Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode 3 & Out - WF Head Coach Jake Dickert Stops By, Why Hate Nico, Rating the Upcoming WR Class Release Date: April 17, 2025

Host: John Middelkoff
Guest: Jake Dickert, Head Coach of Wake Forest

Introduction to Coach Jake Dickert

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host John Middelkoff welcomes Jake Dickert, the newly appointed head coach of Wake Forest University’s football team. Dickert brings a wealth of experience from his previous coaching roles, particularly his tenure at Washington State University, where he coached notable quarterbacks such as Cam Ward and John Mattier.

Coaching Journey: From Washington State to Wake Forest

John Middelkoff begins by highlighting Dickert's extensive background in coaching quarterbacks, including his work with Josh Allen during Allen's senior year at Wyoming. Dickert reflects on his diverse experiences, stating:

“...there's a thin line between playing at all these levels and I think sometimes the transfer portal shows that now.”
[05:09]

Dickert shares how his journey from being a graduate assistant at Division III to head coach involved working in various capacities, including painting lines and handling equipment. His progression underscores his deep understanding of both offensive and defensive strategies.

Transition to Wake Forest: Strategy and Vision

When discussing his move to Wake Forest, Dickert emphasizes the importance of being in a competitive region and leveraging the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) to build a strong program:

“...unfortunately the transfer portal shows that now for us in an amazing league in the ACC and we're ready to compete.”
[06:13]

He expresses pride in Wake Forest’s legacy as the most successful program in North Carolina's Power 4 (P4) over the past 25 years and their commitment to winning:

“We're the only one in the state to win an ACC championship and play in another.”
[07:06]

Player Development: Coaching Elite Quarterbacks

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Dickert's experience coaching elite quarterbacks. He recounts coaching Cam Ward, who transferred to Wake Forest, and his influence on Josh Allen’s development:

“...Josh was just a special, unique talent. And it really showed like what it takes to play that position at a premium level.”
[11:23]

Dickert highlights his philosophy of developing quarterbacks by focusing on their strengths and ensuring they are well-prepared for professional careers. He underscores the importance of leadership and competitiveness in his players.

Navigating the Transfer Portal

Dickert addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by the transfer portal, explaining how Wake Forest strategically acquires and retains talent:

“I think we need to have a better handle on who's doing what, where and how so we can make sure we're building teams the right way.”
[28:07]

He advocates for a structured approach to player acquisition, likening it to roster management in professional sports, and emphasizes the necessity of maintaining roster stability to build a cohesive team.

Impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) on Recruiting

The conversation delves into the impact of NIL on college football recruiting. Dickert stresses the importance of investing in student-athletes beyond just their athletic performance:

“You have to stay transformational, right. You have to do it an old school, a relationship way to understand these are 18 to 23-year-old kids that need our mentorship now more than ever.”
[20:46]

He explains that Wake Forest is committed to supporting athletes financially and academically to ensure their overall development and loyalty to the program.

Scouting and Analytics: A Data-Driven Approach

Dickert outlines his data-driven approach to scouting and player evaluation, collaborating closely with his general manager, Rob Schlager:

“The number one thing we look for in the portal is snaps gained. That's our own little analytic to say, hey, I don't care if you're a Division 3, Division 2 player. If you've played 1,000 snaps in your career, you understand what it takes to go out there and perform and play.”
[41:28]

He highlights the integration of biomechanics and anthropometrics in their evaluation process, ensuring that recruits not only fit physically but also exhibit the potential for growth and development within the team.

Challenges in Modern College Football

Dickert candidly discusses the evolving landscape of college football, including roster management complexities and the need for collective bargaining:

“We might need a certain situation where roster building is the hardest thing you've ever had to do. Now at this level, and especially at the group of five...”
[28:07]

He advocates for reforms that provide more stability in player contracts and reduce the unpredictability introduced by the transfer portal, aiming to create a more sustainable and manageable system for building teams.

Game Planning and Defensive Strategy

Discussing his defensive background, Dickert emphasizes the importance of meticulous game planning and leveraging analytics to gain a competitive edge:

“It's huge. I think it's one of those things, like you can create an edge for your program by how you use and analyze those things.”
[39:54]

He provides examples of how analytic insights inform their defensive strategies, particularly against high-caliber quarterbacks, ensuring that Wake Forest remains a formidable opponent on the field.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As the episode wraps up, Dickert expresses optimism about the future of Wake Forest’s football program. He is excited about the talent on the roster and confident in the team’s ability to compete at a high level:

“We continue to grind through it and excited about the guys we have here as well.”
[45:53]

Middelkoff and Dickert conclude with well-wishes for the upcoming season, underscoring the mutual respect and shared vision for success.

Notable Quotes

• Jake Dickert on Building a Winning Program:
  “We're the only one in the state to win an ACC championship and play in another.”
  [07:06]

• On the Importance of Leadership in Quarterbacks:
  “Josh was just a special, unique talent. And it really showed like what it takes to play that position at a premium level.”
  [11:23]

• On NIL and Athlete Support:
  “You have to stay transformational, right. You have to do it an old school, a relationship way to understand these are 18 to 23-year-old kids that need our mentorship now more than ever.”
  [20:46]

• On Data-Driven Scouting:
  “The number one thing we look for in the portal is snaps gained. That's our own little analytic to say, hey, I don't care if you're a Division 3, Division 2 player. If you've played 1,000 snaps in your career, you understand what it takes to go out there and perform and play.”
  [41:28]

• On the Future of College Football:
  “We might need a certain situation where roster building is the hardest thing you've ever had to do. Now at this level, and especially at the group of five...”
  [28:07]

Takeaways

• Strategic Leadership: Coach Dickert’s leadership and strategic planning are pivotal in transitioning Wake Forest into a competitive ACC team.

• Player Development: Emphasis on developing quarterbacks and fostering leadership qualities ensures that players are prepared for professional careers.

• Adaptation to Modern Challenges: Navigating the transfer portal and NIL deals requires innovative approaches to maintain team cohesion and competitive advantage.

• Data and Analytics: A strong focus on analytics and data-driven decision-making enhances scouting and game planning, providing an edge over competitors.

• Vision for the Future: Dickert is committed to evolving Wake Forest’s football program through robust recruiting, mentorship, and strategic investments in player development.

This episode provides an insightful look into Coach Jake Dickert's philosophies and strategies in leading Wake Forest’s football program. His blend of traditional coaching values with modern analytical approaches positions the team for future success in the competitive landscape of college football.