Ask a D1 Football Player

[HiiiPower]

Because I grew up around the program. My dad played at this school and it's going places. I was a two sport all american and had over 30 FBS offers if you wanted to know.

And it is not the Richmond Spiders

I respect that and I can relate to playing at your father's alma mater. However, if NFL is the ultimate goal then you should have at least picked an FBS school; the percentages support that as well.

Now, maybe you have a different definition of major, but we both know claiming 30 offers from "most major FBS" schools is false.

Regardless, best of luck in reaching your collegiate and professional goals.

[redfield11]

now, maybe you have a different definition of major, but we both know claiming 30 offers from "most major fbs" schools is false.

Regardless, best of luck in reaching your collegiate and professional goals.

boom

[NorwichGrad]

Awesome.

I currently train a former Penn State D1 football player. He is in pharmacy school now. My mind was blown away when he told me freshman players at Penn were NOT allowed to do squats or deadlifts. He said they used mostly machines. I'm not doubting him. My question to you is does your school use freeweights or are you like Penn State training-wise?

[thatMonster76]

We use Free weights.

[redfield11]

We use Free weights.

so did you miss my question or don't know an idea so didn't answer? (it's post 19, page 1 if answer is you missed it)

[thatMonster76]

so did you miss my question or don't know an idea so didn't answer? (it's post 19, page 1 if answer is you missed it)

Whoops I missed it. The upper body is pretty important in running. The harder your arms pump with proper form the faster you will run. So yes upper body is pretty important when running. For cornerback its all about backpedling and the change of direction in your hips though.

[wildcats9]

Penn State has a notoriously bad S&C program. The train HIT and use primarily machines, No explosive movements or focusing on the velocity of the lift. Its a garbage program and it shows when their players (mainly the Linemen) get to the combine and put up sad BP numbers (not that BP is important but its a guage) and are not prepared from a strength standpoint to play in the NFL

Awesome.

I currently train a former Penn State D1 football player. He is in pharmacy school now. My mind was blown away when he told me freshman players at Penn were NOT allowed to do squats or deadlifts. He said they used mostly machines. I'm not doubting him. My question to you is does your school use freeweights or are you like Penn State training-wise?

[Ronjon89]

I'm a division 1 football player. I can answer most questions you may have, I've been through all of the different phases. Early on in highschool I was extremely inexperienced and lazy, I got fat and had a few major setbacks. Then I dedicated myself in the weightroom and in training and turned myself into an athlete. I was recruited by most major college football programs. I've been through my first college season and performed really well.

I can answer any questions, I can show you what a football weight program is like, help with understanding the recruiting process, help with developing speed and give pointers on how to get better on and off the field. I've been around and trained with some of the best college and pro players and have picked up many tips and pointers from them I'm willing to share.

Let's get this thing rolling

Hey monster,
Let me fill you in on my situation. Around January of last year I decided I wanted to play college football. I sent my films and got a scholarship offer within 2 weeks from a NAIA school. For the following 4 1/2 months I worked out extremely hard and ate right and took supplements. I started at 215 (weak) and ended at 240(strong and athletic) I gained over 25 pounds and mostly all good gains. My strength gains went through the roof 205max bench to 315 pounds. 235 max squat to 370 pounds and deadlift from 245 to 445. it was done all the right way, no prohormones what so ever. Currently I am basically a starter at my school at defensive end. I've played three games with semi decent film, nothing insane. Partly because the play hardly goes to me, but when it does I make a play. ---so basically
From today until August I have 11 months to make even more gains and athletic gains. I have no doubt in my drive and motivation, I want this so bad. Since I know my gains in 4 1/2 months I can only imagine What my body can crank out in 11. Another note to add. I never started lifting hardcore until my last 4 1/2 months before leaving for college. I'm also 6foot 5 and I was a late bloomer in puberty so I am just now in my peak zone. My question is

Do I have a chance to play big ten football? D1aa? Do I look desirable to football coaches. And if so what is the best way to go about getting my name out there?
Thankyou,ronjon89

[Rude001]

Whats up bro, I'am considering getting back in school and *attempting* to walk on at a FBS or FCS school and i'am looking for some advice. I'll start here, I got a scholarship outta HS to a D-II school in Ill. after only playing 2 years of football period, I would say i have somewhat of a natural propensity for football. At the time i was EXTREMELY lazy and really didnt put the work in either in the class room or the weight room and shortly after the season i was ruled academically inelligible. I then came back to GA and long story short I now work as a firefighter in a county outside of ATL. My new found work ethic and desire to learn has led me to where i am now...
1)What advice would you give me as far as getting in there and getting it done?
2)What are D-I coaches looking for in an athlete (particularly a walk-on)?
3)What main lifts are really focused on where you attend?
4)What are some lifting bench marks to aim for?

