Inside the Headset with the AFCA

Latest Episodes:

Charlie Pearson, Johns Hopkins Balancing Football, Academics, and Service Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Charlie Pearson, senior offensive tackle at Johns Hopkins University and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Charlie helped lead the Blue Jays to a 12-2 record, a Centennial Conference Championship, and a historic trip to the 2024 NCAA Division III Semifinals — all while maintaining a 3.87 GPA as a Public Health major. Recognized as the Centennial Conference Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year, he's the definition of excellence on and off the field.

Off the gridiron, Charlie serves as a certified EMT responding to 911 calls in Baltimore, mentors youth through Blue Jays for Baltimore, supports returning citizens through Turnaround Tuesday, and leads fundraising efforts for children's health with HopThon.

Join us as we explore how Charlie balances football, academics, and community service — and what it means to be a student-athlete making an impact beyond the game.

Follow @hopkinsfootball on social media for more.

Jim Tressel - Lieutenant Governor of Ohio Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

This week on Inside the Headset - Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Jim Tressel, former national championship-winning coach and current Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. Coach Tressel dives into the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge, reflects on his time leading championship programs, and shares how lessons from football continue to shape his work in public service.

Whether you're a coach, leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation offers powerful takeaways on leadership, adaptability, and purpose—on and off the field.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown

1:14 – Introduction 1:45 – Team Tressel Fitness Challenge and its impact 5:42 – Discovering a passion for coaching 10:06 – The value of wearing multiple hats at a Division II program 12:00 – Lessons from his father and coaching mentors 15:10 – Growth and championship success at Youngstown State 27:00 – Transitioning to the Ohio State head coaching role 30:15 – Adjusting his approach at a powerhouse program 32:15 – Navigating a new recruiting landscape 35:30 – Reflections on Ohio State's 2025 National Championship 37:55 – Consulting experience with the Indianapolis Colts 40:40 – Taking on the VP of Strategic Engagement role at the University of Akron 42:40 – Lessons from his time as VP and later as President at Youngstown State 45:40 – What will never change about coaching college football 48:38 – Applying coaching lessons to his role as Lieutenant Governor of Ohio 51:15 – Closing thoughts

Connect with Coach Tressel: Twitter: @JimTressel5 | @LtGovJimTressel

BYU's Tanner Wall: From Interceptions to Impact | Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, we sit down with Tanner Wall, senior defensive back and team captain for the BYU Cougars and a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Tanner's impact goes far beyond the football field. In 2024, he started all 13 games, co-led BYU with three interceptions, and earned multiple Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Off the field, his leadership and service shine — from mentoring students through the BYU Pathway Program to volunteering weekly at Utah Valley Hospital and inspiring youth across the world. Join us as Tanner shares how hard work and compassion fuel his mission to make a difference — on and off the field.

Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Inspiring Conversations | Carter St. John, Alma College Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Carter St. John, senior quarterback at Alma College and a proud member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. A three-time First Team All-MIAA selection, Carter has helped lead Alma to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons and the deepest playoff run in school history.

But Carter's biggest impact goes beyond the game. He's the founder of QBs vs. Cancer, a nationwide nonprofit that unites college quarterbacks to raise money for cancer research and patient care through youth QB training sessions. Since launching in 2023, the program has grown to include over 40 quarterbacks and has raised more than $12,500 for cancer charities.

Carter also gives back locally through Special Olympics, youth mentorship, and community outreach — showing what it truly means to lead with purpose, both on and off the field.

Follow Alma Football on social: @almascotsfootball

Fred Walker, Offensive Assistant - Jacksonville Jaguars Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Fred Walker, Offensive Assistant for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Coach Walker shares how he began his football coaching journey as a student assistant at Mississippi State and how his experiences helped him build a path to the NFL. He also reflects on the lessons learned along the way and what it takes to grow as a coach at every level of the game.

