Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/24/2008

Question
I am 6'1 225  senior in High School and have played football scince the grade. I bench 300lbs and hold my school record in the squat at 605 lbs. I was named all state 1st team by both major papers and Captain of my team.ANd also have a GPA of 3.7 and a 40 time of 4.9.  My question is what dose it take to get major colleges to look at you when your school is only a 2A ? I have game film and great references but because our region dose not get the exposure of a 4A ,5A,team the bigger schools do not really have the time to see your potential. Is there more you can do to get noticed other than just send film and fill out requiting forms? And is it necessary to go through the clearing house.

Answer
Kade Brough, Hello!

Your stats and Grades sound great!  Many years ago, Jerry Rice got noticed out of Mississippi Valley State because of his skills.  He went on to be one of the best NFL receivers ever.  So, your school will not be any roadblock.  You need to pick the school of choice, especially this week.  Many of them have a need for a man of your strengh and intelligence.  Your Leadership as Captain carries a tremendous amount of weight.  Any Coach with half a brain is going to want your kind of quality on a team.  

You sound like a self motivator, so your training programs will continue to be strong.  You will be bigger, better and wiser in each of the next 5 years.  

Send any of your stats, films, especially about you being Team Captain.  Do you seek any College or is your heart set on one in particular?  Contact their Athletic Department or Scouts.  Your local high school football association will likely have officials that know people, as does the high school association for your state.  

Your high school Coach and Players can give letters of recommendation for you to distribute.  I would be amazed if no one beats on your door.  You can make arrangements to be a walk on, but you should be considered immediately by many schools. They will follow the NCAA rules in regards to contacts, Clearing House, and the dates to meet.  

Take care,

Thom Brooks