Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/20/2008

Question
I want to know my chances of being a walk-on at a div-2 school? I played OL/DL in my 4 years in high school i got limited playing time because i wasn't strong or big enough. I'm a decent blocker and i can catch very well but i don't have good speed. I was 220 pounds in october but now i'm 200 and my goal is 185 before the end of april.  I'm 5'9-5'10 ,BENCH-  230, SQUAT- 225,  40 TIME-4.9-5.1.  What position should i try out for?  What can i do to get my speed up? and what drills will i be doing at a walk-on tryout?

Answer
Erick, hello and Happy New Year!

Playing on the OL or DL for Div-2 would be a great accomplishment to be proud of.  However, if you're losing weight, down to 185, you are not going to me starting on those lines.  You need to get your strength improved by a rigorous weight training program, (supervised by professionals), and a healthy diet.  If you run as many sprints as possible, your time will improve.  Playing on the lines will require a great Stamina.  So, concentrate on building endurance more so than speed.  Your bench and squat weights may not stack up against the guys that are pushing 300-400 around.  The drills at a walkout depend on general skills you're trying out for.  So, you need to get focused on the positions.  Talk to former coaches (get letters of commendation from any and all), former players, future players on the team you seek to play for and perhaps those who have played for that Coach.  Having conversations with your local high school football official's association will give many tips for your future.  Those people played the game, know the game, and know the contacts at colleges.
They have a wealth of knowledge and would love to help you.

Do great and let me know when you make the team!

Thom Brooks

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myspace.com/listen2three