Am I a good size to play football for my school team?

Question

I am about 5 foot 8 and a half, nearly 5'9, and i weigh between 135 and 140 pounds. I am not really fast, but I have stamina, and can run a mile in about 7-7.5 minutes. I can catch really well, and am pretty good at running routes. Is this good enough to play wide receiver for my school football team. We don't have too good of a team, and i was wondering if I am fit to play receiver (probably cornerback or safety on defense). If not, what position am I fit to play? Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

Hey, just get out there and have fun.  Your coach will find a place for you.

Answer 2

My dad was about your size--smaller in fact--and he was a middle linebacker, and ole timers back home still tell me that he hit harder than anyone they ever played.  i have coached several undersized boys, and most have done very well--some have outright dominated.

A more practical view, would consider where you are from.   If you are in the northeast, you are average sized.  If you are in Southern Georgia, you are a runt even for a defensive back.  That said, again, I am from the South and my pa was a beast.  Weight lifting over the off season will give you extra muscle.

You sound pretty fit.  With today's passing game speed helps, but good coaches will use routes to get you open.  In the off season, plyometrics can help build those short muscles that give you top speed--contrary to belief, speed can be coached, though no one can help you be as fast as a Bolt.  

Another very viable option will be special teams, especially if you have good hands.  I loved special teams.  Even ask if you can play on them.   Just show your coach that you want to play.  

Answer 3

Just join the team and have fun.  While the coaches will find a good position for you based on how you perform in the tryouts, you could possibly play slot receiver or cornerback.  Depending on your age though, you may be able to play safety, but many safeties as you reach varsity levels tend to be a bit taller with a good vertical.  However, if you are a freshman, you could probably make any receiver position, cornerback, safety, and depending on your strength and speed in the 40 you could even play running back.  It all depends on your coaches though.  I was about your size and weight as a freshman and still managed to play receiver and conerback decent speed, and I was even lined up as a DE on a few occasions solely because I had enough speed to get to the quarterback and wasn't afraid to go up against someone who weight 50 or more pounds more than me.  Just be fearless and work your hardest to be the best and you will do great.