Expert: Thom Brooks - 8/22/2008

Question
Hi, well next year I'm planning to go to a JC college to play football there for
1-2 years and see if I can get recruited and get a scholarship to play for a D1
school.  And my question is do schools look at the grades you got in high
school to determine if you're right for there school or do they look at the
grades in the JC college you were in. Because my junior years second
semester didnt look so good and now I'm going to be a senior this year and
I'm willing to get good grades my senior year and through my years in the JC
I attend to play football. So I was just seeing if do schools look at the grades
you had back in high school if you're getting recruited from a JC to a D1 to
play football. What do you think they look at?

Answer
Edgar, hello!

They will look at the entire picture but the more recent grades will reflect your growth and potential.  If the team wants you, they will find a way to get your studies completed to at least the NCAA minimum grade standards.  

Work hard to learn everything you can and all of the little stuff will fall away.  Stay focused on your studies and your improvements on the football field.  Regardless if you move to D1, you will be content to know that you've given your best effort.  A scout or coach will notice if you're quality.  If you have a goal to play in a higher division, however, you need to make contact with those schools of choice and make plans to play only one year in JUCO, if you have to sit out for one year before playing D-1.  

Take care,


Thom Brooks