I'd also be interested in the offseason workout routine you guys use. Thanks in advance and feel free to sitemail me.

[SDOptimist]

Whats up bro, I'am considering getting back in school and *attempting* to walk on at a FBS or FCS school and i'am looking for some advice. I'll start here, I got a scholarship outta HS to a D-II school in Ill. after only playing 2 years of football period, I would say i have somewhat of a natural propensity for football. At the time i was EXTREMELY lazy and really didnt put the work in either in the class room or the weight room and shortly after the season i was ruled academically inelligible. I then came back to GA and long story short I now work as a firefighter in a county outside of ATL. My new found work ethic and desire to learn has led me to where i am now...
1)What advice would you give me as far as getting in there and getting it done?
2)What are D-I coaches looking for in an athlete (particularly a walk-on)?
3)What main lifts are really focused on where you attend?
4)What are some lifting bench marks to aim for?

I'd also be interested in the offseason workout routine you guys use. Thanks in advance and feel free to sitemail me.

Your eligibility is most likely up for D-1 programs. Once you enroll full time as a college student, your clock starts and it doesn't stop. From your first full time semester, you have 5 years to play 4.

With d2 and d3, you eligibility clock starts as well when you enroll full time as a college student. But the difference, if I am correct, is that your clock may freeze if you are not enrolled full time that year.

You already started going to college, and it sounds like its been 5-6 years since your first college semester, which means your d-1 (FBS & FCS) eligibility clock is out. You may have a couple years of eligibility left in D2 and lower.

If you are very serious about getting into football, contact the ncaa clearing house to see what your eligibility situation is.

If you are just wanting to get back into college and want to just play football for fun and the experiences, then go to a local JC, it is cheaper and you have eligibility.

[Rude001]

Your eligibility is most likely up for D-1 programs. Once you enroll full time as a college student, your clock starts and it doesn't stop. From your first full time semester, you have 5 years to play 4.

With d2 and d3, you eligibility clock starts as well when you enroll full time as a college student. But the difference, if I am correct, is that your clock may freeze if you are not enrolled full time that year.

You already started going to college, and it sounds like its been 5-6 years since your first college semester, which means your d-1 (FBS & FCS) eligibility clock is out. You may have a couple years of eligibility left in D2 and lower.

If you are very serious about getting into football, contact the ncaa clearing house to see what your eligibility situation is.

If you are just wanting to get back into college and want to just play football for fun and the experiences, then go to a local JC, it is cheaper and you have eligibility.

So how does NAIA fit into there, is it in anyway related to the NCAA as far as eligibility goes?

[nycyankees21]

I am writing an essay for my writing class on whether or not college athletes should be paid, and I was wondering how hard they have to work in college compared to high school?

I Saw in an early question that you didnt want to say the college that you went to but it would be helpful for me so that my teacher and classmates who read my essay know that what im writing is legit.

[newfootballnumb]

I knwo this post was made awhile back, but i'm only 5'11 and i play defensive tackle and im a sophomore. I played starting varsity sophmore year and i went from 138 from wrestling to gaining 40 pounds to get to 170 for that season as a sophomore. I am now a sophmore still going on junior year and bulking again this time up to 195, im wondering if this is at a good enough rate to play some d1 or something at this rate. My maxes are 405 squat, 280 bench, and around a 200 hang-clean. I'm wondering what i need as goals to become a divison one player or am i too short. My senior year i planned on going 220. But, other then that i one rep max all those and to get those i did 215 for 7 on bench, 370 for 3 on squat (Parrallel) and for clean like 165 for so ever how many and im wondering what i need to get at those standards. I'm doing very well for my age bracket, i was ranked 7th in the state and im trying to get it to first if i can for the whole league this year or senior year, i need some suggestions and honest opinons.

[mlift11]

Is it ok if I PM you when I have questions? How often do you come on this site?
anyways, specific speed drills you guys do would be nice.
and I'm a 5'10 185 wr. slow but very good hands and very strong

[CrazyAssassin]

I knwo this post was made awhile back, but i'm only 5'11 and i play defensive tackle and im a sophomore. I played starting varsity sophmore year and i went from 138 from wrestling to gaining 40 pounds to get to 170 for that season as a sophomore. I am now a sophmore still going on junior year and bulking again this time up to 195, im wondering if this is at a good enough rate to play some d1 or something at this rate. My maxes are 405 squat, 280 bench, and around a 200 hang-clean. I'm wondering what i need as goals to become a divison one player or am i too short. My senior year i planned on going 220. But, other then that i one rep max all those and to get those i did 215 for 7 on bench, 370 for 3 on squat (Parrallel) and for clean like 165 for so ever how many and im wondering what i need to get at those standards. I'm doing very well for my age bracket, i was ranked 7th in the state and im trying to get it to first if i can for the whole league this year or senior year, i need some suggestions and honest opinons.

Doesnt matter what your lifting numbers are.Your play on the field will determine if you get D1 OFFERS

[BigMike15J]

I'm a division 1 football player. I can answer most questions you may have, I've been through all of the different phases. Early on in highschool I was extremely inexperienced and lazy, I got fat and had a few major setbacks. Then I dedicated myself in the weightroom and in training and turned myself into an athlete. I was recruited by most major college football programs. I've been through my first college season and performed really well.

I can answer any questions, I can show you what a football weight program is like, help with understanding the recruiting process, help with developing speed and give pointers on how to get better on and off the field. I've been around and trained with some of the best college and pro players and have picked up many tips and pointers from them I'm willing to share.

Let's get this thing rolling

what are some ways to get faster and more explosive?
and im 5'11 and 220 what position should i play. i can lose like 25 pounds by next season and get to 195 and what are some ways i can get up in strength fast . oh and i want to play linebacker by my junior year im a
freshman right now

[KingMisc]

Hey in 5'8 and 140 lbs. but I can squat 230 and bench only 100. I am the fastest kid on my lacrosse and second fastest on the basketball team( fastest is a starting receiver) but i run hill sprints every week I've never played football before but I wanna start playing. My team is going to practice all summer and I'm wondering if I can start jv as a wide receiver. I have good lateral movement and a 30 inch vertical, but poor size. However I will lift all
Summer long. So will I have a chance to start playing my junior year and maby even get really good?

Does strength matter than much?
Can the coaches teach me how to catch during
Practices? Or do I have to enter with prior catching skills.

[Dafolk]

good luck on your nfl dreams

[DDubb13]

hey i want to try and pursue playing balll aghain i played all my life i was alot closer to playing d1 befpre than now i am nearing end of senior year but got into bad **** lost all my weight and now i want to try and get my weight back up there so i can play again in d1 at YSU open to suggestions and advice i weigh 130 now i used to weigh 150 and was closer to being able to do it but now it aint pretty but i am fast in my priome i could run a 4.5-4.4 i play DB.

[AndyAH]

Hey man! Thanks for doing this!

I was wondering if you guys got your own weight training routine depending on your position, or if you had to make your own routine. Do you get any type of orientation on your weight training by coaches? Thanks man!

[EndLineTraining]

I knwo this post was made awhile back, but i'm only 5'11 and i play defensive tackle and im a sophomore. I played starting varsity sophmore year and i went from 138 from wrestling to gaining 40 pounds to get to 170 for that season as a sophomore. I am now a sophmore still going on junior year and bulking again this time up to 195, im wondering if this is at a good enough rate to play some d1 or something at this rate. My maxes are 405 squat, 280 bench, and around a 200 hang-clean. I'm wondering what i need as goals to become a divison one player or am i too short. My senior year i planned on going 220. But, other then that i one rep max all those and to get those i did 215 for 7 on bench, 370 for 3 on squat (Parrallel) and for clean like 165 for so ever how many and im wondering what i need to get at those standards. I'm doing very well for my age bracket, i was ranked 7th in the state and im trying to get it to first if i can for the whole league this year or senior year, i need some suggestions and honest opinons.

D1 coaches really don't care how much you lift coming out of high school. THey might ask but all they care about is if you are lifting and if you are a hard worker. They aren't going to come talk to you if you don't have the film. There is no set weights you need to be lifting. I think the biggest thing in the off-season after wrestling is doing a proper sprint program, sprint not conditioning. That would require full rest periods; like 20 seconds rest after every 10 yards sprinted. Since you play D-lin I wouldn't run any sprints longer than 30 yards. As football season gets closer than start doing conditioning stuff. I'd spend at least 12 weeks working on just speed, strength and explosive stuff. I'd start out with a 5-6 program with an upper body and lower body split, squatting and sprinting 3 times per week. During this time i'd do some aerobic work 2-3 times per week in the form of tempo runs. You aren't too short btw and you could also grow.

