Director of Scouting and Player Personnel for The @CGSAllStar | @calstampeders Area Scout

Joined July 2013
5,499 Photos and videos
Mike Rittelmann retweeted
Here at @SFHSFBWheaton we have 2. Helping our young men achieve their dreams of playing at the next level. #allin #frannyvseveryone
I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it: every high school football program should have a designated Recruiting Coordinator on staff Too often I hear excuses such as: • “It’s extra work” • “We don’t have college prospects” • “We’re too small of a school” • “Our head coach handles that” • “College coaches never come here” • “Parents can figure it out themselves” • “We only have one or two recruits every few years” The reality is none of those are valid reasons A Recruiting Coordinator’s job is not simply to help Power Four athletes earn scholarships. Their responsibility is to educate families, promote student-athletes, communicate with college coaches, organize recruiting information, assist with highlight film distribution, coordinate camp opportunities, and make sure every player has an opportunity to be evaluated Not every athlete is going to play at the FBS level, but many can play at the FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, JUCO, or other collegiate levels if they receive the proper guidance and exposure From my perspective, recruiting should be treated as an extension of player development. Programs spend countless hours developing players on the field. They should be just as committed to helping those players create opportunities beyond high school The programs that consistently send athletes to the next level are often the programs that have a plan, a point person, and a structured recruiting process. A Recruiting Coordinator is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity for schools that truly want to maximize opportunities for their student-athletes
2
4
709
Mike Rittelmann retweeted
Our recruiting coordinator @rrubal77 is ELITE for our kids! Never meet a guy who works so hard to get our kids their opportunity! Come visit McKinney High and you will find someone who can help you at the next level! @McKinneyFBall #RecruitTheRoar #GoldStandard
I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it: every high school football program should have a designated Recruiting Coordinator on staff Too often I hear excuses such as: • “It’s extra work” • “We don’t have college prospects” • “We’re too small of a school” • “Our head coach handles that” • “College coaches never come here” • “Parents can figure it out themselves” • “We only have one or two recruits every few years” The reality is none of those are valid reasons A Recruiting Coordinator’s job is not simply to help Power Four athletes earn scholarships. Their responsibility is to educate families, promote student-athletes, communicate with college coaches, organize recruiting information, assist with highlight film distribution, coordinate camp opportunities, and make sure every player has an opportunity to be evaluated Not every athlete is going to play at the FBS level, but many can play at the FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, JUCO, or other collegiate levels if they receive the proper guidance and exposure From my perspective, recruiting should be treated as an extension of player development. Programs spend countless hours developing players on the field. They should be just as committed to helping those players create opportunities beyond high school The programs that consistently send athletes to the next level are often the programs that have a plan, a point person, and a structured recruiting process. A Recruiting Coordinator is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity for schools that truly want to maximize opportunities for their student-athletes
1
5
8
2,812
Mike Rittelmann retweeted
Replying to @MRittCGS
So good, so helpful, Coach. Thank you.
