The Player Development Pod

Season 2 of The Player Development Pod continues to highlight those doing the work in this space. This week we are honored to have Tobruk Blaine join the show.

Tobruk is a trendsetter in the sport industry. She began making an impact with the San Jose State Football Team and now serves all the student-athletes within San Jose State Athletics. She is an extraordinary professional who is also creating meaningful impact championing #WomenInSports.

In this episode Ed Jones II sits down with Tobruk Blaine, as she shares the ways she leverages the location and relationships of Silicon Valley to create intentional opportunities for the student-athletes she serves. You’ll enjoy this conversation with TB as she details the monumental impact she’s creating in the Bay Area.

Follow Tobruk Blaine here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tobrukblaine_TB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobrukleigh/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobrukblaine/

Follow Beyond Football and Beyond Sparta here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sanjosestatebf

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sanjosestatebys

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanjosestatebys/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanjosestatebf/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanjosestatefootball/

Learn more about Tobruk here:

Tobruk Blaine is the Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development at San Jose State University. Hired in 2017, Blaine was tasked with creating the first of its kind player development program for the football team, referred to as Beyond Football; under the direction of the newly hired head football coach Brent Brennan. After four years the Beyond Football program grew and became Beyond Sparta - a department wide student-athlete development program centered around campus engagement, community outreach, and career development. This transformative and innovative program creates a diverse and inclusive cutting-edge experience that encourages a forward thinking mindset as collegiate-athletes discover themselves beyond their sport and create a championship life.

With a Masters Degree in Health Education from Oregon State University, and a second Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from University of Idaho; Blaine has over 17 years of coaching and teaching experience between secondary and higher education. Originally from Boise, Idaho, Blaine resides in San Jose, CA with her husband, Ben Thienes, and two daughters, Landyn (4) and Colby (2).

TB’s Beyond the Field Guest Blog: https://www.btfprogram.com/blog/9unflox3kzc1rsqjosall6ktk5azbt

SAMPLE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CHECKLIST: https://www.btfprogram.com/btf-program-resources/p/player-development-checklist-sample

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Season 2 of The Player Development Pod continues to highlight those doing the work in this space. This week we are honored to have Alexander Martin join the show.

Alexander is one of the most genuine leaders in the sports industry. He inspires others daily to go beyond their roles and make an influence in many ways.

In this episode Ed Jones II sits down with Alexander Martin, as he shares the ways his path of excelling in more than the duties given to him. He is a lifelong learner, who uses this knowledge to impact others. You’ll enjoy this conversation with a future university president. Get your notes ready.

Follow Alexander Martin here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/__ItsAlexander

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__itsalexander/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-martin-7a819077/

Learn more about Alexander here:

Alexander Martin is the Manger for Player Engagement with the Miami Dolphins where he is responsible for assisting players and their families with the transition into the NFL, through the NFL, and transition out of the NFL. Alexander is also responsible for cultivating a community of support for players by providing continuing education, financial literacy, professional development, and personal development. With a commitment to helping players become the best version of themselves, Alexander aims to provide players with the resources necessary to make the most of their lives both on and off the field.

Prior to joining the Dolphins, Alexander spent 6 years with the University of Miami working in both higher education and collegiate athletics capacities.

Within the Miami Hurricane Athletics department, Alexander served as the Associate Director for student-athlete development where he implemented UM’s first ever student-athlete leadership academy, the Miami Hurricane Leadership Academy. He is an innovative thinker, detailed thought-seeker, a servant-leader, and a creative strategist that aims to always put his own creative spin on any project he’s involved with.

Honored in 2018 as one of South Florida’s 40 Under 40 Leaders of Today and Tomorrow, Alexander continues to push the creative limits of his own imagination while striving to improve the lives of those around him.

Player Development Pod discussing Dolphins Business Combine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4-7FBfpoGo

Dolphins Combine Links: 

https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/press-release-miami-dolphins-host-sixth-annual-dolphins-business-combine

https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/miami-dolphins-host-fifth-annual-dolphins-business-combine-presented-by-zudy

https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/full-circle-the-dolphins-business-combine

SAMPLE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CHECKLIST: https://www.btfprogram.com/btf-program-resources/p/player-development-checklist-sample

Thank you for taking time to listen to today's episode. PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW THE CONTENT.

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Season 2 of The Player Development Pod continues to highlight those doing the work in this space. This week we are honored to have Darien Harris join the show.  

Darien is one of the best professionals in the player development space. Darien is a transcendent leader who understands the necessity of a holistic development of student-athletes. He is one of the many guests we will have who serves his alma mater.  

In this episode Ed Jones II sits down with Darien Harris, as he shares the intentional programming he provides for the players in the Michigan State Football Program. Get ready to learn from one of the impactful professionals in college football. Enjoy their conversation.   

Follow Darien Harris here: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DHarris_45 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSUOvertime 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dharris_45/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darienharris45/  

Darien's Blog for Beyond The Field: https://www.btfprogram.com/blog/full-circle-the-challenges-and-triumphs-of-developing-student-athletes-at-your-alma-mater  

Learn more about Darien here:   Darien Harris, a former Spartan captain on the 2015 Big Ten Championship team that reached the College Football Playoff, enters his third year on the Spartan football staff. He was named the program’s Director of Player Relations and Program Advancement in 2022 after spending the previous two years as the Director of Player Engagement.  

Harris’ wide-ranging role includes player development, alumni engagement, university outreach, community service, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) education to current football student-athletes. He has strengthened relationships between former Spartan players and the current coaching staff, developed new collaborative partnerships across campus, and actively sought out impactful community service initiatives for the program. One of the many campus connections Harris launched features a six-week training course with the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation that educates student-athletes on how to sharpen their entrepreneurial mindset, master business basics and learn the process of creating new ventures.  

Harris also serves as a mentor and role model for the current Spartan roster, supervising and coordinating the “Overtime” player development program with Lorenzo Guess.  Harris, 29, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2015 and his master’s degree in marketing research in 2019. 

He has extensive broadcast experience, serving as a frequent contributor on several radio and television shows, including the Big Ten Network. Harris was presented with the Rising Star Award at the 50th Celebration of the Michigan State Communication Arts and Sciences Alumni Awards ceremony in 2022. 

SAMPLE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CHECKLIST: https://www.btfprogram.com/btf-program-resources/p/player-development-checklist-sample  

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Season 2 of The Player Development Pod continues to highlight those doing the work in this space. This week we are honored to have Christopher Smith join the show.  

Chris Smith is one of the few Directors of Player Development at the FCS level. He is a testament to the belief of developing players at every level of athletics.  In this episode Ed Jones II sits down with Chris Smith, as he shares the way he develops the Lumberjacks at Stephen F. Austin University. Get ready to learn from one of the hardest working professionals in college football. Enjoy their conversation.   

Follow Chris Smith here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachcismith

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithc.3/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-smith-9b1b11141/

Learn more about Chris below:  Chris Smith is entering his fourth season with the Lumberjack program in 2022 and serves as the Director of Player Personnel/Sports Performance Assistant/Offensive Assistant (RB). Smith joined Coach Carthel's staff after a successful playing career at Texas A&M-Commerce where he was apart of the 2017 NCAA Division II National Championship Team.  

SAMPLE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CHECKLIST: https://www.btfprogram.com/btf-program-resources/p/player-development-checklist-sample  

Smaller Programs Can Create Player Development Too: https://youtu.be/AVwpXCdtQSw  

Thank you for taking time to listen to today's episode. PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW THE CONTENT.  

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Season 2 of The Player Development Pod continues to highlight those doing the work in this space. This week we are honored to have Coach Tony Hull join the show.

Coach Tony Hull has one of the most interesting career paths in the sports industry. He began his career working at NASA but felt the itch to coach. He began his coaching career volunteering and eventually became the Head Coach at Warren Easton HS in New Orleans where he turned their program around. He then transitioned and still currently coaches at the collegiate level.

In this episode Ed Jones II sits down with Coach Hull, as he shares the impact he has been able to create in the lives of his players. Get ready to learn from one of the most interesting men in the coaching profession. Enjoy their conversation. 

THE AUDIO IS LOW, better audio version can be found here: https://youtu.be/k0axXerNVdg

You can find out more information about Coach Tony Hull below:

One of the most respected coaches in the state of Louisiana, Tony Hull begins his first year in 2021 as outside receivers coach on the ULM staff under head coach Terry Bowden and offensive coordinator Rich Rodriguez.

Hull returned home to Louisiana after serving for four years the associate head coach and running backs coach at Kansas (2016-19) and as the co-offensive coordinator and inside receivers coach at Hawai’i in 2020. From New Orleans, Louisiana, Hull coached Pooka Williams Jr., now with the Cincinnati Bengals, to consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2018 and 2019, a feat accomplished only once before in Kansas football history.

Hull joined the collegiate coaching ranks after a distinguished coaching career in the Louisiana high school ranks. In nine seasons as the head coach and offensive coordinator of Warren Easton High School in New Orleans, Hull led the stagnant program into a contender. He arrived at Warren Easton in 2007, the school’s first season playing football following Hurricane Katrina, and guided the Eagles to playoffs in seven of his nine seasons. His resume included a state championship game appearance in 2014 and a state semifinals showing in 2015.

Hull developed the Eagles’ players on the field as he mentored 45 players who went on to earn Division I football scholarships. Six of those players earned a nod in ESPN’s Top-300 lists, while one of his athletes was named the 2014 Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Louisiana Football.

Hull, who taught math and physical education, was an important member of the Eagles’ faculty as he saw his WEHS football players achieve a 100-percent graduation rate. Additionally, he implemented a character development sector that saw his players assisting inner city youth with off-the-field development.

