

RU STRONG
Jeff Durr
Welcome to RU Strong, hosted by Jeff Durr! This podcast is a platform for current and former college athletes to share their stories of resilience, perseverance, and strength. Join us as we delve into the mental and physical challenges athletes encounter both on and off the field. From the intense pressures of competition to the transition out of sports, we'll explore how these experiences shape their lives.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 18, 2024 • 1h 4min
Tanner Maddocks College Football Player
Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr, where we explore the stories of athletes who embody dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Today, we’re excited to have College Football quarterback Tanner Maddocks as our guest.
Tanner grew up on a farm, where everything was a competition, fueling his fear of being average and driving his desire to stand out. He’s a firm believer in always doing your best and thrives under pressure. A great teammate with a strong faith, Tanner knows that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. His "we over me" mentality and incredible work ethic set him apart, and he never lets his emotions get too high or too low.
Tanner believes that confidence comes with practice and preparation, and he lives and breathes the game. Obsessed with becoming the best version of himself, he holds his expectations high and ensures that no one will outwork him. Sacrificing time for what matters most, Tanner's top priorities are his faith, his wife, football, and business. His mantra? Never quit, never give up.
Join us as we dive into Tanner Maddocks’ journey, his unwavering commitment to excellence, and the mindset that makes him a standout leader on and off the field. Get ready to be inspired by the passion and dedication of a true competitor, right here on the RU Strong Podcast.

Aug 11, 2024 • 1h 37min
Craig Cicardo Head College Football Coach and Author
Tune in to this RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr, where we dive into
the minds of leaders who inspire greatness both on and off the field. Today, we
have an exceptional guest, Head College Football Coach Craig Cicardo, who is
also the author of "Right Now: An Athlete’s Way of Life."
Coach Cicardo believes in coaching like a dad, prioritizing standards over
rules, and giving everything to his family. He sees responsibility as a
privilege and encourages his players to be kind, be gentlemen, and embrace team
culture by being all in and selfless, not selfish. Coach Cicardo teaches his
athletes to learn from failure, love and live their sport, and do everything
right. He emphasizes the importance of complying with the must-haves, striving
to get better every day, and losing with dignity like a champion.
In this episode, we'll explore Coach Cicardo's philosophy of believing in
his players, taking care of the present moment, and embodying the "Eye of
the Tiger" mentality. Join us as we uncover the wisdom and insights of a
coach who leads by example and inspires his team to follow the path of good
people.
Get ready for a powerful conversation that will leave you motivated to be
the best version of yourself, right here on the RU Strong Podcast.

Aug 3, 2024 • 46min
Eric LeGrand Former College Football Player and Recipient of the ESPN Jimmy V. Award for Courage
Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where we celebrate the inspiring stories of athletes who exemplify resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. Today, we are honored to have a truly remarkable guest, Eric LeGrand, a former Rutgers University football player and recipient of the prestigious ESPN Jimmy V. Award for Courage.
Eric aspires to be known as a hero, and his journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and commitment. In the locker room, he forged unbreakable bonds with his teammates, embracing the brotherhood that football creates. He believes that adversity defines you and has faced his challenges head-on with a fearless attitude.
Join us as we delve into Eric’s story of persistence, responsibility, and the unwavering resolve to never let people down. He lives by the mantra of giving it your all and being the best you can be, consistently making an effort to commit to himself and others.
Get ready to be inspired by Eric LeGrand’s incredible journey of courage, dedication, and the true essence of being RU Strong.

Jul 28, 2024 • 1h 19min
Savon Huggins Former College Football Player / Current College Football Coach
In this insightful episode of the RU Strong Podcast, we chat with former college football player and current college football coach Savon Huggins. Savon shares his journey from athlete to coach, emphasizing the importance of being goal-oriented and controlling what you can control. He highlights the value of internal motivation and being intentional in every aspect of life.
Savon discusses his dedication to mentoring young athletes and building strong relationships, grounded in honesty and sacrifice. He expresses deep appreciation for his parents, crediting them for instilling discipline and time management skills that have been crucial in his career.
As a coach, Savon stresses the importance of being locked in and mentally prepared, encouraging his players to do more than what is required. He believes that preparation eliminates grey areas and allows athletes to play with confidence. Knowing his players on a personal level is key to his coaching philosophy.
Savon talks about his aspirations to become a college football head coach, adopting a "why not me" attitude. He seeks recruits who demonstrate a love for family, the classroom, community, and football, and values honesty and being true to one's word.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Savon Huggins, where we explore the principles of discipline, preparation, and the pursuit of excellence both on and off the field.

