Expert: Thom Brooks - 11/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear Thom,

     This is a similar question to one that you have already answered but I was wanting to know more specifically for myself. I play at a division 3 school but have always dreamed of playing for the University of Alabama. I am only a freshman and while I was on the varsity squad I did not play but started on JV. I started off at middle linebacker but have since been moved to defensive end because im around 6-1 and 230 pounds. I have pretty good speed at a 4.85 with a 4.5 shuttle. I had around 80 tackles last year with 12 TFL and 2 sacks, 2 FF, and 1 FR in a very strong region in the state of Alabama. I was thinking about transferring to Alabama and walking on. I do understand I might never see the field but I just want to live the dream. I was wondering if you think this would be obtainable and how should I go about trying to do it. I feel like I could contribute as a walk on at multiple positions including linebacker, defensive end, and even fullback. I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

ANSWER: Clint, hello!

Your chances are good, but you are thinking about playing for the Crimson Tide.  They may very well be the BEST team in the nation this year and next year......They have the choice of the best of the Blue Chips.  If you ain't one of them, you will not be rolling with the Tide.  You know they are deep in all slots but what can you do to convinve those coaches that you belong?  Can you bring Leadership, Motivation, Skill, Knowledge of the Rules, Humility, Good Grades?  It's their minimum requirements.  You have a tremendous challenge but you need to contact the school immediately.  They'll advise if you have the talent they seek.  It's also a matter of timing.  When some of those great players get hurt, the teams that keep winning are the ones that have the great backups that are prepared to take charge.  Where do you fit in that scheme?  You need to have that starter mentality, not just to be happy to be on the bench.  So, get busy and understand your goal is super high. With that being said, write down all of your plans to attain that goal.  Write it down.  Keep writing it down.  Keep it in front of you.  Your dream will come true is you go about accomplishing the mission, step by step.  


Talk to everyone around your current and former teams that can help get you the chance.  Call the local newspaper and TV sports people.  They have connections.  If you know any current Tide players, call them today.  Get their help.

I love the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators and Florida State and Alabama so I'm happy as long as they whip everyone else outside the SEC!




Take Care,



Thom Brooks
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you sir! I really do appreciate your advice and support! I am very smart on the football field and naturally look for things that will allow me to take advantage of my opponent whether it be paying attention closely to different stances offensive linemen are making for certain plays, looking at the running backs eyes and body lean to see if I can tell what he is doing, and just whatever other tendencies I can figure out to make sure I have an advantage. I am a really quick learner and I am always very respectful towards not only coaches but to everyone in general. It doesnt matter whether I am in practice on scout team or standing in front of 92,000 fans. I plan on doing whatever I can to make not only myself better but also my teammates. I take pride being known as someone who doesnt take plays off and is always willing to go that extra mile to make myself and my teammates better. Do you feel like I should contact the coaches now or wait til after the season? I do not want to get shot down because they are worried about the season at hand and are too busy to give me a fair look. Thanks for the advice again!

Answer
Clint,

Contact the coaches now.  They and their scouts will let you know the NCAA rules as to when you can be interviewed or invited to camp.  Do not wait another day!

A good coach is recruiting for next year's team before this year's team plays their first game.  They do not turn away from the Golden Goose.  You may be their Bird !!



Thom Brooks