Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/15/2008

Question
QUESTION: I'm about 5'10- 5'11 and about 240 lbs. And I go to Texas tech university. I
started at center for a very good football team in Texas where we had plenty
of D1 players recruited but I was never really looked at because of my size. I
have really started to get the football itch again and am seriously considering
walking on at a d3 school because my height and weight would most likely
not be enough to play d1 or possibly d2. I squat about 500 pounds and
bench roughly 300 now and I am pretty athletic except my speed is a big
problem. Should I even consider walking on d3? And do you have any idea
what position would best suit me? My 40 is about a 5.1 and I feel I could
play d line or possibly linebacker. Any help would be appriciated. I just don't
feel like my size would allow me to match up with big 12 athletes.

ANSWER: Alex, hello!

You sound stout enough to stand in with most of the guys so do not sell yourself short.  If you have the gift at Center, why aren't you on the Texas Tech team?  They seem to be missing on a chance to have a Leader. If they do not want you, schools like Texas State, maybe June Jones new gig at Southern Methodist or a school like Georgia Southern at Statesboro, Georgia would love to take a look at you.  You pick the school.  Now, pick up the phone and start talking to old Coaches and players to get some letters of commendation.  Send copies of those letters to the school you want to play for.  

Playing Center on a winning Texas team is awesome.  Alex, some smart Coach out there is going to look at your past and would love to give you a chance.  Get fired up and start the paper work tomorrow.  Do not procrastinate.  Do not slow the train down.  Get it going, son.   You're going to be a blessing for some team out there.  Go find them.

Listen to my youngest son's music at :

myspace.com/listen2three

Keep me posted on your progress!

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia







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

QUESTION: thanks thom it really is a confidence booster to hear that my height may nor slow me down. My dream really was to play for texas tech but with the average height on the o line is roughly like 6'5 and about 300 pounds. But i keep telling myself i can take D1 athletes because when i was in highschool, i went up against guys who are playing for Nebraska and TCU and i had no problem putting my helmet in their chest, and using my legs to put them on their back. What kind of letters do I need and from what coaches? My old high school coach? And i have friends on the tech team that would vouch for me. Thanks for everything Thom

Alex

Answer
Alex, hello!

Yes.  Get letters from your old coaches and former players.  If you know any that competed against you, especially one that still has a piece of your helmet imbedded into his chest, would be a great reference!

If you have any Youtube or tapes, get them to the schools you want to play for.  You're going to be outstanding as long as you do not procrastinate.  It just seems logical that T-Tech would want you on their team, so don't give up on them.  Your height does not matter when you're laying beside the 350 pounder you just drove into the ground.  You know what kind of physical and mental pain you can endure.  You know what your stamina is.  The opponent may well be surprised if your "undermanned" self disrespects him all over the pit!  I can't wait to watch you on TV.  

If the state of Texas doesn't want you, we have a few teams in Georgia that might! Ol' Bobby Bowden down in Tallahassee needs some Leadership, too.  

You're in the town of Buddy Holly and Jim Reeves, but you're not that far from the U. of New Mexico and Tulsa, not to mention the Div-2 and Div-3 schools that would definitely want you.  You would likely get a Div-2 scholarship.  

You are living in exciting times so make the best of it!

Thom Brooks
Savannah Bombers Baseball
CompnyBiz@aol.com