Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/6/2008

Question
Mr. Brooks

My son plays for Washington High School in Pensacola, Fl and he is the best WR in this county and probably the entire gulf coast area.  He is 6'4, weighs 205lbs, he runs a 4.5 40yd dash and he is also one of the 12 SUPER SENIORS for this area but our school lacks in the one area that he depends on the most and that is a QB.  We haven't had a QB in years and plus his coach is not big on getting his players recruited.  I started to send my son to another school before the season began but because of his loyalty to the blue and white, he begged me to leave him there, so I did.  Well, to make a long story short, he should have left because as I feared, he can't get the ball and it's frustrating; especially, when the other team knows you're a threat and they double up on you but then half way through the game, they realize you're not going to get the ball because your QB can't deliver.  This kid is a TRUE receiver with exceptional hands and speed but with no stats to prove this, what are his chances of walking on to a team like USF and what does he need to do because the way it is looking, the schools who have expressed interest in him are now backing out and I don't blame them.  My son is DEFINITELY D1 material and he is going to make some team happy, I just don't know how to go about getting him looked at as a walk-on.  We are originally from a place called Brunswick, Ga and I was thinking about trying to get him to his home state but since we reside in Florida, it will be less expensive and plus he wants to stay in the Florida area and possible go to USF.  Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

TJ'

Answer
Hey TJ !

I'm in Savannah, so you need to get him to The University of Georgia or to Florida State!  USF would be incredible too!  If they don't want him, the Georgia Southern Eagles in Statesboro will let him lead them to a few championships!

Take game film shots.  Get them onto YouTube.  Get the coaches, or yourself to log in the catches thrown to him, and especially the Yards Gained after the Catch.  

These college coaches have a good handle on the player skills.  They know the scheme and personality of the high school programs.  If  your son is at a primarily running school, the college will understand that he didn't get a chance to get the hands on the ball that often, but it does not detract them from seeing if he is athletic enough to help their team.  

If he has that talent, you need to contact the schools now.  They will have coaches and scouts to look him over and invite him to combines and practice tryouts.  Your concern will be the reason he will not be lost in the shuffle.

I'm sure you are enjoying every moment of these times.  Cherish them.
Those kids grow up in a hurry, don't they?


Take care,

Thom Brooks




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