Expert: Thom Brooks - 11/16/2007

Question
QUESTION: Tom I'm in the military 26 years old and I have only two years lift in the military. I'm 5'11 220 and I run a 4.41  in the 40 yard dash. I played strong safety and line backer in high school. I could have played football in college for western Carolina but when they didn't give a scholarship I chose another school instead. They gave me a track scholarship. But they were a D2 school. I want to play division 1 football. I belive I can make a differences on special   teams and the defense. I'm a real head hunter. But tell me what you think?

ANSWER: Charlie, I was an Army Field Artillery Officer.  You may be 26, but I know you are still close to "football shape".  You need to contact:

Dan at,

www.MilitaryAthletes.org

He will get you programmed for your future with a team.

Contact him immediately.  If not please, contact the colleges of your choice directly and tell them what you just stated to me.

I worked with a man named Allan Duhm, who graduated from  Western Carolina.  I'm a Florida State, Georgia Bulldog and Georgia Southern fan, but I like the Catamounts, too.  

Thanks for your service to our country.  Thanks for every, single day you have worn the uniform. You are a Great American.  Today is Veteran's Day.  Today is my youngest son's 20th birthday.  Today is the Birthday of General George S. Patton.  My Dad served in Pattion's Third Army in 1943-46 in World War II.  

Listen to my son's music at:

www.myspace.com/Listen2three



Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia

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

QUESTION: Thom I must tell you one more thing. I have a chance to go out to Sandeigo CA and train with a coach who played with the Oakland Raiders for 6 years. He trains guys to go to the NFL all the time. He said if I train with him for two years he will get my 40 time down and get me a try out. DO you think I she go ahead and train for the NFL instill of playing college football?

Answer
Charlie, the lure of the NFL is appealing, but playing college ball would give the NFL scouts a better picture of your ability under fire.  You always have the chance of injury but that's the nature of the beast.  I officiated three championship games this weekend, age 12.  One team leveled the other but I saw a hit that you seldom see in recreational or high school level. I thought the kid would break in two.  

My oldest son lives in San Diego.  It's a beautiful place but I do not know about the trainer out there.  What if you played one year in college and spent the last year with him?  Maybe that would get the NFL's attention.

Have a great week,

Thom Brooks