Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Thom, I played high school football and graduated in 2007. I was an all-
state offensive guard as well as all region and all city, which was great at the
time and is still nice having as a memory, the only thing is that I'm only 5'8".
Im not one to believe that size intimidates me but I definitely know that my
size is what kept the majority of coaches from even considering to look at me
in high school. I would beg my coaches to let me try another position where I
might have had the opportunity to go on and play at the next level but they
never let me, so I just played the game with a good attitude, i was there to
play ball not to complain. I went out for a local JUCO team in my home town
but saw that the way the coaches treated their players was not something I
wanted to be part of so I quit(all of that coaching staff was later fired that
year). But now I've gone out for and am playing with a local amateur team,
and once again they have made me play offensive line. I would like to go out
and try to walk on the University team in my city which is the University of
Arizona, but the first thing I need to know is how do I go about finding out
how to walk on? and the second thing with the back round that I have and
having only played one position that I know I couldn't play at the college level
what should I try out for?

Thanks

ANSWER: Ahmad, hello!

I've attached the NCAA elgibility websites for you to inquire.  They will get you started.  The JUCO you once played for would be a good place to get back on a team quickly, now that the regime has changed.  If you try to walk on to a Division I school, like Arizona, you will have competition from a lot of blue chips so changing positions would likely put you at more of a disadvantage.  


There are Division 2 and Division 3 schools that would give you a chance to shine, so do not give up easily.

Take care,

Thom Brooks






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

QUESTION: Sorry I know you've answered my first question, but the thing is that at this
point Arizona is my only option. I started college at the JUCO went there for a
year then transferred to a University in another town for a semester in hopes
of walking on to their team but things didn't work out so I transferred to the
UA. I may just be shooting for a long shot and chasing a dream that wont
happen but, but if you were in my position what would you advise doing
when your only 5'8" having played nothing but O-line and your only option is
to try out for a D-1 school?

Thanks

Ahmad

Answer
Ahmad, hello!

If you have no other course, then you have to meet with the Athletic Department's secretary, scouts and Coaches.  They will tell you when the tryouts will be, and the upcoming deadlines. You will then know your chances.  You need to give it your best shot.  It would be so awesome for you to make that team so the dream will come true if you work hard for it.

Go Wildcats!

Thom Brooks