Expert: Thom Brooks - 6/17/2008

Question
Ok I'm 17 and heading to my senior year. I've always dreamed up playing college football. I'm coming off of a shoulder injury at the beginning of my junior year which sat me out from everything for 6 months(only year i haven't been active in all major sports). I am currently 5'11 170lbs 40 time is a 4.67 I'm wanting to play SS or FS
my MAXS- squat-385/ dead lift-415/ clean-210/ bench-200
my upper body is weak but that is because of last year and my doctor said it will come back so what I'm really asking is do you think i even have a shot. I have the drive and i have the grades i really want this what do you think? Any advice/goals i need to try to get to would be appreciated?
Thanks in advance for any time you give to help me out.

Answer
Grant, hello!  You can train hard, run sprints, stay on a good diet, but the bottom line is.......... it takes time to heal from shoulder injuries.  Don't get down if you're not ready for a solid senior season.  My son missed his junior year of pitching baseballs after shoulder surgery.  He came back in his senior year and was not strong.  Whatever they physical therapy has required, you need to follow that schedule.  Regardless if you're ready for football this fall, get focused on getting the shoulder fully healed.  You can always join a Junior College and play football in two years.  You can transfer up to higher divisions if your skills allow.  

On the positive side, if you have a good senior year, then some coach or scout will see your stats and invite you to camp.  The important matter is how you prepare mentally and physically.  Your time is good, your strength is good. If your upper body needs work, that will get improved quickly in August and September!  If your skills are above average, you will be college ball bound.  

Take care,

Thom Brooks