Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/15/2009

Question
My name is Charles Echols Spragins III and I’m a 16 year old 184 5' 11" OLB living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I play in the Brazilian Men's Adult League AFAB (Associacao de Futebol Americano do Brasil), where the average age of the players is between 23 and 26, though some players are up to 30 years of age and more. I play in the adult league because no schools in Brazil offer a football program as it is highly unpopular at varsity level. I am the youngest player in the League playing in the Carioca Bowl, the state championship and potentially the most prestige and competitive championship in the nation, because Rio de Janeiro is the best football state. All games are held on sand on the beaches, no field pads allowed (only hockey pads). I tend to be a pass rusher and mainly a run stopper, as I shed lead blockers, and contain my gaps and tackle efficiently.
I turn 17 on February 20th 2010; I will graduate in my mid 17s and will go to college in the US at my mid 18s. I am 1 year ahead of what I should be in school. In the Brazilian beach league, I am in my sophomore season. Last season was my rookie year, where I saw 1 start (6.5 tackles, 1 forced fumble) and I still have the rest of this year (starting the last 3 games of the regular season looking to classify in the wildcard), the whole of next year, plus the 9 months between High School graduation in Brazil (December) and the start of college in US, September to play football on the beach.
I have made a presence on special teams on the kickoff and on the punting team this season. The main reason for not starting at outside linebacker up to now is due to the fact that the other players in the league are much older than me, consequently being fairly bigger. My team has the youngest players, who are on average 23 years old. Next year though, my coach has informed me that I am fit to start, as I show dedication and potential.
It is of my interest to play football at college level and I am aiming to walk on to a low/mid ranked D-I school as I believe my full potential is still to be reached. My 40 time is 4.79 at its best (5.03 on sand) my bench max is 225; squat max 352, vertical 27in., 15% body fat.
I work out 3 to 4 times a week.
I want your advice as to what you think I should do to amplify my chances of successfully walking on at a D-I college football team?
Thank you,
Best regards, Charles


Answer
Charles, hello!

You have the potential to be an asset to a team, but the college game will be different than what you've experienced.  Your size would be a disadvantage as a LB but if you have skill and Leadership, you can make up that deficit. I've attached many websites for you to investigate.  You need to decide what college degree you wish to pursue.  The NCAA has minimum grades to maintain in order to play on a team.  It does not appear that you would have a language barrier.  If you have any contacts with current or former players they can get you into contact with their school.

I don't know how much you will improve but with your discipline you will be coming into a growth and or weight zone over the next couple of years.  If you keep a healthy diet and workout schedule, you will have a great chance of suiting up for many college teams.

 



Take Care,

Thom Brooks
BrooksInsuranceSchool.com

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