Expert: Thom Brooks - 3/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

  My name is Thomas. I am 18 years old. I have a passion for playing football. I played football from the age of 5. I played up until my freshman year of high school. I have always played both RB and DB. In my freshman year of high school I had over 1,000 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. I have always been a great athlete. After my freshman year, I ran into the series of events that put me where I am today. I dropped out of high school because my girlfriend at the time was pregnant. I had the mentallity that I didn't have time to go to school and be a father at the same time. I understand now that this was a very childish decision. Since then I have joined the Army National Guard and recieved my GED. My son is now almost one year old. Ever since i quit school and gave up on my education and athletic career, I have suffered from the regret. I dream of playing college football, not only for the football, but also for an education and a stable future. I have spoken with many experts, spent many hours brainstorming, and many hours just wishing I would have made the right decision. I am very smart. I recently took the SAT, just to measure my ability. I scored 730 on the reading, and 810 on the math portion. I know that a lot of people may think "Well, he has a GED so he is not cut out for college or collegiate football." Despite the people who doubt me, I am continuing chasing my dream. On the athletic side, I am also talented. I run a 4.5 40 yard dash. I can catch almost anything thats thrown in my direction. My awareness is off the chart. I am currently playing for a local team so that I can keep my skills sharp, inprove my skills, and just because I love the game. I realize that my goal is a little distant when my situation is accounted for. If anyone has any suggestions or advice, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance for your time.

ANSWER: Thomas, hello!

First of all, thanks for wearing the United States Uniform.  Thanks for being such a great Dad that you were responsible enough to take care of the Lady and the Baby.  Your quality in those things alone would be a plus for any football program.  

You have the skill, the knowledge, the playing ability, and the Leadership.  So, what are you waiting for?  You are destined to be a role model in our society so get the motors running.  You are lagging behind.  Get your butt into a college and play ball.  You have the talent to play at Division I level but if you have roadblocks, the lesser divisions would jump on your stats.  

Call the colleges this week.  Recruiting and signing is coming to an end in a few weeks.  If you hope to get a scholarship and play this fall you need to call them now.  You may still be able to join but
may have to be in school a year before getting a scholarship offer.  Get to the tryouts.  

Do you have any U-tube video?  How about newspaper clippings?  If your local TV stations ever taped you, they have those tapes on file and will sell them to you.  

Contact the local coaches, players, football officials, sports directors of the media, alumni of the schools where you want to play, and just telephone the Athletic Department of your college.

I'm a Georgia Southern Eagles fan (Statesboro, Georgia).  I don't know where you live but one of the players (4 year Linebacker) is joining my men's baseball team.  He may be able to introduce you to Coach Hatcher if you have an interest in being an Eagle.  If you live too far away, I have attached the websites for you to explore the schools closer to your home.

Take care and let me know if I can help,

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia

P.S.  I was an Army Captain.  How come you're still sitting there?  Get busy.  Drop and give me 50.





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

www.myspace.com/listen2three


Official Web Site of the NCAA



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  


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















































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

QUESTION: Thanks a lot for the response. I am actually very interested in playing for the Eagles. I wouldn't mind being in school for one year before I am eligible. I am looking into contacting the football department soon.

I actually live in Bluffton, SC which is right across the border into South Carolina. I live about 15-20 minutes from Savnnah. If there is any way that I could get on the team there I would be very happy. I thank you again for your advice and I look forward to your response.

Answer
Thomas, hello!

A baseball team I coach, the Savannah Bombers, will be playing an exhibition game against a Bluffton team, called the B-Town Hawks next Saturday, March 21st.  If you're able, come by and meet one of our players.  One of our Bombers played five years for Georgia Southern
and just graduated.  He will be happy to talk to you about some things you need to know about becoming an Eagle!

Email me at CompnyBiz@aol.com and I'll get you introduced to him.



Thom Brooks