Expert: Thom Brooks - 9/3/2008

Question
I'm 19 years old and I have been attending a Technical School for the past year. I was lightly recruited my senior year because I was from a small Division-2 high school and we were just terrible. I got one letter from a 1AA school and a couple other D2 schools. Coaches didnt really help anyone out and I just applied to a local Division 1AA college. I'm positive I will get in and I really want to walk on. I really miss football and I feel I'm in the best shape of my life. I'm 6' 230lbs bench press 350 lbs...I have dropped about 25 lbs and though my forty is 5.09, I have been working harder than ever. What do you think my chances are for having a solid chance to be on the team, or even practice team?

Answer
Craig, hello!

Of course you need to pursue a team!  You are showing the desire and your skills will improve.  Contact those colleges that made lukewarm approaches.  They will appreciate your bulldog attitude.  Keep working out.  Run sprints, sprints, sprints.  Get that time lowered.

America has seen many superstars in the NFL that came from small colleges so do not use that as any kind of crutch.  Work on your individual growth and you will be a Team Leader, no matter which team is lucky enough to have you.  Coaches recognize the highly skilled players, but they absolutely love the efforts from the unselfish, hard working core of the team.  If you show the team your spirit, you have a great chance of earning a spot on many teams.  So, be persistent and make certain you work hard to keep your grades high.  If football is not to be a working career, you can certainly enjoy the game while you're planning for a great business career.

Stay away from bad influences.  You do not need to fool around with artificial enhancement drugs or other things that will keep you from being successful.  

Let me know which team you join so I can follow your progress!

Now, get busy.  Never give up.


Thom Brooks