Expert: Thom Brooks - 8/18/2007

Question
QUESTION: I graduated highschool in 1995 made ALL STATE and was heavily recruited to to play d-line by top SEC schools. Unfortunately I made some bad decisions at that time that kept me from playing (partying & women). I am attending UCF next semester and would like to Walk ON. I am know 31 years old I am in better shape than I ever was in high-school. Stronger, Faster, and Mentally Prepared. I have attended Jr- College off and on since 95. I have never played any sports and was wondering how much ellegibility do I have. I will be a JR. at UCF when I enter. Does each semester I attended in Jr college take away from elligibility?? Your help is greatly appreciated.
JR--

ANSWER: Jason, hello!

First of all, I applaud you for staying in shape.  You should be able to play great for UCF.  I do not know the NCAA rules for eligibility, but since you've not played any ball since high school, you should have all four years remaining.  Go to the website, NCAA.com and see if you can locate any maximum age restriction.  It seems to be there is an age cap for the entire 4 years.  

I would urge you to contact the Golden Knights immediately.  They can give you their dates for camps and tryouts, plus will verify the exact NCAA ruling on JUCO.  Had you played JUCO football it would have reduced your eligibility.  

I will do some research and get back to you when I can find something!  

I'll be pulling for you, so have an incredible season!

Thom Brooks

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

QUESTION: Thanks Thom, I love your positive attitude and your enthusiasm. It's definately a motivating factor and I will be contacting UCF on Monday to find out about tryouts. Hopefully I am not to OLD. I have heard stories of players in there 30's that do very well. I will look into the age limit..
Thanks Again,
Jason

Answer
Jason, I am a high school football official and I also coach a Mens Baseball team, called the Savannah Bombers.  You can view our team atwww.savannahmsbl.com  

We have an average of around Age 35 in our league of 150 players, 8 teams.  I'm very aware of the age and physical condition of our players.  If you are taking care of yourself, you will be a huge asset to UCF.  If they do not want you, then move to Statesboro, Georgia and play for the Georgia Southern Eagles.  They're had a super program for many years, and are about to go back to the top.

Commitment wins the games.

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia