Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/13/2009

Question
Hello Thom, I have been out of footbal for quite sometime now. I didn't play in high school, because I had to work. I'm in the army, I have been for the past 7 years. I consider myself to be in pretty good shape. I plan on going to college through the army's green to gold program this year to become an army officer. I would like to walk on if possible. I'm now 26, and I clock in @ 4.49 in the 40, I haven't been lifting much weights lately, but I do pushups and situps every night. I used to be faster than the time I have above. I wanted to see if you had any pointers to increase my chances of walking on as maybe a running back ( I was a bruiser when I played ), linebacker, or even as a quarterback ( I can still throw the ball 60 yards on a rope ). I'm 6'0 220 pounds, and I still crush people my size and bigger in pickup games ( of course without pads ). Any suggestions?

Answer
Jason, hello!

Dang, you sound like you need to get 6 hours of sleep and go give the college a tryout.  Terrorize the young lads.  Your time and physical shape is better than average but your age could cause some colleges to be aware that you're 25-27 when you start playing.  Even though you are in great physical shape, you will be competing against men that have played for 4 years or more.  But, the other side is that your Leadership can overcome your lack of game experience.  You may have slowed a step or two, but look at the guys in the Pros that are still in their prime, much older than yourself.  The military training and experience you've learned will give you a mental advantage in the game.  I was an Army Captain so you will be gaining even more confidence, Leadership and skill.  So, you will be an outstanding player for the team.  Only time will tell if you grade out better than the Blue Chip you may be competing against but you will learn quickly.

You need to start making contact with the schools of choice now.  The NCAA has minimum grade standards but if you're qualified for OCS, you will exceed any of their standards.  

Thanks for every single day you wear the United States Uniform.

Let me know when you make a team so I can see how many opponents you scare over the years!

Thom Brooks




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