What do I need to play college football?

Question
Well, to start off I want to play football so bad right now and to know that my last year in high school is over just makes me wanna cry! But, my coaches said that I have a pretty good chance of getting onto a DII school. I played DE and OL(LT) Im 6'2" about 225 run a 5.0 but I can run fast then that. I know it. I bench 300, squat 345, and power clean 240(I can hang clean more 255). I don't know why that is. I am very smart on the field and new every position on line and what everyone was suppose to do. But in college I don't think my weight and stuff will let me play those positions. I was thinking a LB. I think I would fit it pretty well because I love to hit kids. I don't have the best grades. I pass, but nothing that would get my a scholarship I don't think. (GPA 3.2). I just don't know where to began. I don't know where I could play, or even how to try to play. Do you think I have a chance?

Answer
Hi Tyler. I know exactly how you feel. My highschool season just finished as well, and with a shocking finish. we lost in the finals by a touch down at there 3 yard line. Do you play junior or Senior?  It sounds like your in good shape, strength wise, but another big part of playing on the Line, or any postition for that matter, is speed. explosive power. I myself am 6'4, 230 pounds. yet I beat our full backs and running backs in the 100m. If you get your speed up, You'll be INCREDIBLY effective. believe me. This was my first year playing football. I didnt have a clue at what I was doing when I tried out. Yet, in gr.9, I'm starting Offensive Tackle. You've got good size and Muscle power but your Weight may be your biggest problem. If your in Gr.11 or 12, this is going to be a big proble. its going to be hard to get into higher level teams at that weight, unless of course your absoultley jacked out of your mind and look like you live in the gym. but even then, your weight will still be a problem. If your going to play on the line, say OT or DE, your going to need to pack on the pounds. Now, that doesnt mean go and buy 4 bags of doritos, 3L of ice cream and visit Mcdonalds daily.  What I mean is that you need to:

A. Create or find a good workout plan or routine. I've got lots of information if you'd like to know more about this.

B. A good Diet. By diet, I do not mean starving yourself. I'm talking about eating 6-8 small meals a day, that are packed with nutrients and vitamins, especially proteins.

C. Find out what position you really want to play. You cant play a postion that you don't love.

To basically sum all this ranting up, If your going to play on the line, your going to need to:

A. Gain weight ( muscle and healthy fat weight)

B. Increase your speed and cardio. (cardio does not mean running 8km a day. that's the worst thing you can do)

But if your going to play LB, which personally I love and find very fun, your weight and size shouldn't be a huge deal. You've got good height, and your weight isn't too bad. If you want to play LB, I would reccomend getting your weight up to about 240-250, if not more.

Now I know that this sounds odd, and your probobly thinking "how on earth am I supposed to gain 25 pounds, without putting on fat? simple my friend. Create or find a strict, low rep, power workout routine, give your self 2-3 days of rest, and eat LOTS of proteins and other body building vitamins and elements. I was 225 pounds last year. I was also 30 pounds overweight( 30 pounds of unhealthy fat) I worked out with my coach and trainer, worked my ass off, followed his orders, ate lots, ate lots of proteins, rested often. I ended up LOSING 30 POUNDS of fat, and ended up 230, 5 pounds MORE then I had when i started! so you can do the math.

Lost 30 pounds, but gained 30 pounds. Weird eh? the key there is that I didn't put on any fat, I lost it all, but put on pure muscle.

I am now back into training mode for football, playing for my cities football team. I have created a perfect workout plan for any linemen(except for maybe TE) and plan on doing it, while playing AA hockey. You've got to stay focused on your task. If you decide to play OT, follow my advice. If you decide to play LB, follow my advice. Whatever you choose to do, even in life, you've got to give it everything you've got. It's the only way you'll succeed.

Feel free to ask any questions.

- Arran Macrae