Tyler Funk: How The U.S. Army National Combines Affect Recruiting

By Signing Day Sports
Published 5M In Articles, Football, HS Athletics, Recruiting

In high school athletics, few games, brands, or combines are renowned in such a way that the U.S. Army Bowl is. For decades, players from around the country have vied for their opportunity to play on this stage – their last opportunity to do so prior to their college commitments and eventual enrollments. 

The National Combines that have been happening throughout the spring represent opportunity, drawing athletes from across the nation to showcase their skills, compete at the highest level, and chart their path to success. 

At the helm of this revolutionary endeavor stands Tyler Funk, a seasoned veteran of college football coaching and a recent addition to the Signing Day Sports family. With a wealth of experience gleaned from his recent tenure at Indiana State University and a deep-rooted passion for player development, Tyler brings a unique perspective to the world of football recruitment. 

After graduating from college, Funk immediately stepped into coaching at the University of Mount Union – an NCAA DIII program. After two highly successful years (Funk was a part of Mount Union’s national championship team), he moved to the DI level with Indiana State University where he held a variety of roles. It’s through these experiences that he started questioning the current recruiting landscape. 

“Recruiting and its relationship with college football is in disarray,” claimed Funk, echoing his motivation for stepping into this new role. 

“I have a great insight into how colleges operate in the recruiting world and can use that knowledge to help kids better their chances of finding great opportunities for themselves,” said Funk. “I am blessed to have had those experiences and I believe I can help young athletes become more prepared to be recruited the right way.”

One of Funk’s main roles will be to operate the aforementioned U.S. Army National Combines. 

Spearheaded by Signing Day Sports, these combines represent more than just recruiting events—they are transformative experiences that redefine the landscape of college football recruitment. With Funk only recently having left the college football coaching world, and getting his first taste of the value provided by the U.S. Army National Combines, his unique perspective is telling. And motivating. 

“I have been blown away by the talent level that we have come across in the combines I have been a part of, as well as the character,” said Funk. “We have seen a ton of diligent, determined and hard-working athletes in my time so far, and they all have one thing in common – they want to be seen!”

Funk’s journey from the sidelines to the forefront of player empowerment epitomizes the ethos of the U.S. Army Bowl combines—a commitment to nurturing talent at every turn while providing real opportunity.

This week, Funk had the opportunity to look back on his first couple months of U.S. Army National Combines and examine the impact that he and the rest of the team have had on thousands of athletes across the nation.

“Every moment of these combines have been an incredible experience for me. I am constantly taken aback by the detail and determination of this team, and I’ve yet to have a dull moment.”

For Tyler, the U.S. Army Bowl combines represent a convergence of talent, dedication, and opportunity. As athletes converge from every corner of the country, Tyler sees in each participant the raw potential waiting to be unleashed. More importantly, he believes that his current role has the ability to have a larger impact on athletes than he has ever had before.

“I joined Signing Day Sports because it gives me the opportunity to help young athletes navigate a crazy recruiting world and give them the necessary knowledge to help them make better decisions and create a better future,” Funk explained. “This is where I can make the most impact, and I wanted to get going with this as soon as possible. Signing Day Sports gives me that opportunity.”

Speaking on the significance of the U.S. Army Bowl combines, Tyler emphasizes their role in transforming the recruiting process for young athletes:

“The U.S. Army Bowl combines are transforming the recruiting process for young athletes, providing them with unparalleled opportunities to showcase their skills and connect with college coaches.”

In his own words, why are these combines so different? And what does he see athletes getting out of them?

“Giving hard video evidence to colleges in the recruiting process is something I wish I had more of when I was doing the recruiting. I cannot tell you how much time we spent searching for pictures and videos of kids when we heard about them, and Signing Day Sports gives coaches hard data and video of how an athlete can help their program. Between that and the detailed instruction in all aspects, kids leave the combines a better athlete and a more recruit-able player.

“It’s also been fun to see the families of the young men join them in their journey. One of my biggest takeaways is that people have not lost hope in the recruitment of high school athletes. People take time out of their weekends to get better, and that is so encouraging!

“This is something that I believe can be – and already is – transcending the recruiting process for young athletes. It gives hard evidence to coaches searching for specific needs, and helps get their voices heard by competing against other great talent. You can’t hide in these combines, and everyone gets better while competing!”

Tyler’s insight underscores the pivotal role played by these combines in empowering athletes and opening doors to collegiate opportunities. With each combine, athletes are equipped with the tools they need to stand out in a crowded field of recruits, including video-verified measurables and comprehensive SDS profiles sent to hundreds of college football programs. 

The momentum being built after the first handful of combines is attracting attention from not only college coaches, but major recruiting platforms such as 247Sports, On3, and Rivals. Top performers and athletes who get selected to the U.S. Army Bowl are frequently written about in articles or tagged on social media. And Funk expects this momentum to continue to build throughout the spring as we get closer to the season starting.

“There are countless reasons why our team is in a league of its own. The main one is that between our combines and app service, we are constantly working to find the best way to help young athletes be seen and heard in the most efficient way.” 

As athletes navigate the competitive landscape of college football recruitment, they find in the U.S. Army National Combines a brand they can trust. And the industry is taking notice.

“We are not just evaluating athletes; we are investing in their future, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed both on and off the field,” said Funk.

With Tyler’s guidance and expertise, the U.S. Army National Combines continue to pave the way for the next generation of stars. Don’t miss your opportunity to be seen by the U.S. Army Bowl, Signing Day Sports, and the bevy of college coaches and recruiters that have already taken notice. Sign up today!




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