NCSA Football Recruiting Coaches
Brendon Albert
CoachBAlbert@ncsasports.org | 312-999-5346 | Temple University
I was a four-sport athlete at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, competing in football, basketball, lacrosse as well as track and field. After high school, I attended Temple University, a Division I school in Philadelphia. I chose Temple due to the fact it was an urban campus close to home with an elite sports management program. From there, I took a position with IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, working for former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Chris Weinke. I trained the NFL combine class, including 60 now NFL players as well as helped build the IMG Academy program into the national powerhouse it is today.
As enjoyable as my time at IMG Academy was, I realized my purpose in life was helping student-athletes on a much larger scale get a college education by means of playing football. My purpose in life fits perfectly with NCSA. This is easily my favorite thing about working for NCSA.
Brian Baker-Watson
CoachBWatson@ncsasports.org | 312-999-5397 | Benedictine University
I played fullback in college for Benedictine University. I have had the pleasure to coach 64 All-Conference players and 18 All-Americans who have set over 40 school records. I came to work for NCSA because I really enjoy the satisfaction of helping student-athletes find the right college. As a successful collegiate football coach and recruiter for 28 years, recruiting has always been one of the things I really enjoy. My favorite part about working at NCSA is getting a chance to talk, meet, and help different students and their families through the recruiting process, and seeing the happiness and joy at the end of the process when the student finds their fit is highly rewarding.
Andrew Foster Jr
CoachAFoster@ncsasports.org | 312-624-7441 | University of Kentucky
I attended a four-year college at the University of Kentucky. I did not continue to compete in college because of a knee injury in my senior year of high school. Prior to college, I competed in football at Ballard High School in Louisville, KY. The most rewarding part of working for NCSA is that I get to connect with families and guide the families in the right direction of this recruiting process. My main goal is to help families understand the recruiting process and give them the knowledge that it’s never too early to get in contact with college coaches.
I want to make sure that after talking to the families they have more insight on steps that should be taken to make sure that the student-athlete can pursue their passion. When I am not working at NCSA, I coach high school football for Ballard High School as the Inside Wide Receiver Coach. Football is life!
Caylin Hauptmann
CoachCHauptmann@ncsasports.org | 312-999-5345 | Florida International University
I am a Football Recruiting Coach a part of the NCSA team, a former NFL player, and a collegiate football coach. Prior to winning 2 Super Bowls in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, and the New England Patriots I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Florida International University in Hospitality Management & Tourism. I also received my MBA in International Business from Webber International University while coaching the offensive line & tight ends at the University.
Additionally, I was a multi-sport athlete in high school which included, football, track & field, wrestling, and martial arts. During my collegiate career, I was selected as an Outland Trophy finalist and continued to receive all-conference football awards.
The recruiting process is tough, but one of the most rewarding parts of working with NCSA is that we have the ability to connect with and guide families in the right direction throughout the recruiting process. I am dedicated to sharing my own, and my team's knowledge with student-athletes and their families through the duration of his/her recruiting process to get them to the next level.
Ross Newkirk
CoachRNewkirk@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4794 | Sacred Heart University
I grew up in a historic high school football town, but not a recruiting town. The area was not considered a “priority” for university and college coaches. Resources like NCSA were not available at the time, and I remember the process being overwhelming and even frustrating. I learned many lessons the hard way doing it alone, so I share my story to help others today. I ultimately made my way through and found some success but, in looking back, I wish I had a mentor to guide and help me. Someone to tell me what I needed to hear and not just what I wanted to hear. I know I would have made smarter, and likely better, choices. My personal high school recruiting experience left the foundation of what drives my passion today to help mentor others to reach their college goals and find the success they desire. As a head football recruiting coach at NCSA, I get to give back to the sport I love, make rewarding use of my expertise, and pay it forward to the next generation(s) of student-athletes.
Bill Perkins
CoachBPerkins@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4635 | Slippery Rock University
I was a multi-sport athlete in high school and chose to pursue football and major in education in college. I walked on at Slippery Rock University (D2-PSAC-West) in the spring of 1985 and completed both my degree and playing career in December of 1989. I registered 129 career tackles and was honored as a PSAC West All-Conference Second Team selection as a senior. I played my senior year under legendary head coach Dr. George Mihalik, who retired after the 2015 season, and my position coach was the late 1956 WVU All-American Joe Kopnisky, who played in the East/West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl and was later drafted by the NFL’s Chicago Cardinals.