If you're passionate about football coaching, career development in sports, or want to hear first-hand stories from NFL coaches, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen to Inside the Headset every week for conversations with top coaches from all levels, offering insight into leadership, strategy, and success in the game.

Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Inspiring Conversations | Adam Randall, Clemson Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we talk with Adam Randall, running back at Clemson University and a proud member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Adam shares how football has become more than just a sport; it's a platform to serve others. From hosting free youth football camps and awarding scholarships through The Randall Foundation to mission trips in South Africa and Italy, Adam's impact stretches far beyond the field.

He also discusses his selfless transition from wide receiver to running back ahead of the 2024 College Football Playoff, his role as a P.A.W. Journey ambassador, and his heart for helping young adults with intellectual disabilities through the Clemson LIFE program.

This conversation is about leadership and what it truly means to put others first.

Follow Clemson Football on social media: @ClemsonFB

Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Inspiring Conversations | Terian Williams II, Bucknell Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, we're joined by Bucknell senior cornerback and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team honoree, Terian Williams II.

After starting his career at Stanford, Terian transferred to Bucknell, where he quickly became a leader and was named team captain. Off the field, he founded the It Takes a Village Family Foundation, a nonprofit focused on empowering underserved youth and supporting families in need. From providing groceries and furniture during the holidays to supporting homeless fathers on Father's Day, Terian is making an impact in both Atlanta and Lewisburg.

He's also a passionate advocate for student-athletes, recently serving as one of just seven athletes invited to the inaugural Athletes.org Leadership & Policy Summit.

In this conversation, Terian shares his journey of leadership, service, and purpose—both on the field and in the community—and what it truly means to make a difference.

Follow Bucknell Football: @bucknell_fb

Vince Luvara, Head Coach - Hampden-Sydney Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Vince Luvara, Head Coach at Hampden-Sydney College. Coach Luvara talks about his path from player to coach, lessons learned through special teams, preparing to become a defensive coordinator, and the transition to leading his own program. He also reflects on what it meant to be named to the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute.

If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps more coaches and fans find the show.

Key Topics:

Breaking into coaching after his playing career
Taking on special teams early in his career
Coaching experiences at Allegheny and Washington & Jefferson
Preparing for coordinator and head coach roles
Insights from the AFCA 35 Under 35 class

Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:35 – Why Coach Luvara chose coaching 04:15 – Breaking in after his playing career 09:12 – Early doubts about coaching 11:14 – Taking over special teams as a rookie coach 12:45 – Coaching at his alma mater, Allegheny 15:28 – Adjusting as STC the second time 17:25 – Transition to Washington & Jefferson 21:17 – Most impactful coaching stop 24:05 – Preparing for and growing as a DC 27:25 – Lessons learned from success at W&J 30:40 – Becoming HC at Hampden-Sydney 36:50 – AFCA 35 Under 35 experience 38:35 – Closing thoughts

Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Inspiring Conversations | Red Murdock - Buffalo Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

In today's conversation we're joined by University at Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock, a 2024 All-MAC First Team selection and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Off the field, his impact is just as powerful. Red founded Virginia Homework Helpers, a free tutoring program helping K–12 students overcome educational barriers. He's also volunteered at more than 25 community events in just four months, mentoring youth and giving back in meaningful ways.

Red's story is one of leadership, service, and using his platform as a student-athlete to inspire lasting change.

Follow Buffalo Football: @bullsfb

Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Inspiring Conversations | Devin Williams, Bethel Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation we're joined by Devin Williams, senior defensive back at Bethel University, three-time All-Region cornerback, and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Devin has been a leader for one of the nation's top NCAA Division III defenses, but his biggest impact comes off the field—where he's dedicated over 300 hours of community service. From mentoring students in Bethel's BUILD program to coaching youth sports and volunteering with Feed My Starving Children, Devin embodies what it means to be a true servant-leader.

🎧 Tune in to hear Devin's story of football, leadership, and using his platform to make a difference.

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