The #1 Mistake Programs Make When Starting Player Development

When most programs launch player development, they fall into one trap: copycatting. They see what another school is doing—maybe Clemson’s Paul Journey—and try to carbon copy it. But every university, every roster, and every city is unique. Copycatting leads to programs that look good on paper but fail to make a real impact on athletes. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the four steps to avoid the copycat trap and build a program that’s genuine to YOU and your athletes: Step 1: Define your foundation — What impact do you want to make? Step 2: Identify your resources — What’s already available on campus and in your city? Step 3: Decide how you’ll execute — Who’s involved, how often, and what structure works best? Step 4: Put it in writing — A clear, strategic plan that earns buy-in. Whether you’re a new Director of Player Development, a coach, or an administrator, this episode will help you design a program that’s intentional, sustainable, and impactful. 👉 Take the Player Development Readiness Assessment here: https://edward-jones-0amn1dyi.scoreapp.com 👉 Explore the 10 Areas of Player Development episode for deeper foundations. It’s not about copy-paste. It’s about creating generational impact that transforms athletes’ lives.