Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hey Thom, I am probably asking this question a little too early; however, due to things that my coaches have told me it raises my curiosity. My question is to where do you think I could get a football scholarship, if any. Right now I am sophomore at a high school in North Alabama that competes at the 6A level(the highest level of Alabama sports). I am as of right now 15, 5'9, bench 225, squat 350, run a 4.9 40, and my coaches tell me that I have the ability to go on to the next level. So if you could, tell me what colleges I might be able to go to and play.

ANSWER: Ryne, you are not starting too early.  Getting answers will lay the foundation for your entire future.  Your quest for knowledge shows that you are getting prepared for that "next level".  You will only be limited by your own lack of drive and motivation, so keep it up!

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GHSA.net > www.ghsa.net



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

QUESTION: Thanks for the reply, but I still feel like my question was not answered the way I wanted it. It might have been the way I worded it. But the main thing I was wanting to getting out of is what level colleges would best suit me( ex. D-I, D-I AA, D-II, Alabama, UT-Chattanooga, Valdosta State. Things of that nature, and I mean no disrespect to the answer you gave me. As I said before thank you. If there is any other information you need to give me a better answer please ask. Because I just want to know where I really stand.

Answer
Ryne, hello.

I did answer your question, but it is one that can be answered best  by you and by time.  At your age, I commend you for wanting to learn early, but multitudes of occurences can change your path.  You are just now coming into a growth stage where your height, weight, agility and endurance can change rapidly.  So your training program today will set the ground work for your playing position in 3-6 years.
You may improve to be a Blue Chip prospect for DI, DII or DIII.  No one knows yet, which is why I've given you the websites to start exploring.  

When you get stats and film of your games, the Coaches will want to review and that is when you will know which division is best available.

Since I'm not on the field to evaluate, I would urge you to listen to your trainers and Coaches.  They will hopefully get you directed to the best choices.  You need to start the research but you likely have 2-3 more years of high school ball to enjoy.  

Select the educational path.  Start selecting the colleges where you can get that education.  Let their Athletic departments know that you're a football player that would like a scholarship to pursue all of your dreams.  They will fill in the question marks as time marches on.  Your local high school counselor can be advising about any advanced courses you can complete at the high school or advanced course in your local colleges.  

Take care,

Thom Brooks