Expert: Vic Winnek - 11/7/2009

Question
Hello, my name is Jon. I had a lot of issues with school, due to moving a lot, and just not really getting used to it. I would love to try and play college football if I had a chance without any of that I will go work for my GED if needed. But I would just to play college football. I'm 6'2 280 LBS, my 40 was 4.6 last year... I never really played football because of my grades...But I played my freshman year and played last year...This was my Senior year, I was going to play...We moved...AGAIN... and I just gave up...So my dad took me out of school..if there is anything I can do to reach my goal, please help. :)

Answer
Jon,
Thank you for your question.  
I apologize for the delay in my reply, I was traveling away working my game this week when you asked your question.  The first step is you need to complete you high school education by way of diploma or GED.  That is most important!

Remember College football players are Student athletes - students first then athletes!  This is often forgotten but it remains the primary purpose of the NCAA and NAIA.

Once you get your High school diploma or GED then the second step is to get admitted to a college.  You must qualify through the admissions process first.   That is not something that you should give up on... there are community colleges and Jr. colleges that have football programs that might be a great transition for you, after you get your AA degree and have 2 years of community college football you may be ready for 2-3 more years at a four year school.  There are many players in similar positions as yours who start playing at the Jr. College level.  And there are many Jr. Colleges in Texas, California, etc where Jr. College football is as athletic as NCAA Div. 1 football.

Once you get in to a school then I suggest you contact the football office and ask about going out for the team as a walk on.  This process is up to the individual schools and it is up to them as to who they will let join their team also how that is done is on a program by program basis. You have good size and good speed.

Don't give up on your desires or dreams.  This is something you can do.  This is a time in your life where you can make a decision to stay put and move again!  This is a time you can prove to yourself you have what it take and that you can achieve what you put your mind to.  Jon, get that degree, then get into college, work on your grades, learn, play college football and achieve your dreams.  I bet if you really make a commitment to yourself, write out a step by step plan how when and where you will do this, and you stick to that plan, you will be playing college football within two years.

Please let me know when you start playing.  It would be my honor to officiate one of your games. Best of luck to you.

Vic Winnek
NCAA Football Official