Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/11/2008

Question
Hi, I have a question about walking on to a D1 football team. I played high school football as a QB and DB until 11th grade, but I did not play 12th grade year as I had scheduling conflicts (work, studies, family concerns). Then after I graduated (class of 05), I went to Morgan State in Baltimore, but I didn't play any sports because I wanted to focus on school, and after freshman year I didn't go back. I did not attend college from Fall 06 until now.

I plan to go to Temple in Fall 08 and I want to play football there, as I discovered that my not playing (organized) football any more is my single biggest regret. I still keep in relatively good shape (not football shape ill admit, but I'm working on that as we speak) and I still have my high school playbook, which I run through with willing participants to keep my timing and accuracy at least respectable. I've already started a running/weight/diet program, which I plan to continue over the summer.

I'm 6' 4", 227, can run a 4.6-4.8 40, and can still get a ball 65+ yards to this day (not the most important attribute, but still good to have). I'm willing to switch positions if necessary for the team (but I'd really rather not). My question is, do I have any real shot at making the Temple football team this season?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer
Tony, Happy New Year!  The Owls need to look at you!  Even though you're at a disaadvantage from someone who is fresh off of 4 years of ball, you still have the time, skills and I can smell the Leadership in your email.  Anyone that keeps their playbook pages open after several years needs to be on a football team.  

The Coaches can determine where you fit best, but your size, sprint times and attitude are the reasons I'd want you on the roster.  You may make it as First String, but you certainly should get on the team in some capacity until you can show them if you have the skills to be starting.

Your size may fit in as their Tight End, if you have good hands, so you can probably be a great DB, or QB, too.  You need to make contact with anyone that is on the team to see if you can workout with them.  They will know the schemes that Temple uses and may share a little of it with you.  Go to camp with as many stats, films, Youtube, connections and fellow team members as possible.  Go to Temple's football website and get the names of the players and coaches.  Make contact with the players now, especially those that may team up with you on plays.  If you live close to any of them, it's an inside track for you to get comfortable.  The more you know, the better you will play.  I sense that you would be wise enough to be prepared.  Start today!

Have a fantastic career and let me know when you make the team so I can follow your progress every week!

Listen to my youngest son's band at:

myspace.com/listen2three

They're the opening band for Dave Matthews Tribute Band on January 25th at Armstrong Atlantic State University, so we hope Cameron will be famous soon!

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia