Podcast Summary: "Trent Dilfer | DJ Lagway Latest | Coach Prime is the Man"

Podcast Information

• Title: See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack
• Host/Author: David Pollack
• Episode: Trent Dilfer | DJ Lagway Latest | Coach Prime is the Man
• Release Date: July 31, 2025
• Description: In this episode, David Pollack engages in insightful discussions with guests Brent Rollins and special guest Trent Dilfer, delving into college football analysis, player development, coaching strategies, and the evolving landscape of the sport.

I. Introduction and Upcoming Topics [00:00 - 02:21]

David Pollack opens the episode by welcoming listeners and setting the stage for upcoming discussions. He mentions exciting topics such as an upcoming interview with Trent Dilfer, highlighting Dilfer's multifaceted career as a 14-year NFL veteran, Super Bowl champion, analyst, high school football state champion, and college football coach.

Pollack also touches on the Florida Gators' current challenges, particularly focusing on quarterback DJ Lagway's injury setbacks:

• David Pollack [00:00]: "We're starting to talk about teams and injuries are going to start to be a part of people's seasons."
• Brent Rollins [01:15]: "He's missing reps and as a young quarterback, he needs the reps. And that's what's going to hurt them."

II. Florida Gators and DJ Lagway's Injury Impact [02:21 - 05:54]

The conversation shifts to the implications of DJ Lagway's injuries on the Florida Gators' season. Both Pollack and Rollins express concerns about Lagway missing spring football and subsequent camps, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice for quarterback development.

• David Pollack [02:40]: "Coaches plan surgeries around spring football... the reps are that important to them."
• Brent Rollins [02:57]: "You don't want to turn into a candle. One blow and you're out."

The discussion then transitions to Deion Sanders ("Coach Prime") and his resilience in the face of health challenges:

• Brent Rollins [03:15]: "Coach Prime did the thing on Monday, had cancer removed, but he was very energetic."
• David Pollack [03:50]: "Deion Sanders is positive, he's hard on his players, and leads with his faith."

III. Deion Sanders' Influence on College Football [05:13 - 12:37]

Pollack praises Deion Sanders for revitalizing the Colorado Buffaloes, highlighting his unique energy and leadership style compared to traditional coaching approaches. Sanders' ability to attract attention and elevate the program's profile is lauded:

• Brent Rollins [05:00]: "His energy and passion for the game, it's a different element and it's a great thing for college football."
• David Pollack [05:42]: "The amount of shine he's brought to Boulder, Colorado is significant."

Listeners engage through tweets discussing memorable college football moments, with specific mentions of iconic plays and games. Pollack reminisces about personal experiences witnessing historic moments:

• David Pollack [06:32]: "I remember where I was when you made that play against South Carolina... You have those moments where the fans remember their squad's big time moments."
• Brent Rollins [08:10]: "Another one: Former South Carolina quarterback Jason Brown’s engagement with that moment was really cool."

IV. Introduction of Guest Trent Dilfer [12:37 - 15:07]

David Pollack introduces Trent Dilfer, highlighting his extensive résumé and expressing admiration for his varied accomplishments:

• David Pollack [12:37]: "Introducing Trent Dilfer, a 14-year NFL vet, Super Bowl champ, analyst, high school football state champion, and college football coach."

V. Trent Dilfer's Career and Coaching Philosophy [15:07 - 36:45]

A. Career Overview and Transition to Coaching [15:07 - 21:02]

Dilfer reflects on his football journey, emphasizing his passion and continuous growth:

• Trent Dilfer [15:07]: "God has richly blessed me with a very full football life... I have more energy at 53, more passion than ever."

He discusses his decision to transition to coaching at UAB, acknowledging the challenges of inheriting a program with limited resources:

• Trent Dilfer [18:39]: "I didn't ask for the horrific losing record... but I've asked for the challenge of fixing it."

B. Recruiting and Player Retention [21:02 - 29:03]

Dilfer emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with players, focusing on character and personal connections over mere talent:

• Trent Dilfer [25:17]: "We recruited players that we want to have strong connections with... It's not just losing a player, but losing a relationship."

He shares anecdotes about player development, particularly highlighting the growth of quarterback John Kitna’s son:

• Trent Dilfer [29:03]: "He never flinched, he never changed. He grew as a leader, as a player, as a worker."

C. Coaching Techniques and Team Building [31:33 - 36:45]

Dilfer discusses innovative team-building strategies inspired by his time at Lipscomb, such as "kitchen table conversations" that foster deep personal connections:

• Trent Dilfer [33:04]: "We had these very organic tables of 8 to 10 kids... incredible bonds being formed."

He emphasizes the importance of authentic team culture built through shared hardships and mutual support:

• Trent Dilfer [36:45]: "Culture is organic. It's fluid. What you grow into has everything to do with what you do, not what you say."

VI. Defensive Strategies and Program Improvements [36:45 - 41:19]

Dilfer outlines the strategic overhaul of UAB's defensive unit, focusing on talent acquisition and tactical alignment:

• Trent Dilfer [38:21]: "We remade it. We completely blew up philosophically what we do up front, how we coach it and how we recruit it."

He details the acquisition of defensive line coach Sam Mills III and the emphasis on stopping the run through tactical recruitment and player development:

• Trent Dilfer [41:19]: "We're a lot better, but we don't know until we line up and stop teams like Tulane, Memphis, USF, Navy, and Army."

VII. Insights on Leadership and Talent in Football [41:19 - 47:37]

Dilfer shares his admiration for some of the greatest leaders and most talented players he has encountered during his NFL career:

• Trent Dilfer [41:56]: "The most talented I ever played with by far is Walter Jones."
• Trent Dilfer [42:19]: "Reggie White, Derek Thomas, Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed had instincts that you can't even describe."

He recounts memorable moments and the unparalleled talent of Hall of Famers, emphasizing their impact on the game:

• Trent Dilfer [43:38]: "Reggie White... when he decided to play his hardest, was literally unstoppable."

VIII. Expectations for Quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson [47:37 - 48:32]

Dilfer discusses his expectations for quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson, drawing an analogy between a butcher and a surgeon to describe their playing styles:

• Trent Dilfer [47:45]: "I'd rather have a scalpel... the quarterback position needs to be played like a scalpel needs to be."

He anticipates Caleb Williams' growth from a playmaker to a more refined and consistent performer, similar to Patrick Mahomes' development:

• Trent Dilfer [47:37]: "Caleb is going to learn some hard lessons... his floor is raised and he plays at a very high level even when it's not great."

IX. Conclusion and Closing Remarks [48:32 - 48:57]

David Pollack wraps up the episode by thanking Trent Dilfer for his insights and wishing him success with UAB:

• David Pollack [48:32]: "We thank you for your time and fire breathers only this season. Good luck to UAB and we'll definitely be watching you."

Trent Dilfer reciprocates the gratitude and offers continued support:

• Trent Dilfer [48:47]: "I think the absolute world of you, David... Continue to pray for you and your family."

Key Takeaways:

• Trent Dilfer's Multifaceted Career: Dilfer brings a wealth of experience from his NFL career to his current role as UAB's head coach, focusing on player development and program turnaround.
• Importance of Relationships in Coaching: Building strong, personal connections with players is pivotal for retention and development.
• Innovative Team Building: Strategies like "kitchen table conversations" foster deep team cohesion and authentic culture.
• Strategic Defensive Overhaul: Emphasizing tactical recruitment and alignment to enhance the team's defensive capabilities.
• Leadership and Talent Appreciation: Dilfer's admiration for NFL legends underscores the impact of exceptional talent and leadership in football.
• Quarterback Development Philosophy: Balancing playmaking abilities with technical precision is crucial for quarterback growth and consistency.

This episode provides a comprehensive look into the challenges and strategies involved in rebuilding a college football program, enriched by Trent Dilfer's extensive experience and insightful perspectives on leadership, player development, and team culture.