Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hey Thom Brooks, im current a junior in Highschool and my school does not have a football team. I have a huge passion for football and im training myself to get ready to have a chance at college ball. I have been looking at colleges but I really don't know where to start and what to do. I do not know what college football team i would want to play for. I really need help. Thanks for just listening and great site.

ANSWER: Richard, Happy New Year!

I have attached the NCAA websites for you to explore.  The disadvantage will be that you will be competing against men that have many years of experience.  If you're not skilled you will be way down on the coach's list.  Without knowing your talent and Leadership level, I would say to get as many tutors in your area to help get you ready.  They will give you a good idea of your capabilities and also which positions you may be best able to play.

You should be open minded about the division of college to play for.  If you're not a blue chip player, you may want to look into Junior College Football, Division III, or Division II.  


Talk to your town's local head coaches, local football officials, local TV and radio sports people, newspaper reporters, and the current and former players.  You will get plenty of help if you ask!

Do good and have a great year!

Thom Brooks





Please review the following websites. The first one is my youngest son's band!

www.myspace.com/listen2three


Official Web Site of the NCAA



http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828


http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828
http://www1.ncaa.org/membership/membership_



svcs/eligibility-recruiting



Eligibility Center Contact Information
NCAA Eligibility Center:
Certification Processing
P.O. Box 7136
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7136
Package or overnight delivery:
1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Web address:
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
Eligibility Center customer service
Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
U.S. callers (toll free): 877/262-1492
International callers: 317/223-0700
Fax: 317/968-5100


Eligibility
PlayYourGame.com - NCAA Eligibility Explained


JC Football Recruiting Front Page


Football Championships Administration


D1AFootball.com


NCAA I-AA

Welcome to I-AA.org, the worldwide leader in I-AA official news!

D1AA College Football  


Query historical college football results ncaafootball.com


Encyclopedia - Southeastern Conference

Big Ten vs. SEC

NFL Players Listed by College - databaseFootball.com College Football

NCAA Football Coaching Records

College Football Data Warehouse

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for MLB Baseball, NFL Football,

Football.com


The Sports Network - I-AA College Football Historical Scores -
The Sports Network Football Bowl Subdivision

HickokSports.com - History - Index to Football


GHSA.net > www.ghsa.net






















---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you allot Thom. I'm just curious, if I played for a junior college would I need to transfer out to get into a higher division to be able to have a chance at the NFL. Also can you explain how does the NCAA Eligibility Center works, I am a little confused.

Answer
Richard, hello!

Yes, you would have to transfer up to a higher division but your skill would determine how high you need to go.  Some Pro players played lesser divisions only.  For many years, only a few players had gone to college............

You need to select the college where you want to attend.  They will tell you the NCAA minimum grade requirements and their schedules for tryouts for the team.  

The NCAA rules can be researched through the websites I sent, but you still need to get the official decisions from them and the school of choice.

Generally, if you wish to transfer up to a higher division, you will have to sit out for one year.  

Work on having incredible grades because only a few ever make it to the NFL, but many need the degree for better quality jobs, AFTER football.  

Thom Brooks