Our Team
Faris Touleimat
Faris Touleimat founded Springing Into Football in January 2024 and serves as its owner and podcast host. He is responsible for the platform’s content, operations and overall direction.
Following the podcast’s inaugural season, Faris played a significant role in transitioning SIF from an audio-only podcast to a video format, marking an important milestone in its development. He continues to manage podcast production and oversees all publishing of episodes on YouTube and Spotify.
Faris is a senior at North Central College, majoring in Sport Management with a minor in Journalism & Media Communication. He has gained experience in athletic communications, broadcasting and gameday operations.
In the summer of 2026, Faris served as a Media Relations Summer Intern with Wagner College Athletics, where he contributed to various aspects of a Division I athletic communications department.
A native of Burr Ridge, Ill., Faris plans to pursue a career in athletic communications while continuing to develop SIF.
Founder & Host
Diego Mendoza helped co-found Springing Into Football in January 2024 and has helped shape the platform’s social media presence and digital content.
A 2026 graduate of Illinois State University, he earned his degree in Journalism with a minor in Latin American and Latino/a Studies.
He was also the creator of BhamStallionsNation, which was one of the top Birmingham Stallions fan pages.
A Chicago native, Diego is pursuing a career in sports media and blogging while continuing to grow his experience with SIF.
Diego Mendoza
Co-Founder & Digital Media Director
Rafael Semerikov joined Springing Into Football as part of the founding group in 2024.
During his time with SIF, Raf has assisted with several social media initiatives while contributing to weekly episodes and discussions.
Outside of SIF, Raf previously ran IFA Newsroom, a podcast covering the International Football Alliance, where he gained additional experience in sports media, podcasting and content creation.
A Fargo, N.D., native, Raf takes pride in helping SIF develop its own identity within the spring football media space.
Analyst & ContributorRafael Semerikov
AJ Fields joined Springing Into Football as part of the founding group in 2024.
During his time with SIF, AJ has contributed to weekly episodes, discussions and the overall growth of the podcast.
Outside of SIF, AJ runs BreezyFilms, where he showcases his video editing and content creation. Editing since 2019, he brings his creative experience to SIF’s content and identity.
A native of Opelika, Ala., AJ brings a different football perspective to SIF, including his knowledge and passion for football in the South.
Analyst & Contributor