16. Coach Talk: The Recruiting Roadmap with Oregon State's Josh Patterson

Oregon State’s Director of Scouting Josh Patterson pulls back the curtain on how college football recruiting really works. From his journey as a volunteer assistant to leading defensive scouting at a Pac-12 program, Josh shares the lessons, systems, and evaluation criteria that shape real recruiting decisions behind the scenes. He walks through how prospects get identified, what coaches look for first on film, why updated highlights and social media matter, and how projection, motor, and competitiveness can outweigh stars or early hype.Josh also breaks down the differences between D3 and Power Five recruiting, which camps actually move the needle, how communication etiquette impacts opportunities, and why many athletes miss out simply by not being prepared when their name finally hits a coach’s desk. He tackles JUCO and transfer portal strategy, explains how parents can avoid years of unnecessary stress, and highlights the traits that thrive at Oregon State’s blue-collar, chip-on-your-shoulder culture.Whether you're a parent navigating this for the first time or an athlete chasing your first offer, this episode delivers a clear, honest roadmap to standing out, getting evaluated, and giving yourself the best chance to play at the next level. Instagram: https://instagram.com/athletecountryclubTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@athletecountryclubYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteCountryClubBusiness Inquiries: [email protected]