HB 40 Time

Question
Next year I want to be a walk on at Eastern Michigan University.  What is a good 40 time for a 6'1" 220 lb running back?  What are my realistic chances of actually getting some carries?

Answer
Dear John,
If you want to be a walk on at Eastern Michigan University, you have better be in magnificent shape. Do not worry about what your time is in the 40-yard dash, just show up in great shape and you will have a chance to play.

Even if the guy that starts ahead of you has tremendous speed, he still has to come out of the game and rest. If you are in impressive form and you have some moves, the coach will take a look at you.

Start by running a 1/2 lap around the football field everyday. Be sure to sprint the last 100-yards. Do this work out everyday, after a couple of weeks or so, when you feel up to it, add a half a lap to your workout. Keep adding a half a lap, every week or so, until you reach 3 or four miles per workout. Make sure that the last 100-yards, of your work out, are ran at a full sprint.


Also, try playing some basketball. Basketball is a great sport that will help you get into football shape. All that running will help your coordination, quickness, conditioning, and improve your foot work for football.

You also might want to add handball to your workout schedule. Just like in basketball, handball forces you to run back and forth and side to side. Handball can be of great help, to a football player, for all the same reasons as basketball.

Do not push yourself too hard, that way your body will be able to handle it and you will be able to recover faster between workouts.

Only workout once a day, you do not want to over do it. You want to build your body up not use it up. Be sure to drink lots of water, you will need it.

By the time you start football camp, you will be in the best shape of your life. TAKE IT SLOW. Do not push too hard and make sure that you get check by a Doctor first.


Make sure you get your PARENTS, your COACH, and your DOCTOR involved.

1. GET YOUR PARENTS PERMISSION AND ASK FOR THEIR ADVICE. THEY CAN BE OF GREAT HELP TO YOU.

2. TALK TO YOUR COACH HE IS THERE TO HELP YOU. HE WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED. HE CAN GET YOU STARTED ON THE RIGHT PROGRAM.

3. BEFORE YOU START ANY PROGRAM MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR PARENTS PERMISSION AND YOUR DOCTORS OKAY. REMEMBER ONLY A DOCTOR CAN TELL YOU IF THE PROGRAM YOU ARE STARTING IS TOO MUCH FOR YOU. IT IS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN TO BE SORRY!!!!!!!!!!  


Your friend, Coach Louis


PS Let me know if you want some help building muscles too.