Expert: Thom Brooks - 12/12/2007

Question
Hello,

I am currently a senior and have finished my high school football career. I love football and have been played since I was in third grade.  I was wondering if I could get some advice on walking on at D-1AA Eastern Illinois.  I plan on attending school there.  I have already e-mailed the recruiting coordinator, called him and am waiting for a response.  I play Tight End on offense and on defense Defensive End and Defensive tackle and also Inside Linebacker. My coach sadly doesn't do alot recruiting-wise for his players and probably wouldn't help me out very much. I moved from linebacker to Defensive line because most everyone else on my team was smaller than me. I am 6'2" 220 pounds, bench 285, squat 370, and clean 245, I also run a 4.68 forty and 4.24 shuttle.  I'm an incredibly hard worker who is very dedicated and goal oriented and just got done making my highlight video.  If you could give some advice on what more I need to do and if you think i could make Eastern Illinois football team or any other D-1 team I would greatly appreciate it.  

Thanks for listening!  

Answer
Josh, hello!  Your numbers look great.  If Eastern Illinois doesn't want you, let me know.  You sound like you'd be a great Leader for the Georgia Southern Eagles, down in Statesboro, Georgia!!!  With your size and speed, many teams should be able to utilize your play.  Are you sure you don't want to play for the Georgia Bulldogs or Florida State Seminoles?  That speed would help most teams.

You've done a great job in your pursuit and follow up.  Any team would be proud of that kind of attitude that shows you to be one to give your best and one to finish the job.  

What makes me happy for you is that you're just about to come into another growth of speed, strength and size.  You're going to get better if you keep your physical and mental discipline. Keep working on getting the forty down and you may have the Atlanta Falcons begging for you.  Heck, you'd help them right now!!

SIU lost a heartbreaker and they have an awesome program.  You would improve them even more.  I do wish you the very best and would appreciate hearing from you when you get settled into your school.  

Listen to my 20 year old son's band at:

myspace.com/listen2three

Merry Christmas and may you enjoy an incredible and long number of year in your career.

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia