Expert: Thom Brooks - 2/4/2008

Question
Thom...

I am looking to try and walk on at a D2 School.  I am 19 years old living in texas and going to a junior college that does not offer a football program.  The last time I played, other than flag football leagues, was my junior year of highschool where I got ample paying time (JV).  I was undersized at the time (5'10", 155lbs) and the roster was going to be stacked my senior year and I didnt feel I had a chance to play.  I am very determined and have great discipline.  I have been weightlifting 4-6 times a week and just recently started doing workouts that would help explosiveness for my verticle and forty time.  Right now I am 185lbs, 5'11", 4.85 forty, 28 inch vert, I can bench 225 around 12 times, and have good hands and good overall strength.  I dont have any highlight tapes and I didnt leave highschool in good graces with my coaches.  Whats the best route I should take in playing college football?

Looking at playing running back or safety...

Thanks,
nate

Answer
Nate, hello!

You certainly have dedicated the word "Discipline".  Most Coaches would recognize what you just atated, so you need to convey that exact information to the college of your choice.

You have the tools to make a roster on Div-2, maybe Div-1.  You certainly would make a JUCO or Div-3 team.  

If you have physical durability AND mental toughness, you will make earn a roster spot as a Walk On.  You aren't going to get a scholarship unless you show exciting results.  So, what are you going to do?  

You need to contact any school you know you can get enrolled in.  You have to meet the minimum grades in order for NCAA rules to approve your playing for an athletic team.  

Regardless of your past relationship with Coach, you need to contact your current JUCO counselors and they will help get you connected to the college counselor for your next school.

You need to do these things immediately, if you plan on playing this season.  Tryouts start soon and the summer camps will fill in a hurry.  They have scores of men that want to play the positions that you seek, so you will have to be highly motivated and focused.  I keep telling men that if you can show the spark of Leadership, your chances improve.  Coaches are looking for great skill, but when they see a Leader, they want him on their team, in whatever capacity.

You cannot buy Leadership.  Weightlifting and running sprints builds physical stamina, but it also builds confidence.  Leadership is an Art.  If you continue to develop the power of Leadership, your dreams will come true.

Have an incredible career and keep in touch.

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia