ABOUT FOOTBALL

 

Football is a sport that requires the ultimate in physical and mental toughness along with athletic ability.  First, we will discuss the offensive side:

 

QUARTERBACK

Regardless of whether a college uses a run orientated offense or a pass-orientated offense, the player in charge of making the offense work is the quarterback.  He must have a great knowledge of the game and his team's system.  He must be completely familiar and comfortable with every player on his side of the ball and he must be able to read the defense and direct a play that will work based on what the defense will allow.

 

Quarterbacks are generally mobile.  Option, wishbone and roll out systems require them to be even more mobile. They are looked on to be the team's leader, since he handles the ball on every play and has a great deal of responsibility.

 

The prototypical Division 1 passing quarterback will be at least 6' 3" and have excellent arm strength, able to throw the ball perhaps 60 yards in the air.  His foot speed will be at least average (4.7 in the 40).  He knows how to move around the pocket, scramble when necessary, look for receivers and make good decisions about when to throw the ball and when not to.  He probably passed for 1500+ yards in his senior year of high school.  Quarterbacks in lower divisions will have many of the same skills, but perhaps lack the size or arm strength.

 

A few colleges still use the "option" in at least part of their offense.  The option offense requires the quarterback to make split decisions about who should carry the ball and where the y should carry it.  He acts almost like a running back.  Option quarterbacks are often smaller in stature (5' 11" or so) but with outstanding speed (4.4 - 4.5 in the 40) and average arms strength.  Option Quarterbacks will take a lot of physical punishment, getting hit on virtually every play.

 

Quarterbacks often "redshirt" their first year as they learn the team's system and the realities of college football behind a veteran player.

 

 

RUNNING BACKS

Running backs are divided into two positions.  tailback and fullback

 

A tailback is typically extremely fast 4.3 or 4.4 in the 40, strong and able to take a hit.  Historically, tailbacks have been small and there are still many of them in the 5ft 10" range playing college football.  The trend is going towards bigger, faster and stronger tailbacks (6' 2" and over 200 pounds).  Speed is the key, but there are other things that coaches look for.  The tailback shouyld have strong hands and be able to hold onto the ball.  Many backs are used as receivers now so they should be able to catch the ball out of the backfield.  Important stats are total yards rushing, yards per carry, touchdowns, etc. 

 

A fullback is a bigger, stronger back, normally used for blocking and carrying the ball in short yardage or goal line situations.  A fullback is often short and stocky in stature, perhaps 5'10-6'0" and 210-225 pounds.  Typical speed is 4.7 in the 40.  They need good explosion from their stance, the ability to sustain blocks and need strength and flexibility to stay injury free.  College fullbacks are asked to do a lot of "grunt" work and won't get the notorierty tailbacks and quarterbacks receive.

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

Outstanding speed (4.4 in the 40) and the ability to catch the ball are requirements.  "Separation speed" should also be noted.  In other words, does the receiver have a burst of speed to go after the ball and separate from the defensive back.  Receivers today tend to be taller at around 6' 3" with great leaping ability (32" or better) so quarterbacks can throw the ball high.  Important stats include number of catches, touchdowns and yards per reception.

 

TIGHT ENDS

Some programs use the tight end predominantly as a blocker while others want more of a pass receiver.  Ideally, he can do both.  A college tight end will likely be at least 6' 2" and 230 pounds, strong enough to sustain blocks, fast enough to run and block downfield.  A typical 40 time would be 4.9 or better for Division 1 and slightly over 5.0 for lower divisions.  He should be a good blocker at the line of scrimmage and down the field as well.  College tight ends often played other positions in high school.

 

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Centre-Not necessarily tall, but strong.  Probably weighs at least 250-290 pounds for Division 1 football.  Makes the offensive line calls so he must have good understanding of the offense.  Strong hands and legs to drive block, if he has sufficient speed to block downfield on sweeps or pitches it's a bonus.

 

GUARD-Normally taller than the centre, but requires the same strength and decent speed to "pull" and block downfield.  Division 1 guards are probably 6'2" or so and 270-300lbs.  Good footwork is required for pass blocking.  Very strong legs required for drive blocking.

 

TACKLE-Typically tall (6'4"+) with long arms to aid in pass blocking.  This player needs very quick feet because he will typically block the opponent's best pass rusher.  Also leads the blocking on toss sweeps and running plays to the outside which requires the speed to block downfield and the strength to block at the point of attack.  The left tackle is usually the team's best offensive lineman as he protects the "blind side" for a right handed quarterback. 

 

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Tackle-The tackle plays "inside" on the defensive line so he has to be strong to fight off blocking.  This player is ually at least 6'1" and 260-285 for big schools.  Good quickness is required for lateral movement along the line of scrimmage and he must relish contact because he may be double team blocked on every play.  His main job is to plug the middle of the line and control the line of scrimmage.

 

End-The glamorous pass rusher.  Many defensive ends are now super quick for their size so they can run around the offensive tackle.  The best are also able to "bull rush", using their strength to run over the offensive lineman.  D-ends may be 6' 3" or taller and very big 270 with the ideal combination of speed (4.7 in the 40) and strength.

 

LINEBACKERS

Inside LB.  This player is a very physical and hard-nosed player who loves contact and will lead his team in tackles.  A big timer will be 5'10- 6'2" and 225-240lbs, with outstanding speed (4.5-4.7) and instictive pursuit ability.  He normally is the leader of the defense, calling the signals, so he must be a smart and intense one,  It is common for him to run the field laterally on many plays and he is also responsible for pass coverage and blitzes.  The inside linebacker is usually the best athlete on the densive team.  He's a beast and is extremely strong mentally and physically! 

 

Outside LB.  Very mobile, excellent speed required, often rushes the passer and covers running backs on pass plays and tight ends.  Also requires strength to help in run support and fight off blocks from bigger offensive linemen.  Top level outside 'backers will run a 4.6 40 or better while still being big enough (240-250 pounds) to withstand physical play.

 

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Cornerback.  Must be extremely fast (4.3-4.5) to keep up with wide receivers and physical enough to defend the reciever in coverage.  Most conerbacks are small (under 6'0") but great leaping ability usually compensates for the lack of height.  Coaches look for great "closing" speed in cornerbacks.  Can they close on the receiver as the ball approaches? Can they intercept the ball before it reaches the receiver?  They should also posses good tackling fundamental so they can drop receivers after the catch and support at the line of scrimmage or outside on running plays.

 

Safety.  The free safety typically is almost fast enough to be a good cornerback but is also a more physical tackler and run defender than a CB.  He is often used on blitz schemes to rush the quarterback and helps defend receivers, which explains the need for speed.  The strong safety is aptly named.  Of ten matching up with a tight end on pass plays, he will also be called upon to help with run support while being blocked by bigger players.  In the secondary, he may occasionally match up with a receiver, but normally lacks the speed to stay with him consistently.  The strong safety may also be thought of as an extra linebacker in some systems if he is big enough and strong enough.

 

SPECIAL TEAMS

Important to note that kickers and punters are often asked to "walk on" and may not receive a scholarship for the first year, however, they could receive other federal and institutional financial aid if they qualify.

 

Punter.  Coaches look for the "hang time" and distance.  Four second hang time is good, or approximately on second per ten yards of distance.  A minimum of 40 yards consistent distance is preferred.  Two-step punters are much preferred to three-steppers.  Note good leg extension, hopefully extended over the punter's head.  Good hands are important to handle snaps.

 

Place-kicker.  Coaches want distance, but accuracy is key, since goal post are now closer together.  Coaches think kickers should make every kick inside 40 yards and a fair share up to 50 yards.  Most kickers are soccer-style today.  They are required to get the ball up fairly quickly, made more difficult since the kicking tee has been removed.  If he is used for kickoffs, they must be high and deep, at least to the goal line consistently. 

 

Punt Return and Kickoff Return.  These players are often small, very fast and fearless.  Top return men can be very important in establishing field position and turning the game around on a special teams play.  If a young players proves he has these qualities, and can hang on to the football, he may find a place on the return team. 

 

PHYSICAL STANDARDS

It is impossible to list standards that may be used across the board to compare every student-athlete's abilities.  As a measuring stick, keep these in mind:

 

Height and Weight Requirements listed above generally apply to "blue chip" athletes, the best of the best.  Scale down the requirements for smaller NCAA divisions and NAIA but keep in min there will be many athletes at those leveles who will fall into the categories listed.

 

Speed.  Always determine if times are recorded by hand or electronically, and on what surface the time was measured.

 

Weightlifiting.  Use the following guide to determine how strong (comparatively) a student-athlete is:

 

 

                                                          Weighs < 200lbs.                                              Weighs > 200lbs

SQUAT                                              400-450+                                                          450-500+

BENCH                                             225-275+                                                           300+

 

For blue chip athletes and "top 50" programs, add at least 50 pounds to these minimums.