Expert: Thom Brooks - 6/11/2007

Question
I am interested in seeing if there is a JUCO program that would get my son back on track.  He has been out of high school for three years...still thinks he wants to play college ball.  Was a standout lineman in high school, but came up with a 1.9 GPA on core classes, 2.3 overall (solid prep program, honors English, all maths, chemistry, etc.) and lost multiple scholarship opportunites to both Division I and II schools that had been recruiting him. (USF, FAU, U Jax, and many, many out of state schools.  He is not dumb, just incredibly lazy.  (1000 SAT without trying)  Went to our community college, but failed (lazy), went second year to Glenville State College football team on probation status (practices but no competing) and failed again.  Spent last year doing a tech school, but is wanting to try college and football again.  He is 6'1, 300 lbs when in shape and can be a great kid when he is motivated.  Are there any tough coaches out there that would be willing to give him a chance, or should I tell him it's time to move on in life?

Answer
Marcia, hello!  I have just spent a week in San Diego watching my oldest of three sons get married!  I thought you were talking about one of my boys!

Some Coaches are more tolerant teachers than others, but none of them will tolerate a lazy player.  I coach a men's baseball team that has won our League championship the past couple of years and I do not allow anyone to play unless they hustle.  

Your love for your son shines through, but he needs to write down, WRITE it on a piece of paper, his goals.  He needs to write down the reasons he wants to play football.  If he can't dedicate himself to wanting football as a goal, then he needs to forget about it.  He needs to understand that a student-athlete is an incredible challenge but would be one of the great rewards in his life.

Are you certain he doesn't have any medical condition that makes him appear to be something he is not?  If we assume that he does not have any impairment with drugs or alcohol, what then would be his lack of motivation?  Does he have other goals that football would interfere with?  

My youngest son is lead singer in a band.  He started playing the guitar in his 10th grade and lost interest in football and baseball, even though he was an above average player.  He said becoming a top rock star was his goal.  This week, he is flying back out to Los Angeles to play in a closed concert.  We have been so blessed with his success that I've forgotten about his sports.  Listen to my son at
myspace/listen2three.com

If your son dedicates his tryouts, and gets mentally prepared, his physical abilities will improve, along with his chances of making a team.  

I'd love to hear back from you when he sets his career path!

May both of you enjoy happiness and success!

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia