Jacob Grande interned with the University of Arizona football program supporting recruiting, prospect scouting, and gameday operations.
How did you get your internship?
Choosing this internship was easy — I love football. It was the only type of internship I ever wanted, so I went after it hard. I emailed virtually everyone in the football department: coaches, player personnel, equipment staff, and the athletic department. After sending well over 100 emails, Fletcher Kelly, the Director of Scouting and my now-supervisor, called me while I was on vacation to set up an interview. I went in three days later, had a great interview, and got the position.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship?
The work really depends on the time of year. During the season, we go to practice every day and spend the week prepping for Saturday game days. On game days, we host official visits, which is where high school recruits come to watch the game, tour the facility, and meet the team afterward. Once we move into the off-season, the focus shifts more toward scouting. We start watching film for the transfer portal, which opens January 2nd, while also evaluating 2027, 2028, and 2029 recruiting class prospects. We also prepare for our coaches to hit the road and visit recruits at their high schools.
What skills did you develop during your experience?
One of the biggest things I gained was work ethic. Growing up, I never had the best work ethic--I wasn't very invested in school and had never held a real job. Working for a Division I Big 12 program was a significant adjustment, and I had to adapt fast. I started putting in long hours every day and found myself genuinely caring about what I was doing. At some point it stopped feeling like work and started feeling like something I actually loved.
What did you find most challenging?
I never played football growing up, and almost every other intern I worked alongside did. They had a natural football IQ advantage — they knew exactly what to look for in specific defensive and offensive schemes. It took me months just to learn our own defensive system and understand how different players would fit into it. It was a tough adjustment, but I'm still learning every day how to watch film and really see the game.
What was your most significant contribution?
I've been fortunate to make several contributions during my time here. Because I work directly under our linebackers coach, a big part of my role has been helping identify linebacker prospects for our team. I've had the genuine satisfaction of finding players he liked who ended up committing to the University of Arizona. Beyond scouting, I've been heavily involved in official visits and making sure recruits have a great experience when they come to campus — and a few of the guys I've hosted have committed after their trips.
What advice do you have for future students?
Keep your head down, make friends with everyone, and stay positive. There is always someone watching how you carry yourself.