Expert: Thom Brooks - 9/22/2007

Question
QUESTION: I'm a senior who didn't play this year because me and the coach couldn't come to an agreement about something but I still have the desire to play football in college. I'm 6'1 165lb and i play WR & DB. My Plan is to gain my weight to about 175-180lbs and play QB in college. Do they allow Freshmen to do walk on tryouts for a position he never tried before? Also should i get some fundamental tapes and other stuff to build myself up to be a QB by the time i try to enroll in a college?

ANSWER: Jamel, hello!

Your Quest will depend on which level of college you seek to play in and if your skills can overcome not playing in your Senior year.  You may not be able to make the team as QB since they have so many with the experience that you lack.  But, you certainly appear to have the tools to be a great WR and DB.  Make contact with the college of your choice and they will advise their standards.  

Do not give up easily.  If you have the desire, you will be able to help a team win.

Have a great day!

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia

Listen to my son's band at:  Myspace.com/listen2three

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well my teammates say i run routes very well better than some. I have the speed and blocking skills to be a good receiver but i sometime have trouble catching the ball from a new QB. Is their any way i can train myself to catch the ball better? some people say my hands are too far part. I don't get what they are saying...

Answer
Jamel, hello!

If your critique is that your hands are too far apart, then you need to correct the habit.  You don't want the ball hitting your pads so you need to bring the ball into your body but are you keeping your eyes on the ball at all times?  

The great Johnny Unitas and Raymond Berry were Champion Baltimore Colts.  For hours after others had left, they threw and caught.  That repetition paid off for their team for many years.  They improved until the practice was perfect.  You have to get someone to throw and catch until your hands bleed.  Then, you'll be great.

Thom Brooks