Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/9/2007

Question
Hi Thom,

I have a few questions that I hope you can answer.  I would like to know if a graduate student can be eligible to walk on as a football player at a division 1-A school, even if he did not earn his undergraduate degree from that same school?  If I am eligible to try and walk on, do I need to still apply through the NCAA clearinghouse or just get in touch with the coaches?  And will playing this one year bar me from playing for another school if I continue onto an advanced degree elsewhere?

To give a little background for the second question, I played one year of high school football (it was my school's first year having a team), but did not play in college (I went to a division 3 school for college) because I got an academic scholarship, and needless to say, I spent a lot of time focusing on school to keep that scholarship and decided not to try out for football then.  I am now 26 years old and in my first year of a two year program, and since I'm not on any scholarship now (and the classwork isn't that time consuming), I would like to know what other things to consider as pros and cons in evaluating myself and my chances.  My school does have walk ons, and I know these younger guys are the best of the best, but I have been training to join the military for when I finish my masters degree, I'm about the right size for my position (cornerback), I still run a 4.8 40 and have a 31" jump.  I didn't get a lot of experience in high school from being lower on the depth chart, but I know the fundamentals of my position.  Certainly my age is a negative, but my body still feels young and I feel more mature than when I was in high school.  What other things might I evaluate as pros and cons?  What might I want to focus on developing more before I attempt to try out (if I can try out)?  Do you have any websites or books you can recommend for someone who wants more information on conditioning, skills, and anything else to consider?  Thanks for your time and input, Thom!

Answer
Anthony, Regardless if you play ball, you are the reason why America is so great!  To pursue a Masters, with the intention of serving our country is just one of the outstanding things a person could do.  You would lose a year of eligibility if you played a year and then attended future years/schools.  

I cannot answer your question about Eligibility.  Your Coaches will evaluate your skill and can get the legal opinion about your question.  The NCAA rules tend to work against your inquiry.  

If you are ruled Eligible, I would love to see you on the team simply because of the maturity and Leadership I sense you would contribute.  

You can go to Ebay.com and type in any subject concerning in reference to skills and conditioning.  You can purchase many books in regards to your specific need.  Before getting into a certain program, you need to have the Coaching staff advise what your minimum standards are.  You need to train for the position you would seek. If you end up on Special teams, cornerback or even WR, they can tell you what offseason workouts would best suit your body.

Take care, Have a Happy New Year, and continue the Quest!

Thom Brooks