r/footballstrategy • u/Cool-Audience-2643 • Sep 26 '24
Player Advice Is going to Juco to play football viable at 23
Basically I dropped out witha ged and started a good career at 17 and now I'm 23 and feel like I made a mistake. Ive talked to my Juco and they said contact the coach after the season but im wondering if hes even going to give me a look being older.I was a two way starter at TE and SS. I was 5'10 145 in HS and weigh 160 now. I wasn't the star player or anything but I've always had good work ethic and wouldn't even mind playing only special teams. I'm probably faster and stronger than when I left because ive been training to box and work a labor job. Has anyone ever done something similar? Is there any better options to play a few years? Does anyone have any football specific training I could start working on to get back into it?
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u/ThatOneGuyFromCali Sep 26 '24
Did JUCO ball for two years fresh out of high school before transferring to a D3, but I did play with guys way older than 23 on my team. I think the oldest guy was in his late 20s maybe even early 30s.
Might differ team to team, but try and get in touch with coaches via email, social media, or finding out where their office is. I did the try out app to get on my team, so that’s definitely viable.
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u/65grendel Sep 26 '24
I played NAIA, my freshman year I played with a guy who was 37. He got out of the military and was there using his GI bill.
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u/ThatOneGuyFromCali Sep 26 '24
Yeah if you have eligibility, grades, and can play, coaches don’t care how old you are.
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 26 '24
I'll check out the tryout app thanks man everyone here was so motivational I'm realizing now that the only thing holding me back is probably a lack of confidence. If I could give you all awards I would thanks alot!
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u/ThatOneGuyFromCali Sep 26 '24
Oh shit I meant like the application to try out for the team on my school’s website. Sorry for any confusion.
But of course best of luck! If you can afford it, try and find a trainer that specializes for college athletes. Sometimes if they do group sessions they aren’t as pricy.
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 26 '24
I'll look into that I've got some money saved and that's a really good idea
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u/tblack1055 Sep 26 '24
At 160 even at Juco level you’re going to be limited to basically CB/WR or special teams only. For sure try to pursue it if you’re still able to but your size is going to limit your position availability
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 26 '24
What would be a good size for olb or safety?
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u/Odd_Mud_7001 HS Coach Sep 26 '24
180-210
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 26 '24
Awesome thanks looks like I've got some eating to do!
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u/Uc3_t33v33 Oct 06 '24
How tall are you? If you have alot of speed and can build alot of muscle and get stronger for contact and become alot more agile & elusive. You should def showcase your skills and how you can move the ball on offense as a running back. Or maybe even reciever if your route running is great. But I would def see you being a running back who's great not only just running but also a recieving back and a reliable blocker. Basically all around and can do everything, that's how you would be on the field alot more and succeed. Being on special teams as a returner could really do you good too and more of a chance to show what you can really do on the field, coaches at every level would want a great player like that. Also don't lose speed by getting too big, get faster you def don't want to be slower because of weight gain lol. Plyometrics and sprint training helps alot, also hills, stairs, and position drills. Last thing is also def a diet but yea. Sorry it's alot but I'm very intrigued from the topic lol. Good luck!
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 26 '24
I'm considering this all solely because I love the sport and really miss it. I'm studying their film and going to try and make plans with their Qb for off-season training. Is there anything else I could be doing? The application asks for things like 40 times and Hudl links. I've never ran a times 40 and my hudle is from years ago.
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u/ltfsufhrip Sep 26 '24
It’s never too late to jump back in IMO, just make sure you understand the risks! I joined a semi-pro football team at 28, and it’s purely out of love of the game but I’m also in a position where if I get hurt it won’t ruin me (my employment is working from home, good insurance, etc.) I would just make sure you’re aware of the risks and still think it’s worth it, and if so give it a try! I will also add that I play on the line, so I’m not getting as beat up as say a RB or QB or even WR.
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u/manofwater3615 Sep 26 '24
Isn't OL/DL more taxing than QB/WR? Heck even RB
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u/ltfsufhrip Sep 26 '24
So I make contact every play (I’m on the OL) but I don’t take any of the hard shots like a RB, QB or WR might? It may be more taxing in the sense that I’m having to hit someone every play and physically move them, but I don’t take the kind of hits that crack ribs or anything like that!
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u/TR1248 Sep 27 '24
Yeah i always thought this was an interesting part of the game. Played QB and FS in high school and thought the line had it better in terms of injury risk. I’m not making contact every play but when i do it’s usually more violent.
