Expert: Thom Brooks - 8/29/2008

Question
Hi, i'm a 16 years old boy and i live in africa, mor precisely in cote d'ivoire.. i've played Rugby since i am 11 years old, and i did o a lot of sports meanwhile ( thai boxing for 3 years, swimming since last year, kung fu for one year...)  Now i am in senior gradein the french scholar system, and i went to my uncle's place in austin , these past summer holidays, and i played a lot of football including a football camp, and i played Running back, which was the position the most similar to rugby.. i really liked it and becase i am planning to go in america next year fo my studies i would like to play football in college. i did a lot of researches about that, i went to University Of Texas at Austin's international bureau to check about the things to do to enter the college football team, they just told me that i'd have tryouts when i'd be on campus...  So now, back in africa,(where there is no place in cote d'ivoire where i can play american football, but only ruby) i want to know what to practice , because i played rugby for a lot of time, and because i am used to get tackled by huge guys ( in africa we always tackle, because there is no sanction or fee if anybody gets hurt so i often play with 40 years old dude and as you know we dont have any paddles in rugby) i think i got the capacity for being a good running back ( when i played at my summer camp and with my friends i saw that i was quite good in this) I just want to know what you think about that (do u think it is possible fo me, because when i want something , i do whatever i can to have it, especially in sport, i never give up and that's why my teammates appreciates me) and to have some drills to do in my place or whith my coach( like what workout to do to run faster, to get stronger the way a running back must be i mean to muscle and strenghen the important body parts, how to explode very quickly at the snap, etc...)  i hope you understand the great importance of my question,because elseway i wuld not write you,and because i am doing whatever i can , now in abidjan (cote d'ivoire's main city) to achieve my goal( i am working with the american embassy here to do the needed things for me to go study in america next year).. i have the athletic capacity, as i told you i do a lot of sport; and i got the most important thing i think, i have the will. If you give me a positive answer to my question(do u think it is possible) you can count on me to use the infos you would give me to achieve my goal and not to give up, how hard it could be. i am in senior grade, and in the french system its a grade where you work a lot, but beyond that i want to do what's now for me a kind of challenge, a dream... I am waiting for your answer , i thank you already for the time you will spend on my letter , and excuse me for whatever language mistakes, english is not my mother tongue :). Answer me as quickly as you can :D Thanks

Answer
Amir, hello!


Austin, Texas is my favorite Texas city!  Stay in touch with their Athletic Department and they will advise how to get you prepared.  With the physical efforts you've put out for the past 5 years, it sounds as if you're ready to learn the plays because you're in great shape!

I attached a couple of websites for you to research.  If you do not have access to training for football, you certainly can practice your sprints, your pushups and your agility in making cuts.  Hershell Walker of the Georgia Bulldogs was one of our nation's greatest running backs.  When growing up in Wrightsville, Georgia, he could not afford the expensive weightlifting equipment, so he improvised.  He took a Mule's harness and strapped it over his neck but had a regular routine of dragging a giant tractor tire in his field.  That build his strength and endurance, which is why so many found it nearly impossible to bring him down.  

Amir, your dedication and focus comes out in your email.  You will be a great one to make your country proud.  The Georgia Bulldogs would like to have a shot at your play so contact them in Athens, Georgia.  Tell Coach Mark Richt I want you to be a DAWG !!

Take care,

Thom Brooks



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