The Ryen Russillo Podcast College Recruiting Stories With Brock Purdy, Norman Powell, Matt Barkley, Andrew Whitworth, Ty Jerome, and Jesse Palmer
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Jul 29, 2025 Norman Powell, an NBA player formerly with the Clippers and UCLA, shares his unique college recruiting journey alongside fellow athletes. They recount humorous and intense stories from their recruitment days, revealing the pressures and unexpected moments that shaped their paths. Personal anecdotes highlight the pivotal role of trust between players and coaches, along with memorable calls from iconic figures like Nick Saban. The conversation also contrasts past and present recruitment dynamics, including the impact of NIL deals on student-athletes.
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Brock Purdy's Nick Saban Meeting
- Brock Purdy shared how Nick Saban rated him as average despite Purdy's good high school highlights.
- This fueled Purdy's motivation, leading him to choose Iowa State instead of Alabama.
Norman Powell's Recruiting Experiences
- Norman Powell recalled a coach telling him he probably wouldn't choose their school but always have a scholarship there.
- He humorously noted another coach offering his daughter if Powell joined, illustrating unusual recruiting tactics.
Matt Barkley's Clear College Choice
- Matt Barkley knew from sophomore year he wanted to attend USC and did not visit other schools officially.
- He visited Stanford and Cal but quickly ruled them out for various reasons, affirming his commitment to USC.