Registration is now open for our Film Evaluation course! Learn more.

Film Evaluation Course (Discounted)

Registration is now open for our 2026 Summer semester beginning May 18th!

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Course Overview

Schedule

Instructors

Testimonials

Course Overview

Objective

Because we understand that you cannot drop everything and attend a 16-week course, we have designed the curriculum and built an online learning platform to bring the class to you. You will be able to create a flexible class schedule around your life and have full access to the library of information and years of experience that our instructors bring. There should be no reason you cannot invest in your future despite any life events or previous commitments.

With each of the 32 NFL teams operating under different value sets and schematics, we teach trait-by-trait evaluations that arm up-and-coming analysts with a vast array of proficiencies. Our Film Evaluation course allows you to seamlessly move into the scouting world and execute at a high level.

This course does not replace working in football. It makes sure that when you’ve done the hard work to get your shot, you’re ready to use it.

16-weeks of access

Flexible class schedule that you control

100% online learning

Learn from the comfort of your home

Showcase your work

Earn a spot in our Student Showcase

Structured semesters with flexible start options

Choose the Spring (Jan start), Summer (May start), or Fall (Sept start) semester or coordinate a custom 16-week start if your timing doesn’t align.

Tuition: $750 (Save $200)

Discounts and payment plans are available! Learn more.

Questions? Check out our FAQ.

16-weeks of access

Flexible class schedule that you control

100% online learning

Learn from the comfort of your home

Showcase your work

Earn a spot in our Student Showcase

Multiple Semesters Available

  • Fall – Early September to Early January
  • Spring – Mid January to Early May
  • Summer – Mid May to Late August

Tuition: $950

Discount and payment plans are available! Learn more.

Questions? Check out our FAQ.

Course Overview

Objective

Because we understand that you cannot drop everything and attend a 16-week course, we have designed the curriculum and built an online learning platform to bring the class to you. You will be able to create a flexible class schedule around your life and have full access to the library of information and years of experience that our instructors bring. There should be no reason you cannot invest in your future despite any life events or previous commitments.

With each of the 32 NFL teams operating under different value sets and schematics, we teach trait-by-trait evaluations that arm up-and-coming analysts with a vast array of proficiencies. Our Film Evaluation course allows you to seamlessly move into the scouting world and execute at a high level.

What You’ll Learn

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Why learning a stable process for player evaluation is critical

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How to properly watch film, work through your mental checklist, and generate notes for an evaluation

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How to conduct trait by trait evaluation that will improve your football acumen

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The language that scouts use to refer to traits and how to talk about the game

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Strategies on how to write a scouting report that will effectively and efficiently communicate to key decision makers

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Handcrafted strategies on how to maximize this course and leverage it in your career

Our Personalized Feedback System

We are the only football evaluation program to provide this level of written and verbal feedback to enhance your skill set.

Study a position module

Evaluate 5 NFL Players and submit reports

Receive Personalized feedback on reports

1-on-1 call after the 5 reports

repeat in the next module

Dan_Hatman

Dan Hatman

Lead Instructor | Director of Scouting Development

A former NFL scout with experience at the Giants, Jets, and Eagles, including the Super Bowl XLVI front office. Now dedicated full-time to the professional development of the next generation of evaluators.

The evaluation methodology in this course is built around reducing human error in the subjective assessment of players, drawing from the military, data science, exercise physiology, and psychology in addition to 29 years of collective NFL scouting practice. These processes have trained 91 NFL scouts to date.

This curriculum also serves as the foundation of the Senior Bowl Scout School, where Dan has served as curriculum expert under two consecutive executive directors.

Skills in this class:

Film Evaluation | Critical Thinking | Root Cause Analysis | Note Taking | Report Writing | Report Defense Strategies | Production Trending | Research Methodologies

sample scouting report

Sample Lesson:

course schedule

Evaluation Philosophy

We are human beings evaluating human beings. In order to create accurate projections, we need to understand our inherent biases.

