Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/27/2008

Question
Hey,

I really think I have a chance at college football but I never played in high school because I was out of shape.
But now I go to the gym think im in shape. I only played a small tournament at my last year in high school at a continuation school, and the principal, the P.E. teacher, and an english teacher, who used to be head coach at a high school, strongly recommended that I think about going into college sports after a great catch by me at the last game. Im 6'7" and I weigh 175. The only problem is that I don't know much about how to get started. I even got a 250 dollar scholarship from that school and the physical education award for the year when I graduated. So how do I get started?

Answer
David, hello!

The first odds against you would be that you're competing against plaers that will have that 4 years of high school experience.  I applaud you for your attempt and if you have the mental and physical ability, you need to pursue the dream.  Even a natural athlete can have problems when you're opposed to other of equal skill but that also possess the game experience.  You will be faced with the challenge of seeing how you can take physical punishment when the other guys are beating up on you, on every play.  So, the test is yet to come.  

Another decision is which level of football do your aim to play for?  
Getting on an elite program means you will be competing for a position against the better blue chips in the country.  Playing for a Division I-AA, Div 2, or Div 3 would be less challenging.  Junior Colleges have great football programs, too.  You need to decide what educational degree you will pursue and that will steer you to the college of choice for football.


Talk to everyone around you about your choices.  You will get great guidance from that principal, the teachers, and the local high school football officials of your state.  If you know of any local college  players, get their feedback.  Go to the YMCA and talk to all of the trainers.  Contact your local TV, newspaper and radio sports people.  They have plenty of connections.


Have an incredible football career!

Thom Brooks






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