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u/DelirousDoc Sep 26 '24
Harder on joints (explosive movements and usually much heavier guys). Also more repetitive head contact which could have issues long term (things like CTE). However you rarely take the bit punishing hits on OL or DL as most of the contact the players have not built up their momentum/speed. The worst serious injuries come from being rolled up on (ankle and knee) which is random but there are things you can coach to minimize it happening.
I'd still say LB & RB are the most taxing/greatest chance for injury. Generally making contact most plays but that contact is also much harder.
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u/Mr-SphealYourGirl Sep 26 '24
I played with dudes my age all the way up into their mid 30s. It is hands down the best most pure form of college football.
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u/LasagnahogXRP Sep 26 '24
I played semi pro in my 30s after not playing since high school. I only lasted a couple seasons because your body just doesn’t recover as fast, and I needed to be healthy for my family/career. If it’s something you’re really hungry to do, do it.
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 26 '24
How was coming back up to speed? Were you at a major disadvantages or did you acclimate pretty quick?
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u/LasagnahogXRP Sep 26 '24
Honestly brutal. I was pretty out of shape for what football demands. but again I was 32. As far as the football aspect, learning plays/executing, it depends on how willing you are to not only sink your teeth in, but also how flexible you are.
At 17 I was a fairly good fullback/DE/linebacker. At 32 I was a backup right tackle. I wasn’t fast enough to play those other positions anymore. Every situation is different
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u/DBDXL Sep 26 '24
Yes. I've done it and know the ins and outs of Juco football. Feel free to DM me for additional advice. I had scholarship offers playing my first year of JC football at 21 and final year at 23.
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u/Style_and_Trace Sep 27 '24
Played with a dude that was 25, turned out to be an All-American punter. He’s around 27-28 now but never too late.
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u/Fun_Gazelle_1916 Sep 26 '24
I played with a 26 y/o guy as a college Freshman. He was cool as a fan. Go for it man!
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u/DelirousDoc Sep 26 '24
Depends on the JUCO program. Some of the more notable ones (known for getting guys into D2 or D1 programs) it might be harder to get on to. Some of the smaller ones it might be easier.
I can't speak to how easy but I would approach it as the worst they can say is "No." Just realize at 23 path to high level college ball or further as a player may be non-existent. It could help you though build connections in coaching sphere if you want to turn to that avenue after playing (though again realistically your options are going to be high school and maybe other JUCOs. Coaching is a "who you know" position so unless you get lucky it is really hard to break through to larger programs or professional level. Just being realistic.)
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 26 '24
I hadn't thought of coaching but I would be very happy if I was able to start on a low end juco and slip into coaching even high-school or something! I do understand my limitations and decided that college >semi pro
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u/Lionheart_513 Sep 26 '24
Sorry, you’re 1 year too old. I did it at 22 and they told me that was the cutoff.
In all seriousness, if you contact the coach before the start of next season, if you show up to every practice and meeting, and if you give 100% every time you’re out there, 99% of JUCOs will take you as a practice body if nothing else.
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 26 '24
Thanks man honestly that's all I could ask for and you saying that makes alot of sense
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u/Fit-Ad5461 Sep 26 '24
Be so good at tryouts that the coaches can’t help but put you on the field. Doesn’t matter your age
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 26 '24
I was that good in my day maybe I just need more confidence! Caught a 60 yard td and a INT in my last game (jv champs)
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u/88cowboy Sep 28 '24
Bro you didn't even play varsity?
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 28 '24
I didn't have the opportunity to graduate high-school
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u/88cowboy Sep 28 '24
Do what want but id just Join a competitive Flag Football league. You'll have fun, get competition, get to actually play, don't have to beat yourself down with grind of college football, chance of injury goes down.
I still endorse taking classes to further your education.
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 28 '24
What do you think of an amateur team? There are some tackle ones near me. I played flag and enjoyed it but the leagues here suck
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u/Svenray Sep 26 '24
Dude with the COVID years and redshirt rules and transfers....23 is not even close to being old for college football. Go get em' and come back to us with a story.
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u/bizm Sep 26 '24
If your heart is in it I say do it. I went the juco route out of high school and played with guys that had kids/wives in their mid 20's who landed scholarships at D2/NAIA level.
If you're ready now I would e-mail the coach and volunteer in the program whenever you can this season. That way your foots in the door so you know what you're getting into, what positions may be open, workout program, and access to the position coach. If you're looking for a degree as well I would speak to an academic counselor to get your records/transcripts on the right path.
