Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/5/2008

Question
hello coach my playing time in my senior year was limited because of the politics on the team. Therefore, I'm going to a D3 school for a year then hoping to transfer to a D1a or D1aa if possible. I was wondering if i do good in D3 then send my tapes to D1s would they offer me a scholarship? would i still need to sit out for a year?

Answer
Dave, Happy New Year!

Sorry for the politics on any team.  It's tough to avoid and it's unfortunate you are considering moving around to different schools.  However, you can play at D-III and then transter up a division without having to sit out.  If you were to be in Div-I and wanted to transfer down to lesser divisions, you do not have to sit out a year.  If you transfer from Div-I to another Div-I, you have to sit out.

Yes, if your stats are good and if that school you're transferring to would need your position, they will offer you a full or partial scholarship, if available.  You need to keep your grades strong so you are not compromised.  Even the Blue Chips that get the Free Ride through College have to perform on the field and in the classrooms.  It's a tough challenge but what a tremendous opportunity you have.

When you mention Politics on the team, I cannot comment much other than I've known a lot of egotistical Coaches that play their son over a better player, or have their favorites.  If you were not at fault in the situation, it is sad, but do not let any clouded decisions occur.  

Write your plans down on paper.  Critique your own strengths and weaknesses as if you were the Coach.  Would you make the team?  Would you be 1st, 2nd or 3rd string?  Rate your durability, strength, statistics, football knowledge, skill, and football savvy during the play.  Rate your Leadership.  What are you going to do to improve all areas?

What do you need to do in order to get those Coaches to believe you're the #1 guy?  Get yourself into a position where others on the team look to you in the crisis.  You will never, ever feel that "left out" feeling again.  

Be Bold and Aggressive but temper it with kindness.  Model yourself after the top Leaders and imitate good, ignore those that seek to be less than honorable.

Have a great career, young Dave!

Listen to my youngest son's band.  We hope he's going to make national 1st string this year!

myspace.com/listen2three


Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia