Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/15/2008

Question
Whats up!
I currently play at an NAIA League school for football. I played at a top 5A school in Oklahoma and has played in a state championship....and has played along 3, D-1 fellow teammates my senior year. My high school was more of a speed team so I played DE running a 4.63 but was only 190lbs so was not heavily recruited as an DE.....I an currently an OLB at my University and currently a redshirt freshman....I plan on transferring to either OU, OSU, or Tulsa....I know that I have D-1 caliber. I am currently   6-1/215lbs/40-time= 4.5....my school will play to D-1 schools next season (Stephen F. Austin, Grambling State)...what are my odds on transfering next spring after my freshman season from NAIA to NCAA D-1 or should I leave and go to an Junior College and then transfer.

Answer
E,  Happy New Year!

You sound good enough to decide.  NAIA to Div-1 would be an incedible memory.  I don't see where going to JUCO would improve your chances for Div-I. If you are happy at NAIA, will you be a starter?  If you will not start at your current school, you would be pressed to start at the land of Sooners, Cowboys and Hurricanes.  If you put on a little more weight, you sound tough enough to start for all the teams you mentioned.  If you're only around 19, your going to get bigger and stronger over the next couple of years, so the schools will certainly look at your skills.  

Keep your head straight and you will find the team that makes you the best.  Be careful not to use up your eligibility if you're not making a correct decision.  Enjoy your college time and keep those grades up!  You will be out of school before you know it.  Only a few men can strap those college football helmets on, so be very proud of your accomplishments.

Take care,

Thom Brooks