Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/18/2009

Question
Hi, I have a somewhat unique situation here. I did not play high school football. It wasn't because I was not good enough, just that I wasn't interested.

I am a freshman D-II rugby player, and am interested in transferring to another school and possibly walking on to the football team. I am 6 foot 3, 235 pounds with low bodyfat. I max out at bench press at 405 pounds. I have a very well-balanaced diet with high protein and take weightlifting and rugby very seriously.

What are my chances to walk on to a D-I school? Do they accept walk-ons? I was thinking about trying out for defensive end, considering my size and strength. What are my chances? Thank you!

Answer
Ryan, hello!

6'3" and 235 is not a big DE but if you are Rugby tough, you can scrum with the best of them.  You sound like a great athlete, but the negative side is that you would be competing against men on your team for a job and then against the opposition for survival on the field.  They have many years of experience that you lack.  Your strength and speed would surely be a positive, but the question is, how good would you be against the others, who also have that same strength and speed?

You need to contact the school of choice.  They will give you their specific dates.  Your size sounds like a strong WR or TE.  You need to call the NCAA to get an answer on transferring up to another division (and if you have to sit out a year).  I don't think you would have to sit out, but the team may want to redshirt you next season in order to get you into their system.  You would still have your junior and senior year to be a starter.  

You are living a dream and you need to pursue your interest in football until you make the team or know that it will not happen.

You would be wise to talk with coaches and former/current players.  They can give you leverage to get the ear of your next college coach!

Keep me informed so I can watch you terrorize opponents in your career!

Thom Brooks




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