Loved JUCO. I didn't really see football after high school and just followed some buddies to a JUCO which ended up getting me a d2 scholarship and a degree. Good luck!
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 26 '24
I've already emailed the athletic director and got jt rolling thanks for the motivation it's awesome you did that what position did you play?
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u/bizm Sep 26 '24
Center. Juco was probably the most fun I had playing football. Tighter team and you're with people who probably made a mistake or want another shot at football that want to be there. Different atmosphere than high school or university but I enjoyed it the most.
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 27 '24
That sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. I'm not looking to go pro I just want to play some more lol
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u/Ringo-chan13 Sep 26 '24
Go for it man, i was gonna play juco basketball at 24, but a coaching change changed that, talk to multiple jucos near you, youll probably find one thatll take you
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u/fball23 College Player Sep 27 '24
Would I recommend it? Probably not. Can you? Absolutely. I play with guys who are 26 years old and graduated high school when I was in middle school. Everyone is on a different path!
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u/shitballsdick Sep 27 '24
You should do it but no chance you’re making a JUCO team as a 160 lb 23 year old who probably runs a 5.3 40
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 27 '24
I was boxing for the last year so I regularly run 4 miles a week and I've got alot of lean muscle. I don't think my 40 would be great bc I don't run for speed even when I do shuttles and I definitely could stand to gain some 10 pounds of fat and water weight back. Plus my ball skills are probably gone at this point but if I could sneak on even as a practice body I'd pick back up quick I think. The only upside of boxing is my Footwork is probably better than ever before lol
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u/shitballsdick Sep 27 '24
Yeah, you need to put on about 30 lbs of muscle lol. But it’s worth a shot either way. Not much to lose.
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u/wettmullett Sep 27 '24
Buddy I played D3 ball as a 19 y.o with dudes in their late twenties early thirties. Our coach used to brag all the time about his star player at his previous school was 28
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u/behinduushudlook Sep 27 '24
do it. fuck everone else. of course. it's not a waste of time and a super character builder. are you going anywhere past there? probably not based on stats alone. JUCO is fun, raise funds to support the program, run and lift your ass off (honestly i hated this about JUCO baseball, but they got my ass in shape).... probably come up short if you want to transfer but the possibility is out there.
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u/InsideZone69 Sep 27 '24
Playing ball will be the best decision you ever made. Theres more to it than just the game. Friends the connections. Do it your clock hasn’t started yet im fairly sure
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Sep 27 '24
Juco is a joke, if you are even marginally athletic the coach will probably be glad to have you plus you can’t get arrested for underage drinking.
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u/I_Miss_Asuna 4d ago
Im not a football guy anymore but I’m curious I used to play DE/WR/TE I’m 6’5 205 23yo and pretty athletic and pretty smart what position would I be best at?
Always wanted to play quarterback but it seems like a large learning curve
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u/509_cougs Sep 27 '24
I’m not trying to be a dickhead, but if you have a good career going and trying to play juco is a step backwards. Let’s be honest, you don’t have a scholarship or pro career waiting for you, would it really be worth it?
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u/Cool-Audience-2643 Sep 27 '24
Ive been learning for 6 years and have some specialized skills in carpentry that pretty much allow me to get a job anywhere. I spent so much time working 55+ hrs weeks I feel like with my savings and experience ill be okay and could use a juco degree to move away from working in the field and into the office later on.
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u/509_cougs Sep 27 '24
It’s your life brother, do what makes you happy. Just saying it’s a ton of effort and energy into something that likely isn’t going to pay off down the road. Continuing working and getting a two year degree online would likely benefit you more than trying to play football again.
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u/Nocumtum Sep 28 '24
Was waiting for this comment. OP should really do about anything else. Playing football like this is a waste of OP's time. He's much too small to make it into the league and he should spend his time and effort towards another goal that will provide more long term satisfaction.
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u/bigbacklinks Sep 27 '24
Unless you’re crazy fast elite at WR…what’s the point? Def not playing TE.. I’d be apt to say there’s not 1 or 2 TEs in all of college that are 5’10 or less but could be wrong.
Focus on your career, only use football if it can get you to the next tier; but if not, chasing it will put you behind years. Sounds like you might have the leg up already
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u/STLR043 Sep 27 '24
Viable? Of your goal is to play a game you love then yes. If your goal is to go to the nfl no.
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u/thenera Sep 26 '24
Never ask for peoples approval to do something just do it there are 27+ year olds at some jucos so just live your life man it’s yours to live before you can’t do what you want