These first 2 weeks are designed to explore the ‘why’ behind the curriculum, to evaluate your existing process, and provide tools and structure that will allow you to maximize your time in the position modules and to create more objectivity in the subjective assessment of players.

Position Modules

Each of the remaining weeks is a deep dive into the positions that make up the game. We teach you what to look for at each position, then assign you to evaluate NFL players on those traits and sending you feedback on your work.

You can choose from 1 of 8 position tracks to work through. The tracks build on a segment of the game (Offense First, Trench Play, Passing Game, or Defense First) and then lead you through the 8 modules, stacking concepts that build upon each other.

During your time in the program, you will be in consultation with our Director, Dan Hatman who can customize your track to meet your needs.

Sample Track #1:
Offense First
   1st Module – Wide Receivers
2nd Module – Offensive Line
3rd Module – Running Backs
4th Module – Tight Ends
5th Module – Defensive Line
6th Module – Defensive Backs
7th Module – Linebackers
8th Module – Quarterbacks

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Sample Track #2:
Trenches First
1st Module – Defensive Line
2nd Module – Offensive Line
3rd Module – Wide Receivers
4th Module – Defensive Backs
5th Module – Linebackers
6th Module – Tight Ends
7th Module – Running Backs
8th Module – Quarterbacks

Scouting Academy Alumni

Our alumni are always a priority. We will be here for you moving forward. From live networking events like our Live Classroom at the Senior Bowl, to customized career strategy calls, resume/portfolio review, interview preparation, and more. Whatever you need, we will be a resource to you.

Course Instructors

Jerry Angelo    Louis Riddick    Mike Martz    Howard Mudd    Chris Palmer    John Peterson    Mike Sullivan
Steve Fairchild    Ken Flajole    Steve Loney    Bobby April    Earnest Byner    George Catavolos    Jerald Ingram
Charlie Coiner    Matt Sheldon    Dan Hatman    Wade Phillips    Tom Walsh    Ed Marynowitz    Mike Riley    Drew Hughes    Brent Blaylock    Scott Vestal    Bobby Merritt    Jeff Behrmann    Alex Brown    Phil Hedrick
Roger Marandino    Maria Peden
Jerry Angelo    Louis Riddick    Mike Martz    Howard Mudd    Chris Palmer    John Peterson    Mike Sullivan
Steve Fairchild    Ken Flajole    Steve Loney    Bobby April    Earnest Byner    George Catavolos    Jerald Ingram
Charlie Coiner    Matt Sheldon    Dan Hatman    Wade Phillips    Tom Walsh    Ed Marynowitz    Mike Riley    Drew Hughes    Brent Blaylock    Scott Vestal    Bobby Merritt    Jeff Behrmann    Alex Brown    Phil Hedrick
Roger Marandino    Maria Peden
Jerry Angelo    Louis Riddick    Mike Martz    Howard Mudd    Chris Palmer    John Peterson    Mike Sullivan
Steve Fairchild    Ken Flajole    Steve Loney    Bobby April    Earnest Byner    George Catavolos    Jerald Ingram    Charlie Coiner    Matt Sheldon    Dan Hatman    Wade Phillips    Tom Walsh    Ed Marynowitz    Mike Riley
Drew Hughes    Brent Blaylock    Scott Vestal    Bobby Merritt    Jeff Behrmann    Alex Brown    Phil Hedrick
Roger Marandino    Maria Peden
Jerry Angelo    Louis Riddick    Mike Martz    Howard Mudd    Chris Palmer    John Peterson    Mike Sullivan
Steve Fairchild    Ken Flajole    Steve Loney    Bobby April    Earnest Byner    George Catavolos    Jerald Ingram
Charlie Coiner    Matt Sheldon    Dan Hatman    Wade Phillips    Tom Walsh    Ed Marynowitz    Mike Riley
Drew Hughes    Brent Blaylock    Scott Vestal    Bobby Merritt    Jeff Behrmann    Alex Brown    Phil Hedrick
Roger Marandino    Maria Peden
Jerry Angelo    Louis Riddick    Mike Martz    Howard Mudd    Chris Palmer    John Peterson    Mike Sullivan
Steve Fairchild    Ken Flajole    Steve Loney    Bobby April    Earnest Byner    George Catavolos    Jerald Ingram
Charlie Coiner    Matt Sheldon    Dan Hatman    Wade Phillips    Tom Walsh    Ed Marynowitz    Mike Riley    Drew Hughes    Brent Blaylock    Scott Vestal    Bobby Merritt    Jeff Behrmann    Alex Brown    Phil Hedrick
Roger Marandino    Maria Peden
Jerry Angelo    Louis Riddick    Mike Martz    Howard Mudd    Chris Palmer    John Peterson    Mike Sullivan
Steve Fairchild    Ken Flajole    Steve Loney    Bobby April    Earnest Byner    George Catavolos    Jerald Ingram
Charlie Coiner    Matt Sheldon    Dan Hatman    Wade Phillips    Tom Walsh    Ed Marynowitz    Mike Riley    Drew Hughes    Brent Blaylock    Scott Vestal    Bobby Merritt    Jeff Behrmann    Alex Brown    Phil Hedrick
Roger Marandino    Maria Peden
Jerry Angelo    Louis Riddick    Mike Martz    Howard Mudd    Chris Palmer    John Peterson    Mike Sullivan
Steve Fairchild    Ken Flajole    Steve Loney    Bobby April    Earnest Byner    George Catavolos    Jerald Ingram
Charlie Coiner    Matt Sheldon    Dan Hatman    Wade Phillips    Tom Walsh    Ed Marynowitz    Mike Riley
Drew Hughes    Brent Blaylock    Scott Vestal    Bobby Merritt    Jeff Behrmann    Alex Brown    Phil Hedrick
Roger Marandino    Maria Peden
Jerry Angelo    Louis Riddick    Mike Martz    Howard Mudd    Chris Palmer    John Peterson    Mike Sullivan
Steve Fairchild    Ken Flajole    Steve Loney    Bobby April    Earnest Byner    George Catavolos    Jerald Ingram
Charlie Coiner    Matt Sheldon    Dan Hatman    Wade Phillips    Tom Walsh    Ed Marynowitz    Mike Riley
Drew Hughes    Brent Blaylock    Scott Vestal    Bobby Merritt    Jeff Behrmann    Alex Brown    Phil Hedrick
Roger Marandino    Maria Peden
Jerry Angelo

Louis Riddick

Mike Martz

Chris Palmer

John Peterson

. . . & more!

meet the team

Testimonials

The outcome we are most proud of is seeing hard work being rewarded. Those who join us are investing in their future in football and their efforts and passion are an inspiration to us. 

When we started, we assumed that only people that wanted to work in the NFL would join us, but we could not have been more wrong. People from every corner of the football landscape have taught us that the evaluation community is broad and hungry to learn more.

Below you can hear from our alumni directly. To date, they have:
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Earned 91 NFL opportunities

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Earned 274 Division 1 opportunities, 168 in Power 5

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Covered teams for ESPN, Dallas Morning News, New Orleans Advocate, Detroit News, San Diego Union Tribune, DetroitLions.com and Chargers.com

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Earned roles with PFF, Sports Info Solutions, Next Gen Stats, STATS LLC, and SportsRadar

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Written for Bleacher Report, USA Today, SB Nation, USA Football, RotoViz, numberFire, FantasyPros, and fivethirtyeight

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Come from 29 countries around the world

“I first learned about the Scouting Academy after attending their Live Classroom held at the Senior Bowl and immediately registered for the next semester. Signing up for the program was the best investment I could have made for myself and my career. Even with my solid knowledge of the game of football, I was still able to gain so much insight about the evaluation process from experts that have done it first hand. I am truly grateful to Dan Hatman and his staff for creating a program tailored for aspiring scouts.”

Alex Smith
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

“The Scouting Academy has the tools and resources any aspiring scout could need. Their in-depth learning style and hands on teaching created directly from NFL Coaches and NFL executives is an invaluable resource. The Scouting Academy will up your game through networking with the industries best to learning the intricacies of the game. Regardless of whether you want to utilize The Scouting Academy to become a successful professional football scout or simply to learn more about the game of football, The Scouting Academy has everything you need to succeed in an accessible location.”

Chance Trickett
Los Angeles Rams

“I appreciate The Scouting Academy for all that the program has to offer. It is a opportunity for aspiring evaluators to gain insight into player evaluations from individuals who have had success in the field. You are afforded the opportunity to pursue your passion while practicing your craft and honing your skills. It is a great opportunity, on the job training, and a great networking opportunity.”

Patrick Williams
Baltimore Ravens

“Before joining The Academy, I was curious as to how the time commitment of the course would fit into my schedule. Once I learned that all the modules and material can be completed at any time, at your own pace, I had no reservations about joining. Being able to learn what to look for when scouting, how to look for them, and how to formulate these observations into a written report provided a foundation that I will utilize for the rest of my career. The Live Classroom at the Reese’s Senior Bowl gives students a tremendous opportunity to interact face to face with the NFL’s scouting community. The 1 on 1 feedback and interactions with you, the director, is what separates The Scouting Academy from any other service. The amount of time and effort that you put into going over our work with us, answering any questions we have, and setting us up for success is truly incredible.”

Dante Fargnoli
Atlanta Falcons

“I learned a lot of great information while involved with the Scouting Academy. The ability to make payments made it easy for me to join. My favorite feature was the different point of views from each instructor in each position module which helped me learn the basic principles of trait based evaluation. I would definitely recommend The Scouting Academy. If football is your passion and you want to learn more about the personnel side of the business this is the course for you. They give you a wealth of knowledge from all aspects of the personnel department and will provide you with networking opportunities.”

Beau Bell
Los Angeles Rams

“Joining The Academy is a strong signal to potential employers that you’re serious about working in this field. Whether that’s in the NFL, college or the media industry, The Academy will help you get where you want to be, if you put in the work. It’s an investment in yourself to get better. In my time there, Dan helped flesh out what I needed to better communicate in an organized manner while providing insight to any questions you may have had during your semester and long after. Dan’s always there to help you after you completed your time at The Academy. He’ll even help guide you to new opportunities that can be a way of building your resume and putting you on the right path to get where you want to go.”

Joe Ferraiola
NFL

“The Scouting Academy will greatly help young scouts. There have not been high caliber avenues to learn what it is to scout, what to look at in players, how to evaluate players, etc. There is no bachelor’s degree for scouting. This Academy will put you in contact with people that have reached the level we all want to reach and allow you to take their experience and actually learn from it.”

Dustin Regan
Blesto Scouting

“As a college football coach, I wanted to make sure that I was on the cutting edge when it came to evaluations. The Scouting Academy helped me to stay ahead of the game as far that goes.”

Van Malone
Kansas State

“The program hones your skill set as an evaluator. It provides you with the knowledge and experience to identify specific traits, as well as how to effectively communicate what you are seeing on film. More importantly, you receive not only excellent feedback, but it will help you a build a great network to where you want to go.”

Ricky Ciccone
University of Toledo

“I was concerned if I could be excellent at in both my full-time coaching position, overseas, and The Academy simultaneously. I found that The Academy structure quickly erased those concerns. Regardless of how knowledgeable you are in football, there’s a distinct language and writing style used in scouting you have to learn. Unless you are working in an NFL scouting department, The Academy is the only place to gain that training. The Academy’s online curriculum streamlined the terminology needed and refined my report writing structure to fit what decision makers in NFL front offices demand. I’d highly recommend The Academy and there welcomed correspondence will guide you in career advancement.”

Brett Morgan
Calgary Stampeders

“Dan Hatman established my foundation when it comes to the evaluation process. His knowledge and experiences also allowed me to further improve my schematic understanding and prepare me for how to gain the coaches trust with my evaluations. Dan will push you to become the best you can possibly be.”

Greg Castillo
Kansas City Chiefs

“No matter how talented you are as an evaluator, it won’t matter unless you can communicate your opinion. Dan and his staff do a phenomenal job of preparing young scouts to properly convey their thoughts on paper and formulate well-structured reports. As football guys, we all understand the importance of practice and I found that getting feedback on my reports from Dan was invaluable to my development. If you’re willing to work hard and take coaching, you will become a better scout!”

Michael DiJulio
New Orleans Saints

“Dan and his instructors provide incredible experience, knowledge, and resources that aren’t available anywhere else. Through this course, you will improve your football acumen, learn how to study film like an NFL Scout, and practice verbalizing your evaluations professionally. Through hands-on instruction, The Scouting Academy teaches organized and duplicable techniques to evaluate and write about the game of football. The application is up to you.”

Nathan DiGregorio
Arizona Cardinals

“The Scouting Academy was critical in understanding the fundamentals of the evaluation process used in the National Football League. Aspiring coaches and scouts alike will be exposed to the many methods used by NFL professionals to evaluate talent that can be applied at any level of football. It was absolutely a worthwhile investment.”

Mike Lacy
Indiannapolis Colts

“The Scouting Academy is the best and most accessible way to learn the scouting process other than working for a team. The resources, curriculum setup and the staff that is provided is unmatched by anyone else out there. With the number of guys scattered around the league with the SA background growing, the program is starting to speak for itself.”

Matt Waugh
Los Angeles Rams

“I would recommend The Scouting Academy 10 times over. If you think you want to be a scout, by the time you complete the course; you’ll know whether or not if they want to pursue the business. I enjoyed the fact that Dan Hatman really took the time to critique our reports thoroughly and made sure our message was clear and that we had to qualify for each position module, verifying our knowledge. Through the process, I gained exposure to evaluation of each position individually, both sides of the ball and scouting a variety of players from the elite to the fringe.”

Michael Young
Los Angeles Rams

“The Scouting Academy offers the unparalleled experience of learning directly from a large group of experienced NFL executives and coaches. The information students will learn from these personnel experts is priceless and rarely offered to young aspiring scouts. There is no better way to learn about being an NFL scout than learning from the experts who have done it for a living.”

Ryan Gold
Arizona Cardinals

“NFL coaches and executives provide the best advice as they have been through the process and have vast knowledge and wisdom of both what you need to know and what you need to do to be successful. Dan Hatman is one of those people. He has aided my development by explaining the life of a scout both in the beginning years and the path that follows after that. I received great advice that I still hold on to today and have seen firsthand. Any question that I had regarding scouting he was more than happy and able to answer.”

Matt Evans
Washington Redskins

“The Scouting Academy material and course work is highly detailed. Dan and his staff do a great job interacting with all aspiring evaluators and are willing to work with you outside the course to help better your knowledge of the game/business of football. I gained a lot of insight, that has been applicable in my day-to-day working experiences in this industry. The Scouting Academy is an investment to your craft and your future.”

Will Christopherson
Maryland

“You learn the proper way to evaluate positions and the ability to defend your views from proven NFL coaches, scouts and executives and although it is a lot of work; it is a flexible, online curriculum and you can work around your schedule. The cost and time commitment were something I made sure made sense for me but it was well worth it. The feedback from Dan Hatman is invaluable and opportunities like the Senior Bowl Live Classroom, the 6 month college area scouting class with John Peterson, and more will take you to the next level. This class is a must for someone who wants to gain an insight to what it takes to properly evaluate players. You get exposure to some of the best football minds in the business and have the ability to network with people in every aspect of the NFL, NCAA and CFL.”

John Cook
Calgary Stampeders

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