Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I want to go out for the new Old dominion football team it's D-1 AA.  I want to go out for WR but I haven't played organized football since I was in the fourth or fifth grade.  However I've got great speed (track and field sprinter in high school) I am 6'3 220 pounds and in the recent flag football intramurals I did pretty well against the other kids.  What should I expect at tryouts in February (types of drills), wht would the coaches be looking for and if I make the team when should the scholarship talk come into play. thank you for your time

ANSWER: James, Happy New Year !

Your size would be great for WR, as long as you have the speed and good hands.  Your negative would be in having no experience and not knowing basic plays and schemes.  So, if the Coaches view you as a liability on the field, then they should be aware that you need to hit the playbooks more than others.  

However, Professor Henry David Thoreau once said, "Work expands so as to fill the time allowed for it".  You can study books for years and never get as much as one week of intense on the job training.  I just finished my 3rd year of being a football official and have learned most by being on the fields.  I worked 70 games (mostly under high school) this season and got better each month.  

So, your Coaches will be aware of your deficiency.  But, if you're a smart player with good instincts, you will learn in a hurry.  You may not make the 1st or 2nd string, but you have a chance.  You need to get with any of the current players (or former) that will work out with you.  If you can find the QB, get him to throw pass patterns to you as many hours as possible.  You will then be able to make a statement.  You're not going to walk on and get a lot of attention unless your star burns brighter than the other guys with experience.  

Start a plan today.  Do not procrastinate.......

Have you started yet?

Keep me posted on making the team.  I'll follow your progress forever. If your are exceptional, Georgia Southern Eagles down in Statesboro, Georgia would like to have a Leader on the field, too!  Richmond Spyders are nearby......  ODU is a great school.  The opportunity is there, so go get it.

Have an incredible career!

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia  



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: yeah I've started training already and this would be the first year for football at old dominion so everyone will be walk ons except for recruits and so far they only have 4 or 5. I am an athlete so running and catching is just natural to me.  Right now I'm actually looking pretty good compared to the talent that I've seen. I was just wondering what can I do at try outs to really catch the eye of the coaches.

Answer
Do everything we've talked about.  You're going to be part of a historic season. I'm certain ODU will love having your on the team.  Your Leadership will make the difference to help the team and the individual players.  If you show frustration or any kind of lazy habit, it will hurt your chances, so keep giving support when others make mistakes.  Coaches pick up on Field Leadership.  

Stay in touch and let me know when you make the roster.  You are going to have a great time for the next few years, so keep clean and work hard!

Thom Brooks