What if the next superstar is running drills on a dusty field, far from the spotlight—and no one is watching?

Diamond in the Data is a groundbreaking guide for coaches, scouts, recruiters, and football visionaries who are tired of relying on flawed rankings, highlight reels, and hype. In this powerful blueprint, veteran coach and football analytics expert James Roden introduces a revolutionary system for uncovering hidden talent using verified data, customized scoring models, and modern technology.

From rural districts to small schools, from overlooked late bloomers to misclassified athletes, this book teaches you how to recognize elite potential where others see average. With deep insight and real-world experience, Roden shows how to turn athletic testing data into actionable intelligence—helping you discover the players who can actually change the game, not just trend online.

Inside this book, you'll learn:

✅ The six core drills that actually predict football success—and how to score them by position
✅ How to use Z-scores, percentiles, and standard deviations to normalize raw testing data
✅ The truth about 5-star rankings and why many great players are missed early
✅ Position-specific weighting models: what matters most for WRs, OL, DBs, LBs, and more
✅ How to build your own Combine, rating sheet, or custom scouting database
✅ Late bloomer tracking: identifying athletic growth curves and developmental upside
✅ Tools for evaluating character, coachability, and grit—beyond just numbers
✅ Case studies of underdog athletes who were overlooked by traditional methods
✅ How to blend film study, wearable tech, and analytics to get the full picture
✅ A forward-looking vision for AI, machine learning, and player development in youth football

Whether you're trying to level the playing field, build a small-school dynasty, or simply want to be the first to spot the next breakout star, Diamond in the Data equips you with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to scout differently—and win because of it.

Who is this book for?

• High school and college football coaches

• Athletic directors and recruiting coordinators

• Data-driven talent evaluators

• Parents and players looking to understand modern metrics

• Anyone who believes greatness doesn’t always come with a ranking

In a sport driven by tradition, this book brings clarity, customization, and courage to the scouting process. It’s for those who want to see before the world does—because the coach who finds the diamond first changes everything.

If you're ready to turn measurables into magic, discover what others miss, and build a competitive edge backed by truth—not trends—this is the guide you’ve been waiting for.