Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/4/2008

Question
Thom,
I am a junior in highschool 5'11( and still growing)165 lbs, I play Quarterback
but haven't had the chance to start because of the coaches son so I stopped
playing, therefore I have no film or anything to encourage any scholarships.
Personally I don't really care about scholarships I just want to play football. I
have been involved in Weight lifting programs since than and still throw a
footballs to keep my arm in shape. I am pretty darn accurate, today I went to
the gym and was able to hit a basketball rim I was aiming at 2 of 2 times
from about 25-30 yards away, I have one of the strongest arms in my school,
I also think I have a good grip on the game and can understand defensive
coverage. I am wondering if you think I should try out for college team? I
would love to play for a smaller D-I school and If you do think I should try out
what do you recommend I do to get better? Any cerain books to read or look
at?

Answer
Kevin, Happy New Year!

You have to be a super athlete to compete at the college level, but you always have a chance.  You can get a tryout for JUCO, Div-III, Div-II, and teams like the Southern Conference (Georgia Southern, Appalachian State, Furman, Wofford, Elon, UT-Chattanooga, Citadel), or whichever part of the country you're closer to).  

You can qualify for scholarship at many of the schools but you have to keep your grades acceptable in order to stay on the team, regardless if it's a free ride or if you're paying.

You will be growing if you keep faithful to a strong training program.  You are against the wall in that you're competing for a slot against a guy that does have the 4 year track record, with films, stats, etc.  However, if you catch the eye of the Coaches during the Tryouts, then the records become diminuished.  Your size would be detrimental due to injuries when the really big, mean, ugly guys hit you in the face and twist your ankles when they're laying their 358 pounds on your chest.  So, durability would be an issue with the Coaches.

You may try out for Special Teams with the idea that they will give you a look at QB.  Fran Tarkenton, Minnesota Vikings 4 Super Bowls (no wins), and U. of Georgia man, was a small fella that people couldn't catch.  He seldom took direct hits because he outsmarted the others.  If you can do that, you can excel.  But, it also depends on which scheme you play under.  Mr. Tarkenton scrambled.  Your school may not want that to occur.  

You need to make contact immediately with the schools you seek to attend.  They're recruiting and will likely give you an interview.  

Take care,

Thom Brooks

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myspace.com/listen2three