Expert: Thom Brooks - 12/17/2007

Question
QUESTION: I was wondering if I would have a chance of walking onto a northwest school. I’m 5’8’’, 155 pounds and run about a 4.8 40. Before you make your judgment there I’ve been working out to gain weight, speed, and I’ve grown an average of 2 inches the last 4 years. What should I do if I want to play FS or CB in College? My plan is to take two years to workout and gain weight and speed. What should I work on? What do you think my measurable be if I want to play FS or CB preferably FS. Do you know of a school in the northwest that needs a hard-hitting FS? If you know anyone that can help me please help me?

ANSWER: Lamar, hello!

Your size would be a disadvantage but my son seemed to increase height, weight and speed after age 16-17 and 18.  So, if you're faithful to a workout program, continue to run as many sprints as you can, and keep a healthy diet, your dream can come true.  

You need to write your plans down, and start keeping records of your progress (on speeds, weight, etc.) but the important step is to contact the local coaches and Football officials.  They can get you steered towards the colleges that would have an interest in your playing for them, plus the college that is best for your education.  So, contact all of the area high school coaches.  If you know of any current or former players, get information from them.  

Have a Merry Christmas and get to work on the plan!

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia


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

QUESTION: Do you think it would be better if I play corner or FS? What kind of diet should I have? You have any recomendations. If you have any workouts that would be great if you could send them. What is walking on like? I mean what should I expect to do?

Answer
Lamar, not knowing your skills with speed, I cannot suggest FS or Corner but the Coaches will evaluate.  A healthy diet is eating balanced without a great deal of Carbs, unless you're wanting to gain weight, which power shakes can build mass, but may slow your speed.  So, you need someone at your local YMCA or Weight Training Center to give you that advice of diet with training.  They can give you the basic workouts but you need to talk to the Coaches where you seek to play.  They have the programs to get you ready for their scheme.  Walking on means you're at the bottom of the food chain and you have to work hard to overcome the disadvantage.  You can't flash experience, trophies or stats, so you're going in on Blind Faith.  Anything you can do prior to that day to prepare will close the gap and help you to compete against the competition.

Good hunting and Merry Christmas!

Thom Brooks