“All resources are not obvious; great managers find and develop available talent.” —  Zig Ziglar

There’s a saying that success leaves clues. By looking at successful people, you can improve your own chances for success.

Such was the case yesterday when New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese was interviewed on WFAN radio. He was asked whether he thought there would be a lot of talent available in next month’s National Football League draft. His answer shows why he is one of the best at his job in the entire league, and it should serve as a reminder for every coach.

“I think there are ALWAYS players in the draft,” he said.

Reese is exactly right. Every year, in every sport, there are obscure players who emerge as stars. And there are always highly rated players who never amount to anything. A general manager can either complain about the players who aren’t there, or he can work on finding the ones who are.

It’s the same way in the gym. Coaches waste time wishing for players with more size, strength or skill, when they should be training the players they actually have.

Longtime Penn State football coach Joe Paterno says that he doesn’t have signs in his office, but if he did, there would be one that said: “Love your players. They are the only ones you have.”

Olympic volleyball coach Marv Dunphy says, “The players are in your gym. Train them.”

Reese has shown ability to find players anywhere in the draft. According to Dallas Morning News columnist Rick Gosselin, “Reese drafted wide receiver Steve Smith in the second round from Southern California, tight end Kevin Boss from Western Oregon in the fifth round and running back Ahmad Bradshaw from Marshall in the seventh.”

Those picks helped the Giants win the Super Bowl in 2008.

So when the NFL executives gather in Radio City Music Hall in New York City next month, you can be sure there will be players to be found. The only question is how many executives are really committed to finding them.