Inside the Headset with the AFCA

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Duke's Chandler Rivers: Leading With Football & Service | Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Duke University cornerback Chandler Rivers joins the show to share how leadership, teamwork, and service define his journey on and off the field.

A First Team All-ACC selection and All-America honoree, Rivers has been a key part of Duke's nationally recognized defense. Off the field, he's equally committed to making a difference in his community. In his hometown of Beaumont, Texas, he founded the Chandler Rivers Youth Football Camp, providing free training and mentorship to local youth. His efforts also include organizing food drives, volunteering at Duke Children's Hospital, mentoring students through the Emily K Center, and assisting those in need through outreach programs.

Recognized as a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, Rivers continues to set an example for what it means to lead through character, commitment, and service.

Richie Leonard IV: Florida State Star Using His Platform for Good Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Richie Leonard IV, a standout offensive lineman for Florida State University and a proud member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Richie has made an incredible impact not only on the field but in the lives of those around him. In addition to being a leader for the Florida State Seminoles, he's deeply committed to giving back to his communities in both Tallahassee and his hometown.

He founded the Richie H. Leonard IV Football Camp, a free event that brings together over 300 kids and families for a day of skill development, mentorship, and fun. His dedication to service extends far beyond football — from participating in a Fellowship of Christian Athletes mission trip to Argentina, to volunteering locally at elementary schools and Special Olympics events. Richie even supports his childhood AAU basketball team, purchasing shoes and equipment for players in need.

Inspired by his mother's courageous battle with cancer, Richie is preparing to launch a care package initiative for cancer patients later this year. Through his actions, he continues to demonstrate what it means to use your platform for good — leading with gratitude and service both on and off the field.

🎙️ Key Topics

Richie's journey at Florida State University
Founding the Richie H. Leonard IV Football Camp
The impact of faith, family, and mentorship
His work with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Special Olympics
Launching a new initiative to support cancer patients
What it means to be part of the AFCA Good Works Team

Stanton Weber, Special Teams Coordinator - Toledo Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Stanton Weber, the Special Teams Coordinator at the University of Toledo.

Coach Weber shares his journey from Kansas State walk-on to Toledo coordinator, his approach to building elite special teams units, and how being named to the AFCA 2024 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute has shaped his growth as a coach and leader.

In this conversation, Coach Weber discusses:

1:13 Introduction

1:44 When did you know you wanted to part of this profession?

3:09 What made you want to go down the CPA track originally?

5:25 What ultimately led to beginning your career as a graduate assistant at Kansas State?

12:48 How were you able to draw the line when transitioning from player to coach?

15:05 How did you know you were going to be able to stick around at Kansas State and be promoted to a special teams QC?

22:05 What would you name your 2-year chapter as the special teams QC at Kansas State?

27:45 Did you ever find yourself in tough conversations as a young coach?

33:55 How do you motivate guys to be motivated about special teams?

47:45 How transformational was your experience at South Carolina?

55:15 How did your early career prepare you for your interview to become the STC at Toledo?

59:30 What was your experience like as a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 under 35?

1:03:00 Conclusion

Follow Coach Weber and Toledo Football on social media: 📱 Twitter: @stantonweber | @ToledoFB

Subscribe to Inside the Headset for weekly conversations with football coaches and leaders across all levels of the game. 🎧 Listen and follow here: linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

Owen Schuckert: Leadership, Service, and Excellence at John Carroll Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

On this episode, we sit down with Owen Schuckert, senior kicker and punter at John Carroll University and a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Owen shares how he's balanced athletic excellence, academic achievement, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. A 2024 OAC Special Teams Player of the Year and First Team All-OAC selection, Owen has also volunteered over 300 hours with Sparks Specialized Services, supporting developmentally disabled men through home care, transportation, and friendship.

Off the field, Owen's leadership shines as he serves as President of the Pre-Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Club, Vice President of the Gift of Life Club, and a Student Ambassador on campus.

His story is one of discipline, compassion, and purpose—a true example of what it means to be a Good Works Team honoree.

👉 Follow John Carroll Football on social media: @jcufootball 🎧 Discover more Good Works Team stories at AFCA.com

Josh Kattus: Kentucky Tight End Leading Through Service | Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we're joined by Josh Kattus, senior tight end for the University of Kentucky and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

On the field, Josh has earned a reputation as a tough, reliable playmaker—starting in 15 of 33 games and delivering clutch moments, including a game-winning touchdown against a top-10 Ole Miss team. Off the field, his leadership and heart for service shine even brighter. Josh volunteers weekly at the DanceBlue Kentucky Children's Hospital Hematology Oncology Clinic, supports families at the Ronald McDonald House, raises money for local causes through Dancing with the Lexington Stars, and promotes animal adoptions through the Scott County Humane Society.

Listen as Josh shares how football has given him a platform to serve others, inspire his teammates, and make a lasting impact in the community.

