Expert: Thom Brooks - 11/6/2008

Question
First off i played 4 years in high school but i didnt get much playing time, due to what im calling lack of drive. i believe im full of drive as i have grown up alot and i see my potential. I live in gainesville FL and im planning on moving to orlando to attend UCF to work on my degree. Ive already begun weight training and endurance training using our old high school offseason workout that whipped me into shape every summer after i slacked off. Im 6'6" 275 run the 40 in ~4.8 but ive always had a problem with my "number" strength.  i feel im plenty strong on the feild but in the weight room i lack. i have a large build but i feel my arms are skinny. im not sure on maxes but dead lift right now im at 250 x 6 x 3 and squats im doing 225 x 6 x 3. my bench press is my worst of all as i usually put on 185 do 8 and have to drop weight to do more than 4. i think thats from lack of muscle endurance which im hoping will come back. in high school i played tightend defensive end and some wide reciever, i used to weigh 225ish then, i would rather go for the defensive end position personally but ill take what i can get to help the team. if i go to UCF what are my chances of getting on the team and getting some playing time? will they have team trainers that will be able to get me stronger? also would i be able to get a scholarship through them? i have very little tape (might as well be none). im just ready to get on the field and hit some body but im worried i wont be able to afford school as i am trying to raise a baby and pay for a car and all that comes with that.

Answer
Troy, hello!

Playing for UCF is a great goal but you will have a great deal of competition.  Talk to their Athletic Department and they can assess your skills to see if you can be invited to their tryouts.  When the NCAA allows, the coaches and scouts can interview you.  

Playing for a quality program requires a great deal of committment and time.  If you do not have a scholarship, money, time, etc. you will suffer on the field.  Your family is priority but they will also have to sacrifice.  So, hopefully you can work around all of the obstacles.

Try to get the help of former coaches and former players.  If you know any of the current college coaches, you can see if they will get you involved in their workouts.  

I have attached some websites for you to look at NCAA rules and eligibility requirments.

Take care!

Thom Brooks






Please review the following websites. The first one is my youngest son's band!

www.myspace.com/listen2three




D1AFootball.com

NCAA I-AA

Welcome to I-AA.org, the worldwide leader in I-AA official news!

D1AA College Football  


JC Football Recruiting Front Page



The Sports Network - I-AA College Football Historical Scores -
The Sports Network Football Bowl Subdivision


http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828...


http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules/2006/2006_football_rules.pdf


http://www1.ncaa.org/membership/membership_svcs/eligibility-recruiting


PlayYourGame.com - NCAA Eligibility Explained



Official Web Site of the NCAA