Expert: Thom Brooks - 2/13/2007

Question
Hi Thom, several months ago I asked a question regarding the possibility of walking on to the Furman University football team. Your advice was even thought I had never played football before, to still contact the coaches immediately.
I have continued to hit the track and the weight room very hard. My bench press is now up to 250 (I'm only 5'7'') and my squat is well over 375. I have also been running sprints and 5km courses every other day.
However, after finding the courage to hunt down the head coach, explain my situation, and ask him if I could walk on the team he said that he would contact me soon and one of the assistant coaches could bring me in for an interview. Just this past week I received an e-mail saying that due to my lack of football experience in high school that I could not join the team as a walk on.
Now, I know that it is an unlikely dream to walk on to Furman's team even though I have never played competitive football before but I have talked to several people who think that it is really not that unrealistic and I have read stories about people who have done it at much bigger schools than Furman.
I will continue to train hard despite this bad news. Do you think that I should contact the coaches again next fall about walking on. Should I work with a high school coach on technique...would that give me experience which could warrant me walking on? I have several friends on the football team who are walk ons and they have told me that Furman rarely if never cuts a hard working walk on player. In addition, there are several small "scrubs" on the team that I am stronger and faster than. I appreciate any thoughts that you may have. If you think that I should give up this dream then please be honest and tell me.  

Answer
Tyler, first thing............. If Furman does not want you, come on down to Statesboro, Georgia and join the Eagles!!!  GSU just got Chris Hatcher as the new Coach and he was something like 72-14 with Valdosta State.  He is going to take Georgia Southern to the top.

Furman is a wonderful, powerful and tradition rich school.  If your heart is to be a Paladin, you really need to talk to the Coaches, particularly the ones you did not talk to yet.  Maybe the Coach you talked with did not have chemistry with you.  Why would he decline you if they have small scrubs on the team?  

You need to ask the Coach to give you a chance because your heart is as big as anyone's and you will work hard to prove you are a Champion.  You need to pester the heck out of him and he will give you the chance to compete.  Coaches love a man with the courage, tenacity, conviction and Leadership to continue to pursue their objective. Do not give up.   They do not want players that give up easily.  Your test may be to see if you are bold enough to keep asking for the chance.  They will come around.  They will listen.  They will invite you for a tryout.  

Tell them you only want a chance, not a favor.  Wear a Paladin shirt when you meet with them.  Let them know you intend on being a contributor!

Do you know any Furman alumni (or the current players you mentioned) that would go to bat for you?

Keep me posted !  

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Ga.