James Ross III, OLB/Defensive Ends - Houston Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by James Ross III, the Defensive Ends and Outside Linebackers Coach at the University of Houston.

Coach Ross shares his journey from player to coach, lessons learned from his time at Michigan, Hope College, Cincinnati, and Tulane, and how he's learned to balance family life with the demands of coaching. A proud member of the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, Ross also reflects on what the honor means and how it's shaping his coaching future.

Whether you're a coach, player, or fan, this conversation offers powerful insight into leadership, growth, and balance in the football profession.

🔗 Follow Coach Ross and Houston Football: @CoachRoss___ | @UHCougarFB

🎧 Follow Inside the Headset: New episodes drop weekly—subscribe wherever you listen! https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

00:00 – Introduction 01:37 – When did you know you wanted to be a coach? 05:00 – Helping players handle the end of their playing careers 06:05 – Getting the opportunity to join Michigan as a GA 10:30 – Prioritizing family within a demanding career 14:45 – Transitioning from player to coach at Michigan 17:04 – Takeaways from the first years in coaching 20:00 – Joining Hope College as Linebackers Coach 25:30 – Running your own position room for the first time 28:50 – Landing the job coaching Outside Linebackers at Cincinnati 34:25 – The importance of spousal support and buy-in 40:00 – Coaching higher-level players with NFL aspirations 42:10 – Learning curves after joining Cincinnati's staff 49:30 – Navigating waiting periods between jobs 53:20 – Lessons learned from early career experiences 55:20 – The impact of a pivotal year at Tulane 57:15 – Transitioning to Houston 1:01:05 – Reflections on the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 experience 1:03:00 – Closing thoughts

How Rice's Plae Wyatt Found Purpose Beyond the Game Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

After leading Rice University in tackles in 2023, Plae Wyatt entered the 2024 season ready to build on that success. But when an early injury cut his season short, Plae found a new way to lead — through mentorship, service, and community impact.

In this episode, we dive into how the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member turned adversity into action, launching the Plae Wyatt Free Youth Football Camp and dedicating his time to mentoring at-risk youth in the Houston area.

Plae shares what drives him to serve, how his father's legacy with the McKinney Yellow Jackets shaped his purpose, and why leadership goes far beyond the football field.

🎙️ Listen for stories of resilience, faith, and giving back — from one of college football's true leaders.

Follow Rice Football on social media: @ricefootball

Football, and Servant Leadership with Auvic White | Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we're joined by Auvic White, senior running back at Hendrix College and a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. A two-time All-Conference performer and Academic All-Conference honoree, Auvic is known for his discipline, leadership, and commitment to serving others.

Off the field, Auvic works full-time with Athletes in Action, mentoring over 600 student-athletes, leading outreach programs, and hosting Bible studies. He's raised more than $12,000 to support AIA's mission and dedicates nearly 40 hours a week to helping others grow in faith and purpose.

From speaking at churches to supporting Special Olympics and packing 20,000 meals for children in need, Auvic embodies what it means to lead through service. His story is a powerful reminder that football is more than a game—it's a platform to change lives.

Follow Hendrix Football on social media: @hendrixfootball

Demario Warren, Cornerbacks - Boise State Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Demario Warren, Special Teams Coordinator and Cornerbacks Coach at Boise State University.

Coach Warren shares how he found his passion for coaching, what it means to be a valuable asset to those around you, and how his experiences as a Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach have shaped his perspective in his current role at Boise State.

He also discusses earning respect as a young coach, leading with authenticity, and his journey from Southern Utah to the Mountain West.

Follow Coach Warren and Boise State Football on social media: @DemarioWarren | @BroncoSportsFB

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🔗 Full links & resources: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

🕒 Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:45 – Finding a passion for coaching 05:40 – Lessons from basketball coaching 08:00 – Transitioning into college football 10:15 – First coaching role at Southern Utah 18:30 – Switching from offense to defense 27:30 – Becoming a Defensive Coordinator 43:13 – Getting the Head Coaching job 58:35 – Joining Boise State 1:01:48 – AFCA 35 Under 35 experience

Nolan Ulm: Eastern Washington's Leader Making a Difference On and Off the Field Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Nolan Ulm, a standout wide receiver for Eastern Washington University and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. A two-time team captain and four-time Big Sky All-Academic honoree, Nolan has earned recognition as one of the Top-10 CFL Canadian draft prospects — but his biggest impact comes off the field.

Nolan shares how he's raised over $15,000 for Mamas for Mamas, supported Helping Captives in the fight against human trafficking, and founded the Make It Happen Football Camp to empower young athletes across Canada.

Hear how this student-athlete balances football, leadership, and service — and how his journey is inspiring others to make a difference.

🎙️ Follow Eastern Washington Football on social: @ewu_football 🌟 Presented by the AFCA Podcast and the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

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