Prior to his time at Warren Easton, Hull spent the 2005 season as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator at his alma mater, Sarah T. Reed High School in New Orleans. He served in the same capacity at Mandeville (La.) High School in 2006.

Hull was a two-year starter on the offensive line at UL Lafayette, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology in 2004. Following graduation, Hull spent four years working in the engineering field, including three years at NASA.

Thank you for taking time to listen to today's episode. PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW THE CONTENT.

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Season 2 of The Player Development Pod continues to highlight those doing the work in this space. This week we are honored to have Dr. Lacee' Carmon- Johnson join the show.  

Dr. Lacee' Carmon-Johnson is one of the most transformational leaders in the sports industry. Her mastery of leadership, relationships, and transition makes her an expert in excellence. Her authentic personality and care for others creates impactful influence. In this episode Ed Jones II sits down with Dr. Lacee' as she shares the wisdom she has utilized to excel in many different arenas in life. Get ready to pause and write down these #LCJGems. Enjoy their conversation.  

Follow Dr. Lacee’ Carmon-Johnson here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MRScoachlacee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laceekins/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacee-carmon-johnson-ph-d-80726316/

You can find out more information about Dr. Lacee' below:  

Dr. Lacee’ Carmon-Johnson is the Manager for Basketball Advancement with the Toronto Raptors where she is responsible for identifying and understanding player interests and values outside of basketball and leverages that information to cultivate authentic and meaningful experiences for the players that allow them to develop personal and professional skills through maximizing their off-court opportunities.  

Prior to joining the Raptors, she spent over a decade in college athletics and higher education in various capacities providing support for undergraduate and graduate students and student- athletes regarding academic advising, professional development, and course instruction, as well as staff/coach development and DEI initiatives. She is a thought leader and innovative curriculum builder in the industry, and has been honored with several national awards, is a multi-time published author, seasoned facilitator/speaker, former Division I coach, and mentor to many.  

Lacee'  also the founder and CEO of AceD Executive Coaching and Consulting, LLC, where she provides organizations and individuals with necessary tools, programming, and facilitation for culture and talent development, mentoring, and career navigation. AceD Executive Coaching & Consulting: https://acedcoaching.com/  

A native Texan, she is the proud boy mom of two young kings and the ultimate teammate to her life partner.   

SAMPLE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CHECKLIST: https://www.btfprogram.com/btf-program-resources/p/player-development-checklist-sample

Thank you for taking time to listen to today's episode. PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW THE CONTENT.  

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Lamonte Winston, a pioneer in the NFL Player Development/Engagement space, kicks of Season 2 of The Player Development Pod. Lamonte has been instrumental, innovative and his efforts have created foundational impact in the lives of NFL players beyond the field. 

In this episode Ed Jones II sits down with Lamonte as he shares his wisdom and insight he has gained in over 25 years enhancing the lives of athletes. Get your notepad ready for this one. Enjoy their conversation. 

Follow Lamonte Winston here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lamontewinston

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamontewinston/

You can find out more information about Lamonte below:

Lamonte Winston is the President and CEO of The Winston Group™—Life Skills and Sports Consulting and is the director of the Pushing Excellence™ Program. Lamonte has over 25 years of hands-on experience working with professional and collegiate athletes in all areas of their professional and personal lives. 

During his tenure as Executive Director of Player Development for the Kansas City Chiefs (1993-20120) and Oakland Raiders (2012-2019), he was involved with pre-season game evaluations, NFL Combine evaluations, psychological/character evaluations for draft-eligible players and the site-visit coordination and evaluation of restricted and unrestricted free agents. Lamonte has been recognized by ESPN The Magazine and the National Football League for his experience working with professional athletes. He created, developed, and implemented National Football League programs for life skills, transition into a second career, and participated in player-crisis intervention. He was also a founding member of the NFL Player Development Steering Committee. Lamonte established the first Credit Repair and Fraud Protection Program with an NFL team and the establishment the first Job Placement Program in the NFL designed to provide off-season job opportunities for Kansas City Chiefs players and career placement for NFL spouses.

 Lamonte is a board member for the Moore-Meyers Children's Fund, member of the NFL Alumni Association, The San Francisco State Gator Hall of Fame, the University of Nevada Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Derrick Thomas/Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation. 

Thank you for taking time to listen to today's episode. 

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Season One is done, BUT Season Two is COMING! 

In Episode 25, Ed Jones II gives a preview of Season Two of The Player Development Pod.

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In Episode 24, Ed Jones II shares the good, the bad and the ugly he’s experienced in his player development career.

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In Episode 23, Ed Jones II shares what he wishes he knew his first year in player development. If you’re interested in player development or beginning in player development, this episode is for YOU!

7 Things Blog: https://www.btfprogram.com/blog/oezbhvm0l5ep4trt4ajne2kg82yony

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Tag Us on Social: #ThePDPod #BeyondTheField