1
1
1
637
Cover 2 has been a staple of defensive football for decades because it helps defenses limit explosive plays while keeping multiple defenders with eyes on the quarterback From a coaching and scouting perspective, beating Cover 2 is less about finding a single play and more about understanding how to consistently attack the stress points built into the coverage The offenses that have the most success against Cover 2 are the ones that force safeties to defend width, force linebackers to carry routes deeper than they want, and create conflict between coverage levels Key Areas to Attack: • Seams between the safeties and underneath defenders • Deep middle in traditional Cover 2 • Hole shot along the sideline between the corner and safety • Windows behind the linebackers and in front of the safeties • Soft spots created through route spacing and defender leverage Concepts That Consistently Stress Cover 2: • Smash • Seam Read • Mills • Dagger • Y-Seam • Mesh • Post-Dig • Play-Action Crossers The quarterback’s ability to identify leverage, manipulate safeties, and throw with anticipation is often what separates successful offenses from average ones against Cover 2. Waiting for receivers to become visibly open usually allows the coverage to recover. The best quarterbacks trust their reads, understand timing, and attack windows before they fully develop For receivers and tight ends, success comes from understanding spacing, recognizing zone coverage, attacking leverage, and creating stress on defenders without disrupting the timing of the concept. Route discipline is critical because Cover 2 is designed to capitalize on mistakes and poor spacing
2
12
77
3,477
Mike Rittelmann retweeted
Thanks @MRittCGS 🫱🏾‍🫲🏼
From a scouting perspective, Ben Grubbs possessed the combination of athleticism, versatility, toughness, and technical refinement that NFL teams look for in a high-level interior offensive lineman. He possessed the combination of size, movement skills, toughness, football intelligence, and consistency that NFL teams covet in a high-level interior offensive lineman At @AuburnFootball, Grubbs took a unique path to becoming an elite offensive line prospect. After arriving at Auburn as a defensive player, he spent time at defensive tackle before moving to tight end and eventually settling at offensive guard. That background helped develop the athleticism, footwork, body control, and football intelligence that later became defining traits of his game. As he continued to develop, Grubbs emerged as one of the top offensive linemen in the country, earning First-Team All-SEC honors and Second-Team All-American recognition before becoming a first-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft His pre-draft testing showcased the athletic traits that consistently appeared on film: • Height: 6’2¾” • Weight: 311 lbs • Arm Length: 33½” • Hand Size: 10¼” • 40-Yard Dash: 5.10 seconds • 10-Yard Split: 1.65 seconds • Bench Press: 35 reps • Vertical Jump: 26.5” • Broad Jump: 8’7” • Short Shuttle: 4.72 seconds • 3 Cone: 7.70 seconds Traits That Consistently Showed Up On Film: • Outstanding athleticism for an interior offensive lineman • Excellent foot quickness, balance, and body control • Strong hand placement and leverage • Effective second-level blocker • Ability to execute pulls, traps, and reach blocks • Reliable pass protector with a strong anchor • High football IQ and awareness • Scheme versatility • Toughness and physicality at the point of attack His NFL career validated what evaluators saw during the scouting process. Grubbs was selected 29th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft, earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors, was selected to two Pro Bowls, and started 125 games during a nine-year career. He established himself as one of the league’s most reliable guards and consistently demonstrated the traits teams seek in a long-term starter
1
7
1,180
Mike Rittelmann retweeted
@BGrubbs66 legend! 1 of the best ! @AuburnFootball @Ravens
1
3
4
632
Mike Rittelmann retweeted
💯
I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it: every high school football program should have a designated Recruiting Coordinator on staff Too often I hear excuses such as: • “It’s extra work” • “We don’t have college prospects” • “We’re too small of a school” • “Our head coach handles that” • “College coaches never come here” • “Parents can figure it out themselves” • “We only have one or two recruits every few years” The reality is none of those are valid reasons A Recruiting Coordinator’s job is not simply to help Power Four athletes earn scholarships. Their responsibility is to educate families, promote student-athletes, communicate with college coaches, organize recruiting information, assist with highlight film distribution, coordinate camp opportunities, and make sure every player has an opportunity to be evaluated Not every athlete is going to play at the FBS level, but many can play at the FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, JUCO, or other collegiate levels if they receive the proper guidance and exposure From my perspective, recruiting should be treated as an extension of player development. Programs spend countless hours developing players on the field. They should be just as committed to helping those players create opportunities beyond high school The programs that consistently send athletes to the next level are often the programs that have a plan, a point person, and a structured recruiting process. A Recruiting Coordinator is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity for schools that truly want to maximize opportunities for their student-athletes
1
2
1,073
I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it: every high school football program should have a designated Recruiting Coordinator on staff Too often I hear excuses such as: • “It’s extra work” • “We don’t have college prospects” • “We’re too small of a school” • “Our head coach handles that” • “College coaches never come here” • “Parents can figure it out themselves” • “We only have one or two recruits every few years” The reality is none of those are valid reasons A Recruiting Coordinator’s job is not simply to help Power Four athletes earn scholarships. Their responsibility is to educate families, promote student-athletes, communicate with college coaches, organize recruiting information, assist with highlight film distribution, coordinate camp opportunities, and make sure every player has an opportunity to be evaluated Not every athlete is going to play at the FBS level, but many can play at the FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, JUCO, or other collegiate levels if they receive the proper guidance and exposure From my perspective, recruiting should be treated as an extension of player development. Programs spend countless hours developing players on the field. They should be just as committed to helping those players create opportunities beyond high school The programs that consistently send athletes to the next level are often the programs that have a plan, a point person, and a structured recruiting process. A Recruiting Coordinator is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity for schools that truly want to maximize opportunities for their student-athletes
2
9
51
8,425
Mike Rittelmann retweeted
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
There is a post making the rounds showing a high school football recruit announcing that he is “flipping camps” from one college camp to another I’m not going to tag the young man or quote-tweet the post because, at the end of the day, these are student-athletes who are still learning the recruiting process What should happen is a conversation His parents, coaches, mentors, and those in the recruit’s inner circle should take the opportunity to explain why publicly announcing that you are “flipping camps” is generally not viewed positively within recruiting circles College camps are evaluation opportunities, not recruiting commitments. Attending one camp over another is simply a decision based on fit, exposure, scheduling, or opportunity. Treating camps like college commitments can create an unnecessary perception that does not benefit the student-athlete One of the most important lessons in recruiting is understanding that every action, post, and interaction contributes to your personal brand. Recruits should focus on building relationships, earning opportunities, competing, and showcasing their abilities rather than creating headlines Use social media to highlight your work ethic, development, camp performances, and achievements. Let your play and your character do the talking
1
1
644
There is a post making the rounds showing a high school football recruit announcing that he is “flipping camps” from one college camp to another I’m not going to tag the young man or quote-tweet the post because, at the end of the day, these are student-athletes who are still learning the recruiting process What should happen is a conversation His parents, coaches, mentors, and those in the recruit’s inner circle should take the opportunity to explain why publicly announcing that you are “flipping camps” is generally not viewed positively within recruiting circles College camps are evaluation opportunities, not recruiting commitments. Attending one camp over another is simply a decision based on fit, exposure, scheduling, or opportunity. Treating camps like college commitments can create an unnecessary perception that does not benefit the student-athlete One of the most important lessons in recruiting is understanding that every action, post, and interaction contributes to your personal brand. Recruits should focus on building relationships, earning opportunities, competing, and showcasing their abilities rather than creating headlines Use social media to highlight your work ethic, development, camp performances, and achievements. Let your play and your character do the talking
1
5
16
3,388
Congratulations to @CGSAllStar alum Michael Gonzalez on earning 2026 All-@TheUFL honors with the @UFLStorm Gonzalez started all 10 regular-season games and was a key contributor on an offensive line that helped power the UFL’s No. 1 passing offense (2,083 yards) and the league’s No. 2 total offense (2,978 yards; 297.8 yards per game). He helped anchor a unit that allowed just 19 sacks all season and only six sacks over the final five games According to the Storm, Gonzalez graded near 90% in every game and did not allow a sack during the regular season, showcasing the consistency, technique, and reliability that earned him recognition as one of the UFL’s top offensive linemen and a well-deserved spot on the 2026 All-UFL Team Proud to see another CGS alum making an impact in professional football!
2
8
749
From a scouting perspective, Ben Grubbs possessed the combination of athleticism, versatility, toughness, and technical refinement that NFL teams look for in a high-level interior offensive lineman. He possessed the combination of size, movement skills, toughness, football intelligence, and consistency that NFL teams covet in a high-level interior offensive lineman At @AuburnFootball, Grubbs took a unique path to becoming an elite offensive line prospect. After arriving at Auburn as a defensive player, he spent time at defensive tackle before moving to tight end and eventually settling at offensive guard. That background helped develop the athleticism, footwork, body control, and football intelligence that later became defining traits of his game. As he continued to develop, Grubbs emerged as one of the top offensive linemen in the country, earning First-Team All-SEC honors and Second-Team All-American recognition before becoming a first-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft His pre-draft testing showcased the athletic traits that consistently appeared on film: • Height: 6’2¾” • Weight: 311 lbs • Arm Length: 33½” • Hand Size: 10¼” • 40-Yard Dash: 5.10 seconds • 10-Yard Split: 1.65 seconds • Bench Press: 35 reps • Vertical Jump: 26.5” • Broad Jump: 8’7” • Short Shuttle: 4.72 seconds • 3 Cone: 7.70 seconds Traits That Consistently Showed Up On Film: • Outstanding athleticism for an interior offensive lineman • Excellent foot quickness, balance, and body control • Strong hand placement and leverage • Effective second-level blocker • Ability to execute pulls, traps, and reach blocks • Reliable pass protector with a strong anchor • High football IQ and awareness • Scheme versatility • Toughness and physicality at the point of attack His NFL career validated what evaluators saw during the scouting process. Grubbs was selected 29th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft, earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors, was selected to two Pro Bowls, and started 125 games during a nine-year career. He established himself as one of the league’s most reliable guards and consistently demonstrated the traits teams seek in a long-term starter
1
5
20
3,141
Cover 1 remains one of the most common defensive coverages because it allows defenses to maintain strong run support while playing aggressive man coverage with a single-high safety Keys to Attacking Cover 1: • Identify the single-high safety pre-snap • Recognize and attack defender leverage • Win one-on-one matchups • Use motion to identify man coverage. • Create separation with crossing routes and mesh concepts • Utilize bunch and stack formations to stress communication • Take vertical shots when receivers win early • Create favorable RB and TE matchups in space One of the most important coaching principles against Cover 1 is to attack the defender’s leverage, not just the coverage. Understanding alignment, technique, and where help defenders fit within the structure often determines whether a play results in a routine completion or an explosive gain Scouting Traits That Translate vs. Cover 1: • Quarterbacks with quick processing and strong decision-making • Receivers who can defeat press coverage and separate consistently • Running backs and tight ends who create mismatches in space • Playmakers who can win in isolated situations
15
88
3,034
From a scouting perspective, @ESPNBooger was the type of interior defensive lineman who helped defenses win long before the stat sheet reflected his impact He possessed an outstanding combination of explosiveness, leverage, power, toughness, and competitiveness that allowed him to consistently disrupt offenses at the line of scrimmage. While he was never viewed as a pure pass-rushing defensive tackle, his ability to penetrate gaps, occupy blockers, and create disruption made him a valuable piece of multiple championship-caliber defenses At @LSUfootball, McFarland developed into one of the nation’s top defensive linemen. He earned First-Team All-SEC and Consensus First-Team All-American honors in 1998, establishing himself as one of the premier defensive tackle prospects in the 1999 NFL Draft. His pre-draft testing confirmed many of the athletic traits that consistently showed up on film: • Height: 6’0½” • Weight: 300 lbs • 40-Yard Dash: 4.85 • Bench Press: 25 Reps • Vertical Jump: 28.5” What consistently stood out on tape was his first-step quickness, natural leverage, and ability to generate movement at the point of attack. Despite not having prototypical height for the position, McFarland routinely won with pad level, lower-body power, and outstanding balance. He was difficult to move off the football, disruptive against the run, and capable of collapsing the pocket from the interior Traits that consistently showed up on film: • Explosive get-off and first-step quickness • Outstanding leverage and pad level • Powerful point-of-attack strength • Ability to penetrate gaps and create disruption • Ability to absorb and anchor against double teams • Ability to maintain gap integrity and control his run fit • Interior pocket-collapsing power • Ability to create interior disruption • Strong lower-body power and balance • Effective block recognition • Ability to reset the line of scrimmage • Physical finisher at the point of attack • Relentless motor and effort • Toughness, competitiveness, and consistency Selected 15th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1999 NFL Draft, McFarland became an important contributor on one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive units. He played a key role along Tampa Bay’s defensive front during its Super Bowl XXXVII championship season before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2006, where he helped strengthen the Colts’ defensive line during their Super Bowl XLI championship run Over his nine-year NFL career, McFarland appeared in 109 games and recorded 188 tackles, 22.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and one interception. While those numbers were respectable, his true value came from his ability to occupy blockers, control gaps, and consistently create opportunities for the players around him When evaluating McFarland, the biggest takeaway is that his value extended far beyond statistics
6
21
1,954
Cover 0 is one of the most aggressive defensive concepts in football because it eliminates deep safety help and forces defenders to win in isolated man-to-man situations From a coaching perspective, the key to attacking Cover 0 is recognizing pressure before the snap, understanding leverage, communicating protection responsibilities, and identifying the matchup most likely to win immediately Coaching Points vs. Cover 0 • Identify pressure and leverage before the snap. • Communicate protection responsibilities across the offense • Replace the blitz with the football • Get the ball out quickly and decisively • Utilize bunch and stack formations to create free releases • Attack favorable one-on-one matchups • Use screens and quick game concepts to punish aggressive pressure • Take calculated vertical shots when receivers win early.l One of the most important coaching principles against Cover 0 is to “replace the blitz with the football.” When defenders commit extra rushers, offenses must attack the space that pressure creates through quick-game concepts, hot routes, bunch formations, stack alignments, crossing routes, screens, and vertical isolation routes. The absence of a deep safety means one missed jam, poor leverage angle, or coverage breakdown can quickly turn into an explosive play Quarterback Evaluation Points • Pre-snap recognition • Blitz identification • Processing speed • Decision-making under pressure • Accuracy versus pressure • Leadership and communication • Ability to attack leverage and isolated defenders From a scouting perspective, Cover 0 is one of the best situations for evaluating football intelligence, processing speed, toughness, communication, and competitive traits. The best quarterbacks understand where their answers are before the ball is snapped and remain composed when pressure arrives Wide Receiver Evaluation Points • Release package versus press coverage • First-step explosiveness • Separation within the first five yards • Route efficiency • Ball-tracking ability • Competitive toughness • Ability to win contested catches. The coaching point for receivers is simple: “Win now.” Against Cover 0, early separation is often more important than the entire route because the ball must come out quickly. Running Backs: • Blitz recognition. • Pass protection technique. • Communication. • Check-down reliability. • Screen-game effectiveness. Many Cover 0 breakdowns occur because of communication errors rather than physical limitations. Defensive Risks of Cover 0: • No deep safety support • Most coverage defenders are isolated • Vulnerable to rub concepts • Vulnerable to bunch and stack formations • Vulnerable to crossing routes • Vulnerable to double moves • One missed tackle can become an explosive play • One coverage bust can become a touchdown
16
118
5,650
Mike Rittelmann retweeted
Replying to @MRittCGS
You are doing a great job with these, Mike. Sharing great info, man.
1
1
2
1,510
Mental health matters Prioritize it, protect it, and support those around you
1
6
1,034
Cover 6 is one of the most versatile split-field coverages in football because it combines Quarters (Cover 4) principles on one side of the field with Cover 2 principles on the other From a coaching perspective, it gives defenses the flexibility to handle modern passing concepts, trips formations, and RPO-heavy offenses while still maintaining strong run support and limiting explosive plays What makes Cover 6 effective is its ability to present different coverage structures to the quarterback after the snap The Quarters side provides additional support against vertical route combinations and allows the safety to become an active run defender, while the Cover 2 side helps defend quick-game concepts, screens, and boundary throws From a scouting perspective, Cover 6 places a premium on football IQ, communication, processing speed, route recognition, and versatility Defensive backs must understand route distributions, pattern-match principles, and leverage while linebackers and nickel defenders must quickly diagnose run-pass keys and react without hesitation
3
26
229
9,809
From a scouting perspective, London Fletcher is one of the best examples of why evaluations should go beyond size and measurables. Despite being considered undersized coming out of John Carroll University, Fletcher built a career through instincts, toughness, leadership, football intelligence, and consistent production At @JCUFootball, Fletcher developed into one of the top defensive players in Division III football. He recorded a school-record 202 tackles during his senior season, earned multiple All-American honors, was named OAC Linebacker of the Year, won the 1997 Melberger Award as Division III’s Outstanding Player, and was later inducted into the @cfbhall Although he went undrafted in 1998, Fletcher possessed many of the traits NFL teams look for in a linebacker: • Elite instincts and play recognition • Outstanding football IQ and processing speed • Strong run-fit discipline • Excellent tackling ability • Sideline-to-sideline range • Leadership and communication skills • Block recognition and shedding ability • Strong zone awareness in coverage • Blitz timing and pass-rush ability • Outstanding durability and consistency • Relentless effort and competitiveness What consistently stood out on film was how quickly he diagnosed plays and trusted his eyes. Fletcher rarely wasted movement, played under control, and routinely beat blockers to the point of attack because of his instincts and preparation After signing with the St. Louis Rams, Fletcher quickly proved he belonged and became a key contributor on a Super Bowl championship team. He later starred for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins as well NFL Accomplishments: • Super Bowl XXXIV Champion • 4× Pro Bowl Selection • 2× Second-Team All-Pro • NFL Tackles Leader (2011) • Washington Ring of Fame Member • NFL-record 215 consecutive starts by a linebacker • 256 consecutive games played • Over 2,000 career tackles • 39 sacks • 23 interceptions • 19 forced fumbles From a coaching perspective, Fletcher was the quarterback of the defense. He handled communication, adjustments, and ensured everyone around him was aligned correctly. His preparation, toughness, and leadership helped him play at a high level for 16 seasons
2
17
51
5,254
From a scouting perspective, Marcus Spears was one of the most unique defensive line prospects in the 2005 NFL Draft because of his rare combination of size, athleticism, versatility, and football IQ What made Spears stand out was his journey from highly recruited tight end to elite defensive end at LSU. That transition alone highlighted the athletic traits NFL teams covet. At over 300 pounds, he moved with the balance, body control, and agility of a much smaller athlete, and those former offensive skills consistently showed up on film LSU Career & Accolades: • Member of LSU’s 2003 National Championship team • Consensus First-Team All-American (2004) • First-Team All-SEC (2004) • Finished career with 19 sacks • Recorded 34.5 tackles for loss • Developed into one of the top defensive linemen in college football Pre-Draft Testing (LSU Pro Day): • Height: 6’4” • Weight: 307 lbs • 40-Yard Dash: Low 5.0s • 10-Yard Split: 1.73 • Vertical Jump: 31” • Bench Press: 23 reps • Short Shuttle: 4.44 • Three-Cone Drill: 7.21 What Scouts Loved: • Rare athletic profile for a 300 pound defender • Former tight end with outstanding movement skills • Versatility to play in both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts • Strong edge setter against the run • Good lateral agility and change of direction • High football IQ and positional flexibility • Consistent effort, toughness, and physicality Those traits helped make Spears the 20th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. While he was never viewed as a pure pass-rush specialist, he became exactly the type of dependable, versatile defensive lineman many evaluators projected NFL Career: • 20th Overall Pick (2005 NFL Draft) • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2005) • 124 Career Games Played • 307 Career Tackles • 10 Career Sacks • Nine NFL Seasons with Dallas and Baltimore From a coaching and scouting perspective, Spears is a great example of why evaluators place such a premium on athletic versatility
9
28
3,489