Testimonials
"I was a college football coach for over 30 years and a college Head Coach for 27 years. The thing I love about Nick is the work-ethic, the passion, the love for the game that he displayed as a college player and continues to display to this day. He will give you his absolute best. How cool is it that a player can take his passion for the game of football and now want to use that passion in such a positive way, helping younger athletes in their development. I strongly endorse Nick Ricciardulli and I encourage everyone to give him strong consideration when it comes to the next steps to develop your student-athlete."
-Rob Smith (Humboldt State U./ Western Washington U.)
"Coach Nick has an energy and passion for coaching the game of football. He excels at making his players better athletes. Coach Nick has an infectious winning attitude that drives and motivates those around him!"-Damian Gonzalez (Poway High School 2x CIF Champion Coach)
"Nick Ricciardulli is the best RB coach I've been around, and that's saying a lot! I've grown up in the game, my dad and I consulting the best college and professional teams in the country over the last 30 years. I've been around all the greats, from U. of Miami to Cal Berkeley, and Nick is the best I've seen. He coaches technique better than anyone. He coaches with a passion that is second to none. Nick is that rare coach that "lived the game", excelled at it, and can teach it with the same energy it takes to be great. I've been around the block, and I'm not easily impressed. Nick Ricciardulli impresses me. That's why I hired him!"
-Coach Kyle Williams (Poway, CA)
"Nick is the hardest working guy I ever met. His football IQ and knowledge for the game is something else. San Diego, you got somebody special. He knows the game. He knows how to get you prepared to play and win!" - Jon McNeal ( U. of Nevada)
"I've been coaching high school football for over 20 years and one of the best players I've ever had the privilege to coach is Nick Ricciardulli. I personally watched Nick build himself from the ground up. He learned the game. What sets him apart is his work ethic. He's always trying to learn, trying to grow, and trying to improve himself. He is somebody who brings passion, energy and expertise to the field."- Coach Robby Sevier (Anna, TX)
"RAP SD has helped me not only physically, but also on the mental aspect of the game. Coach Nick has been in my shoes and excelled. Often I get in the car and head to see him making the four hour drive round trip, taking away one new drill or idea which is incomparable to anything else. I came to Coach Nick as a former quarterback transition to junior college running back. Coach helped me elevate my game enough to reach the division one level. I put my trust in the journey Coach Nick has been on, and he is a life coach to myself in many ways. " -Tommy Ansley (UT Martin)
"Nick Ricciardulli has excelled at every level of football he played; High School, College and Professionally. His passion for the game is absolutely unmatched and his coaching expertise is as good as anyone I've ever seen and I've been around the game a long time! Nick will make you a better football player no doubt. Most importantly, Nick will make you a better person simply by being coached and mentored by him."- David Schleich (Somerset, PA)
"I have known Nick Ricciardulli for over 20 years now. Nick played with a mental toughness and instincts that have always impressed me. I followed his college career as he became a two-time collegiate All-American. He has carried that mentality to his business as a player developer. I highly recommend that any serious ball
carrier train with Nick." -Doug Brady (Brady Performance Football, Carlsbad, CA)
"RAP SD has not only developed me as a football player, but as a man and a teammate. With its combination of gritty workouts, coupled with drills geared towards building game IQ, it truly defines what it means to be an all-around player. Nick Ricciardulli is hands down the best trainer in San Diego. He not only cares about improving you as a player, but as a person too. RAP SD is second to none."- Ruben Gutierrez III (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)
"Coach Ricciardulli is an expert teacher that can create a lesson plan for a youth football player or even a football player with pro experience. His attention to detail, teaching progressions, demeanor, and organization brings the best out of any athlete he works with. He is a master of movement fundamentals and understands the importance of teaching movements that will occur in game like situations. These fundamentals translates to any position on the football field and makes them a well rounded athlete for any sport. I highly recommend you get your child involved with the RAP SD family!
-Alika Lewis (El Cajon, CA)
"Since joining RAP SD Football, my 13-year old son, Ryder has experienced significant personal and athletic growth. The program not only focuses on skill development and teamwork but also emphasizes discipline and sportsmanship. I've noticed an increase in my son's confidence and a stronger sense of camaraderie with his teammates. Coach Nick has provided my son with a positive environment to thrive, both on and off the field. Overall, it has been a fantastic experience that has positively impacted his love for the game and his overall character"- Zach Funston (San Diego, CA)
"My son has been working with Coach Nick for the past two seasons, doing both group and private lessons, and we've seen huge improvements in his game. What stands out to me is Coach Nick's passion for teaching. Whether it's a seasoned player or someone just starting, he always takes the time to connect with each athlete--he truly cares. He also pays great attention to the little things and isn't afraid to push his players to help them grow"- Mike Schreiber (San Marcos, CA)
"RAP SD has truly challenged me to elevate my game both physically and mentally. Each drill is crafted with a purpose and emphasis on ball carrier advantage in any given situation. Coach Nick has been in us athletes shoes and his career numbers speak for themselves. For any RB/offensive player that wants to understand the game and add to their bag, RAP SD is second to none.
-Christian Hall (Central Methodist)
"RAP SD has had a profound impact on my son, Timothy (6th grade, 11 yrs old). Physically, RAPSD’s program is second to none; Timothy gets better with each and every session. Nick has the unique ability to recognize and correct errors in a way perfectly tailored to Timothy’s learning style. Mentally, RAP SD has taught Timothy how to be tough, focused and disciplined during a practice and workout session. RAPSD not only prepared Timothy for his Pop Warner season, it has ingrained the toughness and mentality needed to succeed at the High School level and beyond." - Frank Machniak (Valparaiso, IN)
"Coach Nick is the absolute "elite" when it comes to coaching, mentorship, and overall great person for exposing athletes of all ages and levels. It has been a remarkable experience for my son, on and off the field since he has started training with RAP SD. Even as a lineman attempting to work on his footwork and balance, he has developed as a versatile asset to his team and more confident in keeping up with the skilled athletes. Coach Nick takes the time to explain the why behind each of his drills, pushes the athletes to levels they never could imagine seeing themselves, and really engages with your athlete. Whether you are still considering football as a sport, or would like to enhance current skillsets, place your athlete in Coach Nick's hands. They will come out well rounded, more confident, and disciplined. Can't thank him enough!" -Jade Metz (Chula Vista, CA)
"My two sons have played soccer for a year and then football the following year. Despite having great coaches, I've never saw such potential in my boys until they were trained by coach Nick in Speed and Agility in RAP SD. Not only have they gotten better with their footwork, but they have gained so much more confidence in themselves that I've never seen them have before training with Nick. Having boys that now believe in themselves and have the drive that they have now because of RAP SD is what any parent would want for their kids and its priceless. Joining RAP SD is probably the best decision that I have made for my sons since I've moved to San Diego. Coach Nick's training style is very admirable. He takes his time with each athlete, he gives every athlete the individual attention that they need to succeed, even in a group setting, and the words of affirmations that he uses to motivate his athletes is amazing. I would never train with anyone else after RAP SD. The quality of this program is top tier." - Dr. Ozzy Riley (New York, NY)
"Coach Nick and RAP SD are top-tier! Coach Nick has been a game-changer for my son’s development as a running back. From his incredible resume—dominating at the high school, college, and professional levels—to his ability to break down the game and communicate clearly, he’s everything you want in a position coach.
But what truly sets him apart is his heart. He genuinely cares about the kids and goes above and beyond to support them on and off the field. My son has grown tremendously under his guidance, and Coach Nick has played a huge role in helping him earn a starting running back position in high school. If you're looking for elite training from someone who not only knows the game but also cares deeply about your child’s success, look no further than Coach Nick and RAP SD." -Tyler Brown (Carlsbad, CA)
"Training with Coach Nick and RAP SD has been a game changer for me as a running back. I started working with Coach Nick in 2021 and he has helped elevate my technique and football IQ. His drills train specifically to my position, focusing on explosiveness, vision, footwork, and ball security. The 1on1 attention has made all the difference. I appreciate how much Coach Nick cares not just about performance, but developing me as an athlete and a person. I can’t recommend RAPSD enough." - Patrick Fleming (Mission Hills High School)
