advice for new lineman

Question
My son just joined football.  He is a senior, in great shape -6' 2" 195 runs and works out everyday.  Had been a long distance runner -but wanted to try football -wanted to do some hitting and get the experience of a great team sport.  The coaches want him to play defensive tackle and eventually offensive tackle/guard -we are a small school and the line is small by most standards. He can hit real hard but he needs advice to help him understand his position and reach his potential and to better help out his varsity squad.  Any advice, including names of books and videos, would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for all the advice and help you will give my son and all the effort and help you give to all the players trying to better themselves.

Answer
Dear Steve,
If your son wants to be a offensive linemen, I say go for it. However, if he is fast and can catch the football, why not use him as a receiver? If he is not fast enough to play the wide receiver position, why not place him at the tight end spot. He can still block for on the offensive line if that is where he is needed? And he can give your opponents a major headache, near or around the goal line, by giving your quarterback a big target to hit. The last long distance runner that went out for football was SAN FRANCISCO'S JERRY RICE. And we all know what happened next. Jerry Rice would ware down the defensive backs with his endurance. And your son can do the same. Also his size would make it difficult for the smaller defensive backs to take him down. You might want to have a talk with his football coach and ask him about it?

The best book on the market today is "PLAY FOOTBALL THE NFL WAY" by Tom Bass. This book is an instructional manual which covers every position on a football team. It is loaded with pictures and diagrams which help you follow what the writer is saying. The book cost about $20. Let me know what happens.

good luck, your friend, Louis