Jul 20, 2024 • 48min
Quentin Gause Former College and NFL Football Player
In this powerful episode of the RU Strong Podcast, we welcome former college
and NFL football player Quentin Gause. Quentin shares his inspiring journey,
highlighting how his faith has been a guiding force in his life and career.
Known for performing at a high level, Quentin discusses the importance of
staying focused and acting the right way both on and off the field.
Quentin delves into the significance of team bonding and building
relationships, emphasizing how these connections contribute to limiting
mistakes and maintaining consistency. He shares insights on developing a solid
mindset and the strategies he uses to block out negativity, ensuring he stays
on track with his goals.
Throughout the conversation, Quentin speaks passionately about living with
purpose and finding your "why," encouraging listeners to do what they
love and handle the ups and downs of life the right way. He also highlights the
importance of stabilizing yourself mentally to navigate challenges effectively.
Join us for an enriching discussion on faith, purpose, and the relentless
pursuit of excellence, as Quentin Gause shares his wisdom and experiences from
his time in college and the NFL.

Jul 13, 2024 • 52min
Kaden Pickering Former College and Professional Hockey Player
In this dynamic episode of the RU Strong Podcast, we sit down with former college and professional hockey player Kaden Pickering. Kaden shares his journey from the ice to life beyond hockey, emphasizing the importance of living with no regrets and taking that leap of faith when opportunity arises.
Known for his unwavering work ethic and leadership, Kaden discusses how building a strong reputation and believing that work beats talent has been key to his success. He highlights the importance of discipline and never settling for less than your best, embodying the mantra that true leaders lead by example.
Kaden opens up about the mental toughness required to excel in high-pressure environments and the necessity of enjoying the ride while maintaining focus. He stresses the value of taking advantage of relationships and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team.
With insights on time management and the vital support he received from his parents, Kaden shares how persistency, consistency, and trusting the process have guided him through challenges. He emphasizes the importance of not becoming a bust by staying committed and always pushing forward.
Join us for an inspiring conversation that explores the essence of hard work, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the ice.

Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 16min
Ryan Cassidy former College Football Player
Join us in this heartfelt episode of the RU Strong Podcast as we delve into the inspiring story of former college football player Ryan Cassidy. Ryan opens up about the importance of staying true to oneself and doing things with grace, embodying the philosophy that you have to think, laugh, and cry to fully experience life.
As a man of faith, Ryan emphasizes the power of optimism and being present—"be where your feet are." He shares how his family are his heroes, with his dad representing his head, his mom his heart, and his brother his gut. These influences guide his thought process and decision-making.
Ryan discusses the significance of making things better for those around you, loving the person next to you, and dictating your own journey. He stresses that you can't just show up; you have to actively engage, make people feel good, and show how much you care.
Tune in for an uplifting conversation about faith, family, and the relentless pursuit of a meaningful and impactful life.

Jun 29, 2024 • 1h 27min
Reggie Sutton College Football Player
In this compelling episode of the RU Strong Podcast, we sit down with current college football player Reggie Sutton. Reggie shares his journey, emphasizing the vital role of family and the importance of a daily routine in maintaining focus and accountability. As a dedicated team player, Reggie discusses how being open to learning and striving to be the best version of himself has shaped his leadership on and off the field.
Reggie reflects on his experiences with injury and how it has influenced his identity and mindset. He talks about staying positive through challenges, relying on people he trusts, and the importance of not cutting corners to achieve his end goals. Throughout the conversation, Reggie reveals how being his toughest critic has driven him to excellence and how he maintains his drive and determination in the face of adversity.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and the unwavering commitment to personal growth and team success.

Jun 15, 2024 • 1h 3min
Gene Zannetti Former College Wrestler
Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast where we are honored to
have Gene Zannetti, a former college wrestler and co-owner of Winning Mindset
Solutions, with us.
Gene is a master of motivation and focus, and he’s here to
share his mindset plan for life. He emphasizes the importance of accountability
and targeting the right habits to achieve success. Through self-knowledge,
routines, and regular evaluation, Gene has perfected the art of hitting the
reset button when needed.
In this episode, Gene will talk about the significance of
word choice, effective goal setting, and the role of confidence and body
language in achieving peak performance. He’ll also delve into his passion, what
he loves to do, and how it fuels his drive every day.
Join us as Gene Zannetti shares his invaluable insights on
building a winning mindset, creating sustainable routines, and staying focused
on your goals. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to take your mental game
to the next level on the RU Strong Podcast!

Jun 9, 2024 • 1h 10min
Weston Wolkov Current College Football Player
Join us on this compelling episode of RU Strong as we sit down with Weston Wolkov, a college football player who embodies the essence of commitment and the power of going all in. Weston shares his journey of unwavering dedication to his sport, living with a "no plan B" mindset, and pursuing ambitious goals that challenge him to push beyond his limits.
In this candid conversation, Weston opens up about how his personal identity is intricately tied to his athletic pursuits. He discusses the risks he's taken on and off the field, the anxiety and fear that accompany such high stakes, and the mental well-being practices that keep him grounded.
Listeners will be inspired by Weston's story of resilience, the challenges he has faced, and his relentless drive to achieve greatness. Discover how going all in can transform not just your athletic career, but your entire life.
Tune in to hear Weston Wolkov's powerful insights and learn how to harness the power of commitment, ambition, and mental strength in your own journey.


