Expert: Thom Brooks - 12/14/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi coach,
   I just finished playing my second year of Juco ball in San Diego.  I am just under 6'3'' and weigh about 240lbs. and run about a 4.7 -4.8 range playing DE/DT.  They put me at DT because i played with more leverage than the 6'5'' 285lbs. guy playing DE in front of me. So basically I didnt get recruited very well because i played out of position even though i made great plays and hustled, while the DE in front of me and the other DE who is 6'3'' 280lbs. both got offered D1A full rides to the same school.  I'm faster than both, and stronger than the 6'3'' guy.  My question is, do i take a D2 scholarship offer that i have, or do i walk on when i know i can easily make it in a D1 program. Playing D1 was my dream and i still want it.

ANSWER: Alex, Good Morning!

You already know this answer!  You will always have regrets unless you take that Walk On opportunity.  Your Dream will linger forever, so go live it.  

Your record shows you can make the D-1 requirements.  Those Coaches need to know immediately that you have a D-2 scholarship that you have set aside.  You can talk to them before you give up the D-2 world.  Depending on which schools you are planning to attend, playing football for a D-2 school is still a heckuva honor.  Those teams are much better than ever.  If you aspire to play professionally, your play in either division would not stop you from going Pro.  The NFL has scores of players that played in smaller school environments.  (Jerry Rice from Mississippi Valley State).  

Another matter is that you can tryout as D-Line and request the Coaches to look at your discipline at DE.  If you have the skills, you will get the position you seek.  

Stay aware of your deadlines from the school and of the NCAA rules in case you transfer from one school to another.  You can drop down from D-1 to D-2 without sitting out a year.  

Let me know which path you follow.  I want to watch your career grow.  I was in San Diego this year for my oldest son's wedding.  That's a neat place.  If those colleges don't want you, let me know and we'll get you over on this coast to play for Georgia, Georgia Southern or Florida State!!

Have an incredible Christmas and thanks for making American sports lovers happy.  

Listen to my son's band at:

myspace.com/listen2three

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia



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

QUESTION: how could you get me to play for georgia, georgia southern, or florida state?  I wouldnt mind goin there at all.

Answer
Alex, hello!

Google to Georgia Southern's website,  Athletic Department, attention to Head Coach Chris Hatcher.  If you have talent, his staff will tell you the schedules and they will coordinate time and distance from Statesboro, Georgia.  

You would have a more difficult time talking to Coach Mark Richt of the Georgia Bulldogs or Bobby Bowden of the Florida State Seminoles, but it only takes an hour to write to each of them.  What a dream it would be to play for any of these teams.  

You need to make an all out attempt to get an audience with any of the teams that you would like to play for.  If they like your skill, motivation and Leadership, they will find a way to have you join the team.

Have a great day!

Thom Brooks