We would like to congratulate Tristen Alesi on his commitment to the College of Idaho. Here’s Tristen’s recruiting story and interview after his commitment. Good luck as a Yote!

1. Share your recruiting story and status

The process was pretty easy going. The hardest thing about everything was the waiting game of talking to coaches and seeing if they would reply to you and how long it would take.

2. What school are you going to, and why did you choose them?

I am attending the College of Idaho and I chose them because I like the atmosphere here. The coaches have their head in the right place in changing the program into one of the best NAIA programs in the league.

3. How did SportsForce help in the process?

SportsForce helped me contact lots of colleges in a small amount of time and getting my name out there. Creating my highlight videos and sharing my stats was huge in my recruiting process.

4. What advice would you give to other players and parents with the recruiting process (ex. start early, get a highlight video)?

Start early in the recruiting process. The sooner coaches know your name and you develop a relationship, it puts you in a better place for being recruited and being reached out too.

5. How excited are you for your future in college?

I am very excited for my future in college!

6. How much money do you anticipate your family saving in college expenses because of you being recruited?

I am saving thousands of dollars that otherwise would’ve been spent on college and will not be in debt out of college.

7. Would you recommend SportsForce to any other student-athletes? Why?

Yes, but be aware that the process takes time and since college coaches have restrictions on expressing their direct personal interest in you, you may not have as much personal interaction with a coach right away, but if you trust the process, it will be worth it in the end.

Over the last five years, SportsForce has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

1. Why did you decide to sign with Nicholls State University?

After weighing my options and comparing the good vs. bad I decided Nicholls State had the best offer for me. I will be starting as a true freshman at linebacker and special teams. I am close to home so there are no out of state fees. The school is smaller; therefore I will get more one-on-one time with the coaching staff. The coaches are genuinely concerned with my academics and overall it was the best pick for me. I feel like it was a win-win situation. I get to play as a freshman and I have a full scholarship.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I cannot describe how excited I am to be able to continue playing football at the next level. This is something I live for and to go to the next level is just wonderful. I can’t sleep sometimes thinking about it. I am ready to get on campus and get started.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

I would say first and foremost keep your grades up. Be a student first and then an athlete. I would say stay humble and sincere about playing ball; respect your coaches and the game. Be a good leader and example for your teammates. Stay focused and in shape.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My coach Michael Roach. He took me under his wing and basically nurtured me. He made sure I kept my grades up and stayed focused. He spent a lot of extra time with me getting me into good football camps and getting me exposed to the right people. He was there even if I just needed a man to talk tom, being that I am raised in a single parent home by my mother who did a wonderful job. He lives by what he preaches and I respect him for that. He is a great role model.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

To be the best football player and teammate I can be and to make a mark so when I leave I will be remembered at Nicholls State. Also, to receive my degree and, of course, to go to the NFL.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with Sterling College?

The reason I chose Sterling College was not for the money, campus size or the size of the stadium. I chose Sterling because of the sense of community and family I witnessed on campus. The coaches looked at me as a person, instead of just an athletic instrument.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am beyond excited. Football is what I love and the fact that it is helping pay for my education is the biggest blessing I could ever imagine.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

The biggest advice for younger athletes is to START WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG! Start emailing coaches early and getting your name out there. If you are starting your senior year it is already too late.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

The biggest influence throughout my sports career has been my parents. My dad has coached and trained me in football, basketball and baseball since I was 5 all the way until high school; and my mom has been at every one of my games.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

By the end of my collegiate athletic career I would like to achieve a couple of things. First, I would like to grow in my faith and become a stronger man of God. I would also like to use college sports to build long lasting friendships and memories that I will always remember.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with Cornell University?

I decided to sign with Cornell University for many reasons. My journey with Cornell started with my recruiting coordinator, Coach Travis Burkett staying in contact with me throughout the whole process. He was always very confident and upbeat about the program. His excitement about the upcoming football season was beyond contagious for both my family and I. I went on my official visit in November of 2011 and instantly fell in love with the Cornell football program. Every coach showed a lot of enthusiasm and were beyond excited about telling me all about the program. I felt welcomed as a family member by the coaches and players right away. I had an opportunity to eat breakfast with the team, go to a game, and spend quality time with the coaches and players after. It was everything I had hoped playing college football would be like. Everything I saw, the campus, the football program etc…told me that this was the college of my dreams. This was an opportunity I just could not pass up. I will be able to play college football and graduate with an Ivy League education.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am very excited to become a student-athlete at Cornell University. I am beyond anxious to expand my knowledge in the classroom and prove myself on and off the football field. I will work hard in everything I do at Cornell University in order to be successful as both a student and an athlete.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

My advice toward other athletes getting recruited would be to let the college football team choose you. Yes, have your dream schools and work your hardest in all that you do. However, you should not go to a school just because it has always been your dream; you need to feel wanted and needed by your future team. Also, don’t expect everything to come to you just by playing. You need to put yourself out there and send emails to colleges stating your interest in the program, a short biography about you and your highlight film.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My biggest influence in my sports career would have to be my brother who is 2 years older than me. My parents always supported me in everything that I did and always set me up to train with the best athletes including former professional football players and always pushed me to be the best that I could be. They also attended every sporting event I have ever had to support me. However, I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today if I hadn’t been constantly competing with my brother Adam since we were little kids. We always competed with each other and if one person did more in something, then the other would beat it. This started when we were young kids in youth football when I was around the age of 7. A prime example of our competitiveness between each other was every night we would both do about 350 pushups and sit-ups and call it even, then leave the room and knock out more on our own to beat each other. Then the next morning we would tell each other how many we did and whomever did less would then knock out the difference. This has gone on between us ever since.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

During my college sports career I would like to become a leader and a captain on my Cornell Football team. I would like my fellow teammates to come to me for help and guidance, whether it be on or off the football field. As for my selfish goals, I would like to become the starting running back and help my team win an undisputed Ivy League Championship.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with Trinity Valley Community College?

I chose Trinity Valley because it was the best choice financially, academically, and athletically.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

It has always been my dream to play football collegiately and now that this dream is becoming a reality, I’m extremely excited and ready to get to work.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

To any high school athlete pursuing the next level I would tell them, “Never give up on your dream, not if you want it more than anything else. Never let any one tell you what you can and can’t do. Go big or go home as a teammate is what I would always say.”

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

The most influential person in my career, despite never meeting him, would have to be my late grandfather. He was a high school football coach in Ohio who loved the game and that passion has been passed down through my family. When I got that passion I found what I do best and turned all of our dreams into a reality.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

I want to help my team win multiple conference and national titles. But first and foremost I want to be the best student athlete I can be in my double major of business management and communication.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with Bethany College?

I selected Bethany College because of their history program as well as their football program. Their history program helps you increase your intellect and they elaborate on modern history and ancient history. Their football program last year earned a record of 8-3. Their coaches were very supportive in my process of helping me decide what educational institution to attend. Their program has won numerous league championships and has the ideal potential to win a national championship.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I’m extremely excited about becoming a college student-athlete. It’s an honor and privilege to play the game of football at such a high level. It’s been a dream to play college football and my ultimate goal is to make it to the NFL. I was ecstatic and jumping for joy when I finally made the decision to play college football and attend Bethany College. I realize the blessings of God because without him I wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in college football. I will never forget the excitement level; it was comparable to someone winning the lottery.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

The advice I would give to other athletes is to work hard in their respective sport, and to never give up. They should realize that they are a student- athlete and that academics are a priority. Without a successful academic career colleges won’t pursue you. It’s a great idea to fill out a questionnaire to a college you are interested in and send film to college coaches so they can discover you just in case you’re not on the ESPN top 150 high school athletes. When you are competing for your respective high school team, always have a respective attitude and compete on a level that you thought wasn’t even imaginable; always compete to win and never to lose.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

The biggest influence has been Jerry Rice, because he is the greatest wide receiver to play in the NFL. Coincidently, I play the same position as Jerry Rice. He never gave up and two weeks after the season ended he would start his off-season workout. His reason was chasing a championship because that was his ultimate goal. He also inspired me to be a respectful, hard-working young man and to dress well. He never had any attitude problems and displayed great respect for his fans. To this day he inspires me to be great because if he can do it I can do it. And I will do it with desire, dedication, and determination.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

I would like to become a league champion, national champion, and an All-American.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with The College of Wooster?

I chose Wooster because I felt that it was the best fit for me, both on and off the field. The school itself is very prestigious, and has high academic standards. Another huge factor were my teammates and coaches. Wooster was a place where I truly felt like I fit in.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am extremely excited to be a student-athlete in college. I know that it will be time consuming, and sometimes very difficult to balance schoolwork and football, but I look forward to embracing the challenge. Ultimately I feel that being a student-athlete will better prepare me for life after college.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

Advice to athletes looking to get recruited: get yourself out there. There are tons of recruiting websites available, you should take full advantage of them. Go to camps as well. Camps are a great way to showcase your abilities, talk to coaches, and get recruited. Start early! One mistake that I made was that I started a little too late in my high school career. The earlier you start, the more time coaches will have to recruit you. The process of getting recruited by colleges can be daunting, and can sometimes feel like too much to deal with. Take your time, and do not get in a rush to choose a school. When you are ready to commit, you’ll know.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

The biggest influence throughout my entire sports career without a doubt was my parents. They have supported me since 3rd grade when I started playing football. They were so helpful during my recruiting process as well. My parents were always so open to check out any school I had interest in. They helped me settle down when I felt overloaded. Without them, it’s hard to tell where I’d be.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

In my college career I have plenty of things I’d like to accomplish. I’d love to bring a conference championship back to Wooster. I’d also like to make a big run in the D3 playoffs. Aside from that, I’d really just like to prove to myself, and everyone else that I did what I set out to do.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with Kentucky Christian University?