[EndLineTraining]

Is it ok if I PM you when I have questions? How often do you come on this site?
anyways, specific speed drills you guys do would be nice.
and I'm a 5'10 185 wr. slow but very good hands and very strong

Sprint. Best speed drill that is out there. supplement that with squats 2-3 times per week.

[EndLineTraining]

what are some ways to get faster and more explosive?
and im 5'11 and 220 what position should i play. i can lose like 25 pounds by next season and get to 195 and what are some ways i can get up in strength fast . oh and i want to play linebacker by my junior year im a
freshman right now

Sprint 2-3 times per week, jump 2-3 times per week and squat 2-3 times per week. Just eat healthy and don't worry about a specific weight to be at. If you want more info PM me.

[habibtizz]

Sprint 2-3 times per week, jump 2-3 times per week and squat 2-3 times per week. Just eat healthy and don't worry about a specific weight to be at. If you want more info PM me.

Let me add to your advice: Sprint every damn day. Work on your form every damn day. When you step on the field, what do you do every damn day? Exactly that.

OP, idk who you play for.. I might have asked before, but I play FBS football, and I cannot see why you would choose the school you chose over 30FBS schools unless you're bullsh!tting. If you were offered by 30 schools, you were probably the number 1 5 star recruit in the nation, and your choice would have been televised.

Good luck whoever you play for.

[TheGainTrain]

I'm a division 1 football player. I can answer most questions you may have, I've been through all of the different phases. Early on in highschool I was extremely inexperienced and lazy, I got fat and had a few major setbacks. Then I dedicated myself in the weightroom and in training and turned myself into an athlete. I was recruited by most major college football programs. I've been through my first college season and performed really well.

I can answer any questions, I can show you what a football weight program is like, help with understanding the recruiting process, help with developing speed and give pointers on how to get better on and off the field. I've been around and trained with some of the best college and pro players and have picked up many tips and pointers from them I'm willing to share.

Let's get this thing rolling

Hey man, I currently play in the Holden Cup in the sport of rugby league in australia. Since australia doesnt have the massive college system like america this is like the equivalent of D1 football. Im just really curious to see how professional the D1 system is in the usa.

How often do you guys train? In the pre season or off season whatever you want to call it, we train 9 times a week 530am-8am and 5pm-7/7:30pm from monday - friday (wednesdays we get off) and a 2 hour 6am session on saturday morning.

What is the facilities like where you guys train? Obviously you do a lot of time in the weight room but do you ever have to do HIIT or any other type of cardio?

[TheInversion]

I know measurements don't equal ability but do you think I have a chance being a 5'8 CB? I've got great coverage but most people look past me when they see my height compared to 5'10/6'1 CB's. Do you think I have a better chance trying out at RB?

[SilencedKnight]

what was your least favorite part of training?

[killswitch408]

Hey man ,im a British player who will be coming over to the US for college this fall. Theres a big drive in the sport here atm and with success's of guys like Elliot Hoyte (English DE just got Scholarship to Boise St) better and better athletes are starting to play. Im playing at SS and 2-back. What sort of stats are freshman DBs in division 1 shcools posting? Ill have to approach my college team through a camp or student body trials so i want to be prepared to impress with my athletisism.

My current stats:
Bench: 190 (this is poor, working atm)
Squat:300
40: 4.59
Weight: 175
Height:6"0

I hope to be at about 190-195 by the summer break, ive been out for about 3 months with Bennet's Fracture/Dislocation and lost about a stone in weight.
Any other tips on how to impress coaches would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance.

I hope to be about 190

4.59 isn't blazing fast speed, but it's definitely not bad speed. What really matters is your field speed. If you can translate that 4.59 to the football field with multi-directional speed and agility rather that just straight line speed, you should be good to go. Keep improving and working hard on every aspect and continue to grow as an athlete. Make sure when putting on weight you are putting on healthy weight. Don't try to gain it all at once. Stay away from the fast food, sodas, and debbie cakes!! haha Best of luck

[trapaholic93]

Hey man I don't play football but I want the body of a football player (defensive back/cornerback) I'm 5'8 no shoes what weight range should I aim for? Also what do football players eat and what lifts do they do?

[habibtizz]

Hey man I don't play football but I want the body of a football player (defensive back/cornerback) I'm 5'8 no shoes what weight range should I aim for? Also what do football players eat and what lifts do they do?

5'8 is short for a DB, but DBs at that weight are between 160-180