My football position?

Question
QUESTION:     Um, hello. I really hope you could answer my question. I am going to play football next year. A lot of people say I should play tight end and I think that to. My school has two first string tight ends. One sucks at catching, but is good at blocking. The other one is good at catching but terrible at blocking. If I had both those qualities, I think I would be a great tight end.
   I'll break down the stats: I'm 13 and going to be in 8th grade next year. I'm 5 foot 11 inches. I weigh 150 ponds. My forty time is 6.2 seconds. I can bench press at least 35 on each arm. 4/5 times I'll catch the ball.
    I want to know if you'll think I'll be a good tight end. Also,what are some other positions you think I could play? I've been getting interested in defensive end.

         THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ANSWER: Hello Logan,

 This is one of the tougher decisions in football. A coach finding the position that you can best help the team at, and a position that you will accept. I always say, keep your mind open. The truth is that most teams have two tight ends that pretty much split time on the field. Normally, it is because one of them can catch, and the other one can block. So to be considered at this position, a player has to be able to run pass routes like a receiver and block like a lineman.

As a receiving-tightend, you must be able to run precise pass routes and catch the ball consistently. Tennis ball drill - get about ten tennis balls and have someone to throw them to you. Run a simple curl route, while on one knee or just stand there. (approximately 10-15 yards away) You want to work on catching them with your arms extended away from your body (hands only). You also want to make sure you are watching the ball all the way in and the ball is being thrown at a good speed. Hands only drill (w/football)- extends hands around a field goal pole and have ball thrown to you. This will force you to catch with just your hands. Repetitions are important with anything you do. The more you do it the better you should be at it.

I tell all receivers/tight ends that they have to believe that the ball is theirs when it leaves the quarterback's hands. The ball will not always be thrown perfect, a good receiver/tight end makes adjustments to the ball and makes a big play.

Speed/quickness - Most tight-ends are not extremely fast. But the good ones run precise pass routes and have descent quickness. Footwork is key for every football player. I recommend ladder drills, cone drills and finding a hill you can run sprints up. The hill will build leg strength, which should provide more push off strength, which creates speed. The ladder drill and the cone drill will help you develop good footwork and quickness.

 Position - Remain open minded about what position you may play. If I am correct this is your first year playing. So you have to earn a spot. The best way to do that is keep your name on the coaches mind. If they ask for a lineman, linebacker or a practice team tight-end, run out there.

 I was a runningback, but from little league to highschool I played quite a few positions. Nose guard, defensive-end, linebacker, cornerback and finally runningback. I was not always the most talented at the position but I became the starter because of hard work.

 May I also recommend that you get in good shape. Jogging and running sprints.I also tell young men to sit in front of the TV and watch their favorite show for an hour. Everytime a commercial comes on, do 25 push-ups and 25 crunches/sit-ups. I know, commercials aren't that long, so you have to really work hard to get them in. Remember, do this during every commercial. You will see your body start to develop, and strength start to build.

I hope this answer has helped you.

Thanks,

AC Anderson

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

QUESTION: Thank you very much, but I'm sorry, I have another question. What do I need to be a good defensive end? If you could answer this, thank you. If you couldn't, still, thank you.

Answer
Hey Logan,

 A good defensive end has to be quick, with good upper and lower body strength. The defensive end position has evolved so much with the new defensive strategies that teams use. Sometime he has to cover a running back in the flats and drop into a zone in some pass defenses. He must also be able to play the run. A defensive end that is quick off the edge is hard for any team to block.