I went to the campus and it was not that big but I loved it. It’s a small school, but I like it because of the class sizes, where you can have one-on-one with the teachers. The football program just started under a new young coach. It’s a young team but I like it because of the recruiting class the coach is bringing in.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am so excited; I can’t wait until the first day I step foot on campus as a college student-athlete. I know it is going to be harder than being a high school student-athlete, but I am up for the challenge.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

Just keep working hard. Don’t ever take a day off, because if you do, just know that there is another kid working to be better than you. That’s one thing I wish I could go back and do.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

Two good friends of mine, because when I first moved to the US from Ghana I had no idea what football was, but they helped me get better every day, and to this day they are still on me, trying to make me better.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

I would love to be able to hang a national championship banner in my school and also become an All-American.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with Vanier College?

I decided to sign with Vanier College based on the outstanding football program, and opportunity to excel in my studies. With such a high number of kids attending university after they’re finished at Vanier, I knew it was the right choice. With the excellent coaching and training program, I knew that if I chose Vanier, they would help me become the best player I could potentially be. I went down to Vanier on April 13th, 2012 for a practice, and all the players and coaches greeted me in such a friendly manner, it was hard to say no to Vanier College. The facilities were awesome, the coaching was awesome, and you can just tell that you were in a championship atmosphere at Vanier. I knew that this would be my new team, school, and a place I could call “home”.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

The excitement about becoming a student-athlete is just endless. Attending a school with the exact program you want is ideal, but the fact that the football program at Vanier College is also top notch was like music to my ears. I’m not only studying what I love (media arts), but also doing what I love, by playing football.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

To all athletes that are looking to be recruited, DO NOT GIVE UP! I started playing football 3 years ago, and one of my coaches told me “you’ll never go anywhere with football. You should just quit while you’re ahead”. Well sure enough, I proved him wrong. Nothing comes easy though, you’re gonna get back whatever you put into a situation. Keep yourself in the weight room a lot, watch a lot of film, and always stay focused on and off the field. I would also suggest to make a highlight tape, as it will really help in the whole recruiting process and it will also help you get your name out there to lots of coaches.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

I would say I definitely have more than just one big influence on playing football. First off, my ex-girlfriend of 4 years, Alessia Morisani who recently passed away on October 2011 in a car accident is one of my biggest influences. After my first season of football, I just wasn’t happy with my play. I didn’t know the game as well as the others did around me, so I wanted to quit. Alessia always told me “I believe in you. You’re such a determined person, you can do whatever you put your head to. You’re gonna go where you want to go in football, I promise.” Therefore, I did a lot of training in the off-season and once I came back to play, my game was improved. Vanier College is where I wanted to go, and sure enough after the passing of Alessia, is when I got in contact with Vanier College. She was right, I got where I wanted to go because of how determined I was, and no matter what criticism I heard, I never gave up because I knew I could do it. She was always my biggest fan, influence, and motivator. Before every game I say a prayer to her, and I know she’s there in spirit. There’s no bigger influence than Alessia for me.

Another influence is my family and friends. Without my family and friends staying behind me and believing in me, it would definitely be harder to be as passionate as I am about the game. Everything I do, whether it’s going to visit schools in the U.S. or Quebec, or even things as simple as getting to football practice or football games, I can always count on my parents to have my back and help me with what I want to do. I definitely couldn’t do it without my parents.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

During my college sports career I would like to accomplish many things. I would like to become a better student, become stronger in the weight room, become better technically, and also become smarter on the field. I feel that attending Vanier College will help me accomplish all of that. After my 2 years at Vanier College, I would like to go to the NCAA and play some Division 1 football. With all the experience and knowledge I take from my coaching staff, combined with my determination and never quit attitude that I take from myself, this goal is very achievable.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with Cornell College?

I really like everything they offered me. They are very high on academics, which really interest me, and also the football team has a fresh new coach staff, so change is coming. They treated me like I was family on my visit and welcomed me with open arms.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I’m very excited there aren’t words to even explain how excited I am for this opportunity. I dream about being in Iowa every night. I’m just training and counting my days down.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

The advice I would give is to be at the top of everything. If someone runs extra sprints or does extra work you do double what they do and lead your team. Also, never get discouraged when things don’t go your way, because at one point in time I lost an offer because of coaching changes and I hung up my cleats. But nothing is ever given to you, you have to go out and take it.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My biggest influence has been my uncle Rick and mother. My uncle Derek “Ricky” Newman attended Illinois State, and then played Arena football for the Cleveland Thunderbolts. He was shot 3 times in his car and killed. I want to finish what he started and play pro football one day. If I have to start from the bottom, I will and work my way up the chain to the top. My mother has done so much for me and has attended every single one of my sporting events since I started playing flag football. She has always wanted the best for me and I just want to give back to her all the love she has showed me. She is like my heart that keeps pumping and keeps me going when I’m down.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

I would like to be one of those players that everyone talks about how hard he worked and how he led the team. I want people to say, “Yeah Dentist Hall, he was one of the greats I played with.” Also, I want to break a couple records and leave my name on the school.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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