Expert: Thom Brooks - 12/6/2007

Question
Hey, I'm 17 and I'm still in High School, but my grades are preventing me from playing football...I played my freshman year and  got playing time on varsity. I've been involved with our football program, but still haven't been able to become eligible. I'm a junior still, but I think I'm in too deep of a hole to get myself out of. So I'm thinking of getting my GED.

I was wondering if I could play college ball with a GED and how I would go about doing that...I'm 6'1 180, run a high 4.6, bench 250 I play WR or safety...I know the game inside and out, I'm a very intelligent young man. I just have attendance issues. But I've sworn to change any issues if I can just get another chance to play...

Please help...Thank You

Answer
Dakota, with a name like that, I would find a way to get you on my team!!  

You need to have a talk with your Counselor and Coaches at school.  If you can make up some Summer school time, you would be eligible for next year's Senior season.  If you drop out, you will delay getting into college by a year, and then you will not get the first look given to those with a high school track record.  

But, if you give your very best shot, getting that GED is important and it will get you into college, which will give you the chance to play football.

On the most important note, you have to get your attendance issues corrected immediately.  I do not think a Coach would want a player on the team, no matter what your skills, if you are not dependable.  I coach a mens' baseball team (over age 25), most of which are former college jocks.  I never embarass a player but all of them know my standard is to play hard all of the time, and to be dependable.  Our team won our league championship two years in a row, but dropped to Third place this season.  We finished three games out and had a new player (strong in college) that disrupted the team's chemistry with undependable habits.   He's not on this year's squad and we're going to compete for the crown again.  

Give it your very best effort, and you will be satisfied with the results.  

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia