Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/8/2008

Question
 I want to tryout for a team this year. I only played my Senior year and started db. I had some small schools offer me but because of family obligations I was not able to go. I graduated in 2007. My stats right now are 5'10 185lbs around 36 vertical. Last year I ran a legit 4.5 40 on grass and feel I should be in the 4.4s with hard work. I plan to tryout for a d2 school in May and plan to be around 195lbs. My question is do d1 and d1-AA have tryouts where i don't have to be going to the school at that time like a walk-on? Sorry you prob hear this all the time but I just don't want to settle short. I know I have the ability to play at the top level and hopefully one day I can go to the NFL.

Answer
Patrick, Happy New Year !

What colleges are you interested in trying out for?  What states?  You need to contact them.  They will have restrictions, but will be able to communicate their schedules and interview times.  Your speed is great and if you have good football presence on the field plenty of teams will take a look at you.  Contact them for that information today!  I'm always pushing for SEC and Southern Conference teams but all of the nation will have teams that would be proud to see your skills help win some games.  Your lack of experience against the guys with 4 years of the same game time will hurt you unless you spend a great deal of time studying films and taking it seriously enough to be a Champion.  

Let me know your schools and if I have additional information, I'll be in touch again.

Take care,

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Ga.