USF, UCF, or UF Walk On

Question
Dear MR. Mullins,
My name is Christian, I am 19 years old and live in Orlando, FL. I have one year of high school football experience at DB and want to be a walk on for one of the colleges in Florida. I just recently started working out again and weigh in at 189lbs at a height of 5'11"-6'. I love to hit and in high school always volunteered vs the tight ends and fullbacks in the oklahoma and other hitting drills. My only major concern is my speed. I am worried that i am not fast enough to make it to college. For this reason I have decided to attempt Strong Safety. I have not timed my self in the 40 because i am kind of scared at how slow i might be. I hit the gym hard, doing squats and lunges to build up speed. I just wanted to know if you had any speed training exercises to help and some advice or comments. I first plan to play in a tackle league team in Orlando to try to get more experience, before attempting college. But any advice or anything would really help.

P.S.
Do i have a chance in Florida aka the speed capital of the nation?

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Sincerely,
Chris

Answer
Speed is not everything, heart is.  I personally feel that cardio & leg strength are the most important areas to work considering your question.

Safetys have to be in excellent condition.  You are running longer, faster, & more crisp routes than any other position, over, & over, & over...You are the starter, no one else gets your position.  When everyone else runs one suicide, you run two!!!!!  When others are running sprints & bending over, you run an extra one, not for the team or your coach, but for yourself.

Proper weight-lifting is another requirement.  Find a good strength coach in your area if there's not one on staff.  This does not work properly unless you diet properly also.  No carbonated drinks...PERIOD.  High protein, no steroids. EVER!!!

Last, find a buddy equally as committed as you....Push each other.  My buddy was the quarterback ( I wonder why)  No excuses.  No excuses.  No excuses.  I hope to see you in the pros. Be that one in 1000.

Florida is not the only place to play football though....We have the Vols here!!!!!  lolol Good luck...keep me informed
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