Expert: Thom Brooks - 5/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hey I've played a little high school football. I dropped out of high school because I had alot of family problems... anyway I have always felt I have a fighting chance to become a football player one day!! I know I have what it takes, I would do anything for an opportunity for football because its my life!! I know I have heart and talent I just need some guidance... I just need help getting to where I need to be!! It has always been a dream of mine since I was 6! I was wondering if I got into shape and really focused on working out, eating right and getting my GED if I would be able to make it to the University of Wyoming or the University of Montana as a walk-on for football?

And could you tell me some good advice to get into college because its new to me... I am willing to go the distance, go the extra mile and do anything so please help me out!!
If you help me it would be a life saver!!
Thank You!!

ANSWER: Steven, hello!

If you keep the passion and determination, the Lonesome Cowboys of Wyoming would love to have you suit up them.  You need to talk to your local high school/college counselors about getting the GED.  They will also advise the core courses needed to get into a college.  Then, you need to talk to all of the athletic departments about what the requirements are for their school and the NCAA rules minimum GPA to be maintained in order to play ball.

You have a great deal of work ahead, but it should be rewarding and fun, so get busy today!

Thom Brooks





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

QUESTION: Hey Thom Brooks thanks man it really means a lot to me!!
I have another question for you if that is ok!!
Ok I'm 5'9" 150 and I play WR, CB and FS!! Also Punt Returner and Kick Returner. I know I'm pretty small for my size and lack the weight but I'm really good at football and plan on getting my weight to 170 or 175 before I go Workout and Tryout for a college team!! I like to think of myself as a young Deshaun Jackson (WR from Cal)!! He lacks size but he makes it up in speed!! Do you know who I'm talking about??
Anyways I was wondering how I should promote myself out there to the colleges and coaches?? if you know what I mean!! I was thinking about making a video tape about myself with a video camera with my workouts and experiences in football...

What do you think? or should I try something else out?

Hey an I was also wondering what your experience was in this field? just wondering you know curious
Thanks for helping me out I really appreciate it!!
Talk to you soon,
Steven C.

ANSWER: Steven, hello!  Yes, you should video your plays and post them on YouTube.  You can then refer the coaches and scouts to that site.  You are up against strong competition from the men that have statistics and film of actual games, but if you keep that energy that I read in your email, then your enthusiasm could make the difference in making a team against more experienced fellas.  

You need to get a local mentor.  You can find him at the YMCA, or by contacting your state's high school football association, or the local high school football official's association.  I officiate football and it's a joy to listen to the older officials talk football.  They know the game.  Their knowledge is better than most of the high school coaches. They also have contacts with coaches at the college levels. I run games with a 30 year veteran official that just moved to Savannah from Colorado Springs.  So, the officials have great contacts with the coaches at Wyoming or Montana.  

Never, Ever, Give up.

Thom Brooks

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

QUESTION: Nice man you got the connection for sure!!
Sorry I haven't talked to you for a while have been really busy busting my butt off you know!!
Yeah, do you know where I could find the number to contact the state's high school football association?? and what would I ask them if I got ahold of them??
That would help a lot!!
Hey and what do you mean by a "local mentor"??
And for heads up, I don't have any YMCA were I live... sucks...
I got another question...
Since I don't have any game film, How would I tape my skills in like pick up games... or what? do you have any advice?

Thanks man for you advice and encouragement!! It helps a lot!!
Get back at me!!

Your BIGGEST FAN,
Steven Cruden

Hey man, when I get to the top I won't forget that you helped me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you feel me!!

Answer
Steven, hello!

Go to each of the websites, below and they can get you steered towards the football activities in each state.  Once you are on the football sites, start emailing all connected until you find the person that will have connections and knowledge for your pursuit.


Wyoming High School Activities Association

Montana High School Association

The Scouts and Coaches will tell you the dates they would be allowed to talk with you.  NCAA has rules that prohibits but the football guys know how to circumvent by having you watch a tape they just recorded (if you're not allowed to meet with them Live).  They may not be able to speak with you until the fall has Walk On dates, so contact them now.  The secretary in the Athletic office can give you the details.

Take care,

Thom Brooks