“Do I have what it takes to be a division one football player?”
This is a question I frequently asked myself growing up and it ultimately became the only goal I had for myself as a child. With an array of division one athletes in my family, I felt I had a shot. However, as high school came and went, no football scholarship offers came in my direction and I hung up the cleats.
But I still find myself pondering that age old question. So, when a close friend told me that the Michigan State football team was hosting open tryouts, I was intrigued. I once again asked myself if I have what it takes to be a division one football player.
The simple answer to that question is no, I do not have what it takes.
The preparation
At first, me actually trying out for the team was a joke with my friends and coworkers.
However, as the tryout dates neared, I began to see this as an opportunity. At worst, this would provide an hour of fun while being able to feel the rush of a competitive sport again. And at best, I would get to dawn a green and white uniform on the Spartan Stadium field next fall.
This truly was the definition of a low risk, high reward situation, and I was all in.
If I wanted a shot at making the team, I needed to begin training, mentally prepping, and preparing the way a college athlete would. With a mandatory meeting taking place on Feb. 15 and the tryouts on Feb. 21, I had two weeks to create a meal plan and workout schedule.
I also needed to choose what position to try out for. In high school, I played right tackle and defensive end. As a 6’1” and 180 pound freshman, these positions didn’t suit me well, as the average power five offensive lineman size is 6’5” and 280 pounds, and the average defensive lineman size is 6’4” and 260 pounds.