Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/13/2008

Question
Hey i never played highschool football because i was a star pitcher and basketball player. My coaches and parents strongly discouraged me becuase of the possibility of injury. I am really regretting not playing, enough to throw away a full scholarship as a D-1 pitcher. Im 6'3 217. Im very athletic. Im fast, strong, have a very good vertical, and Im very competitive and motivated to work hard.  I know lack of experience kills but i know how to play football and with my athleticism I think I could adapt quickly and be a very good d-3 player. Ive always wanted to play saftey.  Looking at d-3 rosters I think I am definitly big enough.  My mom thinks Im crazy and a coach would laugh at someone who has never played. Do you think I have a realistic chance or is this a crazy dream?

Answer
Steven, hello and Happy New Year!

If you are an athlete, no one is going to be laughing.  You need to pursue the dream.  Why not get a scholarship from a D-I or D-2 school and play both sports?  The Coaches would be on campus and could observe your skills to see if they wanted you for football.  You would have the big challenge to beat out a guy that has four years or more of football savvy.  I coach a men's baseball team, over age 25 and we have a number of guys that played college ball, and you just do not need to let your time slip away.  We get old in a hurry!

Get with some people that will work out (football) with you.  Start learning the basics.  Seek advice from many.
Contact the schools this week.  Tell them what you told me.  If I was a college coach, and if you're a Jock, I'd love to have you on my football and baseball teams.  What schools do you have an interest in?  What states?

Take care,

Thom Brooks

Listen to my youngest son's band at:

myspace.com/listen2three