Expert: Thom Brooks - 12/24/2007

Question
Hi. I'm 21, and scored very high on my GED. I got accepted to a good d2 school, and planned on walking on the football team. But i decided i have more potential and joined a semi-pro team (not being payed). Season starts in july. Would it be possible to start (in the fall) at a d1 or d2 school with a scholarship, if the scouts/recruiters watch me play as late as august? Or is that too late and id haveto play for that school next year? According to one of my freinds, last year the best player on the team got into miami with the help of the coach.

Also, if i end up going to the d2 school i got accepted to...can i simply ask the coach of that team for a possible scholarship offer while im attending the school? Ofcourse he'd base his decision on how i played in semi-pro (film, sats, etc.)

I really wanna play at a D1 school like miami, or buffalo (im in nyc). But im not sure howto go about this at all. Transfering from a d2 school would get me 'redshirted' for a year right? That doesnt sound appealing. I hope you can answer my questions. Thank you

Answer
Bob, hello!

You need to make certain the NCAA rules are not violated as a paid player (even though you will not be paid, they may rule on a Professional Player).  You can transfer from Div-2 to Div-1 without sitting out a year.  

Yes, the Coaches can help you get an audience for the schools, but it would be up to the Coaches to decide if they would withdraw the D-2 scholarship if you're applying for D-1 scholarship.

I wish you the very best!!

Merry Christmas !!

Thom Brooks