Upon graduation, I accepted a teaching/coaching position alongside Jerry Carter in Warrenon, Virginia, where I taught and coached for three years prior to returning to Pennsylvania. I began a career at Bloomsburg University (D2 – PSAC – East) handling the defensive line/strength and conditioning duties and was blessed to have coached 28 players to First Team All-PSAC East honors, 23 players to Second Team All-Conference honors, and three All-Americans (Gary Fittery, Jon Ochs and Larry Webster). Webster was also a fourth-round draft pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2014 NFL Draft, and he spent two seasons with Detroit. Currently, he is with the Carolina Panthers. In 2014, I was honored as the Samson Equipment Division II Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year.
I will be entering my 28th year as a physical education/health teacher in the Bloomsburg Area School District. I previously led the athletic program as the director of athletics for 17 years. My wife Debbie and I are the parents of two daughters, Leighnah and Willow. Leighnah graduated magna cum laude from Ursinus College in May of 2017 with a degree in media and communications and a minor in creative writing. Willow is entering her sophomore year at Bloomsburg University, and she plays forward on the field hockey team. She is currently undecided about her major.
Jamar Ritch
CoachJRitch@ncsasports.org | 312-999-5325 | Fresno State University
I’m originally from Inglewood, California. I played football in high school and college at Fresno State. After college, I wanted to continue working in football, so I returned to Inglewood to coach at my high school alma mater Morningside High School to gain coaching experience. While coaching I started a graphic design business helping businesses gain marketing exposure. After a year I really wanted to pursue football head-on. So I was blessed to receive a job in the Arena Football League assisting with coaching and player personnel. I really enjoyed working for a professional football team that went to the Arena Bowl.
In 2011 I returned to California to work for Whittier College as a Defensive Line Coach, Recruiting Coordinator, and Director of Football Operations. I really enjoyed recruiting and helping the student-athletes accomplish their goals. So after leaving Whittier, I relocated to Nashville, TN and worked in recruiting and operations for Tennessee State University. Coming into my first year at NCSA, I’m looking to continue helping athletes gain insight into the recruiting process and accomplish their goals.
Jim Vert
CoachJVert@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4736 | Yuba College
I have been involved in football as a player and coach now for over 40 years. I played football at the Pop Warner, high school, and collegiate levels as an inside linebacker and offensive lineman. My football playing days were cut short due to multiple knee injuries while at Yuba College. I have coached high school varsity football for 30 years with the last 24 being at a highly successful program winning multiple league and CIF championships. My favorite part of working for NCSA is I get to help young student-athletes achieve their goal of getting their degree while playing college football.
Jordan Wells
CoachJWells@ncsasports.org | 312-205-7508 | University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
I attended Elgin High School in Elgin, Illinois, where I was a four-sport athlete participating in football, basketball, baseball (two years), and track (two years). I studied health and human performance with a minor in health promotion at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I was fortunate enough to be a four-year letter winner, a two-time national champion, a four-time WIAC Conference champion, and an All-Conference WR (2009) for the UW-Whitewater Warhawk football team. After I concluded my playing days, I stayed with the program and served as the wide receivers coach which also produced a national championship in the 2010 season.
I quickly found my role here at NCSA after a short stint as a personal trainer through LA Fitness and private sessions. I began my NCSA career in 2011 and have enjoyed working with student-athletes and their families through every step of the recruiting journey. Some of the most gratifying moments of my NCSA career have been the opportunities I have had to hear, see and feel the emotion of student-athletes as they make their commitments to their respective colleges and universities. I enjoy every day that I get to lead, coach, drive and inspire those to achieve their dreams and continue on to the next chapter of their book.
Matt Wilchinski
CoachMWilchinski@ncsasports.org | 312-999-5369 | McDaniel College
I attended Glastonbury High School in Glastonbury, Connecticut, where I was a three-sport athlete competing in football, baseball, and wrestling. I earned All-State honors in both football and wrestling but knew that I wanted to play football at the collegiate level. I went on to study exercise science at McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College), and led the program to four post-season appearances and four Centennial Conference Championships. I was a two-time team captain (2001, 2002), All – American (2002), and the Centennial Conferences Defensive Player of the Year (2002).
After my playing career, I spent five years coaching at the collegiate level serving as a strength and conditioning coach at the University of Maryland – College Park (2002), an assistant football coach at King’s College (2003), and the Special Teams Coordinator at McDaniel College (2003 – 2007).
In 2007 I transitioned out of coaching the X’s and O’s of football and focused on serving others as a strength and conditioning coach. Helping people enhance their performance both on and off the field is something I am truly passionate about.
Some of the most gratifying moments of my professional career have been helping people achieve their goals. I joined NCSA as a Recruiting Coach in 2020 because I believe I can help guide families and student-athletes through the NCAA recruiting process.
Mike Wood
CoachMWood@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4726 | McDaniel College
I attended Brandywine High School in Wilmington, DE where I was a two-sport athlete, competing in Football and lacrosse. I continued my education at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD where I was a member of four straight conference championship teams for football. I started my coaching career at the high school level at the charter school of Wilmington in Delaware and then began my college and professional coaching career. My career spanned 17 years and included stops at every level from Division III up to the NFL. My stops included the University of Massachusetts (Amherst), Gettysburg College, American International College (MA), Millersville University (PA), Alvernia University (PA), and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Will Wright
CoachWWright@ncsasports.org | 312-638-4858 | Wake Forest University
I am a football fanatic from Wilmington North Carolina. Growing up I played varsity football and basketball at Hoggard High School. After earning all-conference honors in both sports during my senior year I went on to accept a full scholarship from Wake Forest University to play defensive end. After graduating I coached basketball at a private school in Wilmington called Cape Fear Academy as the junior varsity head coach for three years and an assistant to the varsity team for four years.
My parents sacrificed a lot of time, energy, and resources to help me achieve my collegiate goal and I am thrilled to be working for NCSA to help other parents and student-athletes with their recruiting journey. Football is truly my passion and in my free time, I am a die-hard fan of the New England Patriots, an active member of a flag football team, and also train several high school athletes that are looking to further enhance their football skills.
Zach Hayward
CoachZacharyHayward@ncsasports.org | Geneva College
I attended Geneva College from 2009-2014 where he studied Business Administration and Sport Management. During his time at Geneva, he played both Football and Basketball for the Golden Tornadoes and was selected NCCAA, PAC, and NCAA All-American. Coach Hayward holds multiple records at Geneva College including passing percentage, all-purpose yards in a season, single-game passing records, and career passing records. After his playing days were over, Coach Hayward joined the Golden Tornado staff as a Wide Receivers Coach and Passing Game Coordinator. After coaching at Geneva, he dropped down to the High School ranks and has been the Head Football Coach at Blackhawk High School for the past 4 years.
My favorite part of working with NCSA is the families and connections gained throughout the recruiting process. Coach Hayward can remember his recruiting process and what it was like to be in the position of visiting colleges and narrowing down the selections. He looks forward to working with more families and guiding athletes in the recruiting process.
Eric Bergman
CoachEBergman@ncsasports.org | Southern Illinois University
I grew up in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. I graduated from Southern Illinois University where I was a four-year letterman and was a part of two conference championships.
After my time at SIU, I pursued coaching football at the collegiate level. I spent 10 years at Division II McKendree University. I worked my way up from graduate assistant to eventually becoming the offensive coordinator. I loved being part of a team and impacting the lives of student-athletes. I have gained knowledge through my time as a college coach to help guide families through the recruiting process. Joining NCSA was a great way for me to continue to make an impact on student athletes’ lives. I reside in Breese Illinois, where I enjoy spending time with my wife Bianca, and our two children: Adah and Rush.
Alex Wheat
CoachAWheat@ncsasports.org | 877-845-6272 | Coastal Carolina University
I started playing football at the age of 8. I had the opportunity to play football at the Division I level making stops at Utah State and Coastal Carolina before playing professionally at the arena football level for 3 years. After my playing career, I coached varsity football at West Jordan High School (UT) and Gainesville High School (FL).
I reside in Gainesville, FL currently but frequently spend time in the Atlanta area as that is where I am from.
NCSA helped me get recruited as a high school athlete and I am forever grateful for that. Now I am here to give back the same gift of guidance that NCSA extended to me.
Chris Wright
CoachCWright@ncsasports.org |
I started my college journey at a Junior College in Washington where I played football. I ended up as a 2x conference champion, captain, and team MVP during my career. Unfortunately, I got hurt and was unable to continue my journey to the next level, but it propelled my coaching career during my last two years as an undergraduate student.
I then went on to earn my M.Ed from the University of Washington and become a full-time employee as part of the football recruiting department.
I wanted to join NCSA to continue growing my abilities as a recruiter and giving back to families that were in a similar situation that I went through.
I reside in the suburbs of the Seattle area with my fiancée and our dog (Cooper) and cat (Blaine).
Cory Heflin
CoachCHeflin@ncsasports.org | 872-240-2123 | West Virginia University
I played football, basketball and ran track throughout high school, so athletics have been an instrumental part of my life since a very young age. After graduating high school, I was fortunate enough to become a Student Assistant with the football team at West Virginia University, where I also obtained an undergraduate degree in Athletic Coaching Education and Sport Psychology. Following graduation, I was offered a coaching position at West Virginia Wesleyan College, a Division II program. During my three seasons there as the Quarterback Coach, I helped mentor an all-conference quarterback and added titles such as Recruiting Coordinator and Director of Football Operations. In 2016, I returned to my alma mater of WVU as a Graduate Assistant Football Coach and obtained a master’s degree in Communications. I spent three seasons working primarily with the defense but fully immersed myself in all aspects of the football program to gain as much knowledge as possible working with a Division I team. During my time coaching at WVU, we won 25 games which was the second most by any Big XII team during those seasons, and went to three straight bowls.
Since my time at WVU, I have coached at three different prestigious high schools in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and now North Carolina. Coaching and helping young athletes reach their fullest potential both on and off the field is what drives me. I am so happy to know that I work for a company that allows me to fulfill my passion in life! I reside in Charlotte, NC with my beautiful fiancé and our two dogs.
Hunter Kohls
CoachHKohls@ncsasports.org | 872-260-0875 | University of Cincinnati
I am originally from Cincinnati, OH. I played my high school football at Purcell Marian High School, then continued to the next level, playing at Bluffton University and Earlham College. After an injury, I decided to finish my undergraduate studies at the University of Cincinnati and got my coaching career started at Purcell Marian High School. After graduating, I was given the opportunity to move on as a graduate assistant at Siena Heights University, an NAIA school in Adrian, MI. After two years as a GA, I stayed on staff and continued to coach the WR position.
I joined NCSA as a recruiting coach in 2022. The most rewarding thing about working at NCSA will be to work with many student-athletes, and their families, helping them achieve their goals of playing at the next level and continuing their education.
I reside in the Southeast Michigan area. When I am not working I enjoy spending time outside on the water or cooking, preferably on the smoker!
Jacob Tilghman
CoachJTilghman@ncsasports.org | 312-610-6187 | University of Florida
I joined NCSA in 2021 as a recruiting coordinator who helped bring on new families and provided a positive first interaction between the families and NCSA. I am now a Football Recruiting Coach who will be helping our football athletes and their families navigate the recruiting process and their NCSA profile.
My father was a Division 1 College Football Coach for 21 years and I myself played 5 years of Division 1 football at The University of Florida. My entire life has revolved around football and I am excited to be able to use my experiences and knowledge to help guide families through the recruiting process!
Jake Britton
CoachJBritton@ncsasports.org | 312-690-6323 | University of Dubuque
The most exciting part of this job is having the opportunity to help student-athletes achieve their dreams of continuing to play sports at the collegiate level. I grew up in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago where I attended Woodstock North High School and played Football and Baseball for 4 years.
After graduation, I was fortunate enough to continue my football career at Division III University of Dubuque. While at Dubuque I had the opportunity to start 30 games on the offensive line, but more importantly, I was able to earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Health Science. After graduation, I spent a year at UD as an Offensive Graduate Assistant and Assistant Offensive Line Coach. I then moved on to be an Offensive Line Intern at The University of North Dakota. During my time as a player and a coach I was able to experience first-hand the positive impact being involved in collegiate athletics can have on a student-athlete’s college experience. I feel beyond lucky to have the opportunity to be able to continue to strive to have a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes!
Jermod Mapp
CoachJMapp@ncsasports.org | North Carolina Central University
I attended a four-year college at North Carolina Central University. I competed in two sports while in college. Prior to college, I competed on the football, track, and wrestling team at Hugh M. Cummings High School.
The most rewarding part of working for NCSA is that I get to connect with families and guide the families in the right direction of this recruiting process. Another favorite part of working with NCSA is not only having a connection with families but my colleagues. I am a team player, I am very determined, and I am always willing to put forth my best efforts as if I’m still competing.
Kody Walker
CoachKWalker@ncsasports.org | 312-610-6183 | University of Arkansas
I grew up in mid-Missouri and started playing sports at a young age. I attended Jefferson City High School where I was a 3-year varsity letterman in football and basketball. I started to get attention early in high school for football. I was blessed to receive a scholarship to the University of Arkansas where I chose to continue my student-athlete career.
There I battled for 6 years through injuries receiving two medical redshirts. I was named team captain in my final season in 2016. I had a great experience in northwest Arkansas building lifelong relationships as well as learning from some of the best minds in football. I graduated with a sports management degree.
After my playing career, I got into training and coaching. I have a true passion for helping youth achieve their goals through sports. I have 5 years of experience coaching high school football as a running backs coach in Missouri and sports-related training. Every student-athlete has a different path and a different story to tell. Every student-athlete also deserves the support to better themselves and reach their full potential as a player and person. That is what makes the process of what we do here at NCSA so touching.
When I am not working I am spending time with my family, my beautiful wife, and our two young sons. We are a sports family so we are either watching, attending, or playing some type of sport/event. We support the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, and Bulls. And of course the Razorbacks.
Patrick Tello
CoachPTello@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4605 | Southern Illinois University
I am a Football Recruiting Coach for NCSA. Prior to joining NCSA, I coached at the collegiate level of football for 10+ years where I coached numerous All-Americans and All-Conference players.
I always made sure to put my players in a position to make plays on the field and mentor them to be outstanding student-athletes. I bring that same commitment to every player and family member going through the recruiting process in search of their perfect fit in a college or university.
Dan Hernandez
CoachDHernandez@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4606 | Upper Iowa University
I grew up in the South Florida area. Throughout my high school career, I played multiple sports. However, football was and still is my passion. After graduating high school, I attended Upper Iowa University (DII) where I played defensive line.
After I graduated college, I began my football coaching career. I had the great fortune of coaching at almost every level of college football and the NFL. This led to a number of bowl appearances, all-conference players, playoff berths, and conference championships. I also participated in the NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowship program. This program allowed me to coach alongside Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2023, After 10-plus years of coaching at the college level, I joined NCSA. The opportunity to join NCSA was a no-brainer. Staying connected to the game was important, but mainly creating an impact for student-athletes and their families.
My family and I reside in the Chicagoland area.
Tim Driscoll
CoachTDriscoll@ncsasports.org | 312-610-6082 | North Dakota State University
As the son of a college football coach, I knew that I wanted to be involved in college athletics at a very young age. I was a football player and pole vaulter in high school and transitioned into coaching at North Dakota State University where I was a graduate assistant football coach earning my master’s degree in athletic administration.
From there, I coached football and taught at the high school level for 2 years followed by 1 year of coaching at a Jr college where I enjoyed helping my players find their next college opportunity. I spent the next 14 years as a defensive coordinator at the Division II level where I enjoyed success on and off the field. One of the most rewarding parts of being a college football coach was recruiting a student-athlete where I could give the young man an opportunity not only to compete at the college level but also to receive a great education.
Seeing young men that I recruited earn great degrees and become successfully employed was an unbelievable feeling. I was given the opportunity to start a Division III college football program from scratch as the head football coach. I accepted the challenge which meant recruit, recruit, recruit! In my four years as a head coach, it was great to experience all of the firsts. The first game, first points, first touchdown, first win. After my stint as a head coach, I took another division II defensive coordinator position far away from my home where I spent two more years.
Being a recruiting specialist at NCSA allows me to be home with my wife and three daughters who are in high school and middle school competing in all of the sports that they can. I am grateful to have the privilege of using my recruiting knowledge to help young student-athletes achieve their dream of competing at the collegiate level.
Travis Tislaretz
CoachTTislaretz@ncsasports.org | 312-579-2544 | Youngstown State University
I joined NCSA as a Baseball Recruiting Coach in 2023, following nine years as an Assistant Baseball Coach at the college level. I served as an Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL), and at Sterling College (Sterling, KS) after beginning my coaching career at my alma mater, York University (York, NE).
The most exciting part of my job with NCSA is the opportunity to continue to connect with and work with athletes and families, and share my expertise to help guide prospective students through the recruiting process.
I live in the Chicago suburbs with my wife and our daughter.