It’s about time the world leaves Deion Sanders alone on his recruiting approach. Yeah, his strategy may not favor everyone but he’s setting the stage for a new era of recruitment. He’s breaking away from what used to be tried-and-tested with seasoned CFB coaches like Nick Saban. “I don’t go to nobody’s school or nobody’s house. I’m not doing that,” he said. His statement might come off as arrogant and unconventional in a world where young high school players expect coaches for home visits. But again, this is a strategic plan. 

“My approach is totally different than many coaches’ approach,” he declared. “I’m a businessman as well, so I try to save our university money every darn chance I get.” And the 6-figure result speaks for itself. A report by USA Today stated, “Deion Sanders has saved Colorado $200K for not using annual budget for private air travel.” But the debate rages on driving one FOX analyst to weigh in on the matter.

RJ Young understands the idea behind Deion Sanders’ unique recruiting approach. In his The Number One College Football Show on February 23, he first brought up the case of former Alabama HC Nick Saban who was a master at sealing commitments in a recruit’s living room. Why? “Because that’s how he learned how to do this back in the 70s and 80s and 90s.” But the third-year Buffs’ HC? “Prime is not of that era of coaching,” Young pointed out. “I keep trying to tell people Prime is the rare college football head coach who was never a college assistant at any stretch.” 

After 14 seasons in the NFL, his first coaching role was at Prime Prep Academy in 2012 as a HC. Then he served under the same role at Triple A Academy, Jackson State, and Colorado, and a three-year stint as OC at Trinity Christian. He thrived by leveraging his brand, charisma, and NFL pedigree. And his approach isn’t falling behind his fellow HCs who follow the traditional recruiting approach. He’s already got Joseph Williams, Makari Vickers, and 5-star Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis to Boulder without stepping into their homes. 

Here’s another thing Young pointed out that might align with some young players. “You’ve also got dudes that people want to go meet and see like Marshall Faulk, your running backs coach,” he said. “You want to shake his hand even if you’re not playing running back. Same thing with Warren Sapp who’s an analyst. You want to shake his hand even if you don’t play defense.” They’re both Pro Football Hall of Famers and any aspiring NFL contender wouldn’t want to miss that opportunity to get acquainted with the league’s pedigrees. But what about Bill Belichick who’s on his first college football run at 72? Can he thrive on Deion Sanders’ technique?

Inside Bill Belichick’s recruiting approach 

RJ Young doesn’t think so. Bill Belichick may be one of the most memorable faces in the NFL with six Super Bowl wins. But, he’s still out there on the trail personally recruiting. Why? As Young puts it, “He’s still got to go out and recruit players because he does not have the social cache that Deion Sanders does.” And for the new North Carolina Tar Heels HC, it isn’t about flash, it’s about fit. 

Just like in the NFL, Bill Belichick is prioritizing character over measurables. Speaking to On3, he said, “It’s a little different than what I did with draft prospects, because there is a drafting element… But yeah, I’ve been very impressed with all the people that have come in contact with the high school coaches, both in and out of state, do a great job with their programs, with their players, and accommodating us.” Since taking over the Tar Heels in December, he built a solid recruiting class with 18 additions. And it’s because of his “unmatched strength and delivering a clear pitch on the trail” as ESPN’s Eli Lederman called it. 

The contrast between his method and Deion Sanders’ approach couldn’t be more stark. But both are proving that there’s more than one way to build a winner in college football.