Expert: Thom Brooks - 5/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hey i am an 18 year old 6'4.5'' college student that will be finishing his first year of college after this spring semester. I graduated in the high school class of 2007 having already finished a year of college. So i will have over 65 units going into this upcoming fall. I will be playing my first year of college football in the fall at Grossmont College in San Diego. My question if you know the answer or if you don't mind giving my your perspective is, Would it be a good idea to play for the community college team for only this year to gain more experience(because i only play my senior year of high school) and then transfer to a D1 university and walk-on their football team? or should i stay at the community college and play two seasons although i can transfer already?

ANSWER: Eissa, hello!

If you have the skill, you need to try out for a D-I school now.  If you do not make the cut, you can still play at JUCO until you improve.

My oldest son lives in San Diego, (email him at Jhettwave1@aol.com) so if I'm out there, I'll come watch you play!!

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia


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

QUESTION: I see that you think that it would be best to tryout for D1 now. Do have any kinds of tips for me, because i do not go to a university and the only D1 school nearby is SDSU. Would college teams allow me to tryout even without going to their school already? And if they like me could it potentially lead to them helping me get accepted? Academics wise i am smart also, i am planning to major in chemistry and will be taking my 3rd year of calculus this fall.

Answer
Eissa, hello!

I'm aware of SDSU.  If that is your school of choice, you need to contact them and the local San Diego sports media.  They can advise when combines and tryouts are scheduled for walk ons.  If the scouts and coaches feel that you have the potential, you will get enrolled quickly.  

Take care!

Thom Brooks