by taking a trip down memory lane. Join us for a recap of some of our early episodes where we shared invaluable advice on getting high school athletes recruited for college sports. Listen to …

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Funaki Asisi Podcasts

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