Ideate & Explore Grant Recipient – Thomas Keeling for his venture RecruiTag

“Change the Game”: Thomas Keeling’s Vision for a New Era of Sports Recruiting with RecruitTag
Colby Football player Thomas Keeling’s project, RecruitTag, is setting the stage for a transformation in sports recruiting. Thomas’ vision aims to revitalize the college sports recruiting process; it’s a targeted solution to modernize and streamline the existing cumbersome timeline, combining innovative NFC technology with a user-friendly platform. “Digitizing the recruiting process is essential,” Thomas asserts, pinpointing the outdated methods currently burdening athletes and coaches.
Thomas, who has a background in a blend of entrepreneurship and athletics, understands the recruiting challenges firsthand. Drawing from his experience as a college football player, he recognized the inefficiencies plaguing the system — from overwhelming spreadsheets to the disorganized exchange of information at showcases. The seed for RecruitTag was planted from a blend of frustration and foresight, “[Coaches] are handed a big spreadsheet of a thousand players at a camp,” Thomas says, highlighting the urgent need for an update.
The journey from concept to reality for RecruitTag began just a year ago in March 2023 but has rapidly progressed, fueled by Thomas’ determination and entrepreneurial spirit. The project aims to simplify interactions between coaches and athletes using NFC-enabled wristbands that instantly share athletes’ data when scanned with a smartphone or RecruiTag device. This direct approach not only streamlines the data exchange but also ensures real-time updates and interactions. “Our biggest thing is just digitizing it, bringing this recruiting process to the modern age,” he explains, focusing on the ease and efficiency RecruitTag introduces.
However, the path has not been without obstacles. Thomas’ primary challenge has been finding the right technical co-founder, a critical step for advancing the product’s development. Despite this, he continues to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, balancing the creative and logistical sides of bringing RecruitTag to life. “Looking for another co-founder who knows the technical side of it is crucial,” Thomas notes, emphasizing the importance of complementing his marketing and strategic expertise with the right technical acumen.
Within the next year, Thomas aims to move from conceptual pitches to a tangible product, ready for beta testing. His timeline is strategically aligned with the sports industry’s peak seasons, aiming for a launch that caters to the summer’s bustling camp circuit. This thoughtful planning underscores Thomas’ commitment not just to RecruitTag’s success but to improving the recruiting experience for athletes and coaches nationwide.
Thomas imparts a crucial piece of advice to his fellow students and those dreaming of starting their own ventures: “Don’t be afraid to just go for it.” His own trajectory with RecruitTag is a testament to the importance of risk-taking, following one’s passions, and tirelessly seeking out solutions to real problems. He also emphasizes the critical role of networking in entrepreneurship, advising peers and aspiring innovators, “Build your network and lean on it.” He believes that finding solutions to real-world challenges and navigating through the entrepreneurial journey is greatly facilitated by engaging with a supportive community.
Interview by Joshua Varghese ’25
Updates on Recruitag since receiving the Ideate & Explore Grant:
Ezekiel (EJ) Brister joined the Recruitag team for sales, social media, and content support.
Recruitag also received the Compagna-Sennett Iterate & Expand Grant qualifying Recruitag to competed in the Halloran Lab 40K Venture Showcase Pitch Competition.