Guiding Berlin Lillard: A Journey to D1 Football
Working with Berlin Lillard from Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, CA, was an enriching experience that showcased the power of dedication and strategic guidance in the college recruiting process. Berlin approached me during his sophomore year, seeking assistance with his recruitment journey. Recognizing his immense potential as a 6’5, 320-pound athlete, I assured Berlin that he could become a Division 1 football player with dedication and adherence to my guidance.
Our journey began with optimizing Berlin’s online presence and initiating contact with college coaches through recruiting questionnaires and emails. However, despite possessing promising skills, Berlin faced a setback due to limited exposure at college camps during his sophomore year, hampering his progress as he entered his junior year.
To overcome this hurdle, I recommended that Berlin join forces with Coach Nate Tia, a renowned coach based in San Jose, CA, who could provide invaluable training and opportunities. Embracing this advice, Berlin’s participation in his first tournament under Nate’s guidance proved to be a game-changer, yielding impressive film footage that garnered significant attention on social media.
The response was swift, with several college coaches expressing interest in Berlin’s talents, with Colorado State emerging as the frontrunner. Their proactive approach led to an offer, marking a pivotal milestone in Berlin’s journey. However, challenges persisted as Berlin faced an injury that prevented him from attending college camps during his senior year.
Despite this setback, Berlin’s commitment to Colorado State materialized during his visit, signaling a triumphant culmination of his recruitment process. While his dedication signaled the end of his recruitment journey, it also imparted valuable lessons.
Berlin’s experience underscored the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and seeking opportunities beyond one’s immediate surroundings. His decision to venture to San Jose to network with coaches enhanced his visibility and propelled him toward achieving his goal of playing Division 1 football.
In retrospect, Berlin’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, strategic planning, and seizing opportunities. By embracing guidance and stepping outside his comfort zone, Berlin navigated the complex landscape of college recruitment, ultimately realizing his dream of playing at the highest level of collegiate football.
As Berlin embarks on this new chapter of his athletic career, his journey inspires aspiring student-athletes, demonstrating that anything is possible in pursuing athletic excellence with determination and the proper support.
