Expert: Thom Brooks - 11/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am 14 and am getting of my 8th grade season and am working to start my high school career in football. I was a starting outside linebacker last year and the coaches at my high school think i should play strong safety in high school.   
I run a 5.0 40 yard dash
i can bench about 185
i can squat about 245 at max right now

Ill be playing strong safety in a 3-4 scheme


what can i do to be a better safety(get faster,make quicker cuts, etc.) and things that will make me a dominant defensive back.




    -Thanks

ANSWER: Kyle, hello!

Now is a great time to start learning the Mechanics and rules of the game.  Good diet, good weightlifting (but not too much at your age) and many sprints will develop your body over the next few years.

The critical advantage for you to master is to learn the rules and talk to the more experienced players about their skills.  

Contact the high school where you think you will be playing.  The coaches will give you tips.  Contact the local Football Officials that call your games.  Go to your state's website for the High School Sports Association.  They have many tips to get you started.

Take care,

Thom Brooks




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

www.myspace.com/listen2three


Official Web Site of the NCAA



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


http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828
http://www1.ncaa.org/membership/membership_



svcs/eligibility-recruiting



Eligibility Center Contact Information
NCAA Eligibility Center:
Certification Processing
P.O. Box 7136
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7136
Package or overnight delivery:
1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Web address:
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
Eligibility Center customer service
Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
U.S. callers (toll free): 877/262-1492
International callers: 317/223-0700
Fax: 317/968-5100


Eligibility
PlayYourGame.com - NCAA Eligibility Explained


JC Football Recruiting Front Page


D1AFootball.com


NCAA I-AA

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

D1AA College Football  

Query historical college football results ncaafootball.com

Encyclopedia - Southeastern Conference

Big Ten vs. SEC

NFL Players Listed by College - databaseFootball.com College Football

NCAA Football Coaching Records

College Football Data Warehouse

This history of college football stadiums in 4,000 words [Archive] - Pigskin F

College Football National Champions

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for MLB Baseball, NFL Football,

Football.com

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

HickokSports.com - History - Index to Football


GHSA.net > www.ghsa.net
















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

QUESTION: Thanks, what workouts could make me a better athlete to be a safety(be specific).
i already have gone through a summer weight lifting camp.
i started puberty fairly early so the lifting isn't going affect my growth or anything like that.

if you could give me some lifts and some cardio workouts that would be especially good at the safety position, that would be great.

 -Thanks again, Kyle

Answer
Kyle, you need to contact your coaches and the trainers at a fitness center or YMCA.  They can give you a specific schedule and would know more about you personally.  At your age, a standard weighlifting program, good diet, and many sprints would get you built up.  The team will teach you their plays.  Refer to my previou email and you will see that you have all of the information to get you on the right track.

Thom Brooks