It's finally here folks: The return of College Football. Time for fall weather, tailgating, College Gameday and Lee Corso wearing 300 different mascot heads, Lou Holtz rambling about something in gibberish, can you even ask for more? The list could go on and on, but what most people don't know is what a football team goes through on a daily basis. Now, as players head into fall camp, here are some interesting thoughts that can go through a players mind.
1. Ugh... Gotta get up early again.
Boo fricken hoo, there are thousands of athletes who are doing the same thing. Yeah getting up at 6 a.m. sucks, but guess what... That's the hard part. College football isn't suppose to be easy, get up and go make a difference. "Dominate the day," as my coaches tell me. Wake up with a positive mindset, camp will be a lot better that way. You should be thankful and blessed that you have the opportunity to continue a sport you love and compete at a high level.
2. "I can't wait for that ice bath after practice."
Oh yes, the wonderful yet freezing ice bath after a long practice. Hurts for about the first 30 seconds, after that it feels awesome. Much advised to take one ice bath at lease once a day, these bad boys can save your legs for a long time.
3. When will I be able to talk to my family?!
Understand that if you want to be the best student-athlete you can be, you're gonna have to sacrifice some time to not be able to communicate with your family, friends, girlfriends, etc. I believe the most important factor is that your family has to understand that you're an athlete, that you'll be working your ever living butt off, whether it's in the classroom, practice field or even in meetings. If you have someone that constantly nags you to talk to them when you're not available, it's going to be the hardest thing you've ever done.
4. "This is too tough, I don't think I'm cut out for college ball."
I don't know how many times I've heard that phrase or something along those lines. COLLEGE FOOTBALL is suppose to be tough, the best programs in the country are some of the toughest players you'll ever see. There's a reason for that, it's the coaching staff will prepare you for this level. You're no longer the stud of your high school team. Welcome to college football. "You don't have to be the most talented, But you have to give everything you got," - Mike Singletary.
5. "Have to do this all over again tomorrow."
Yep... That's why it's called the process, it just happens over and over again. It can be grueling or very demanding, but if you stick with it day in and day out, it'll be worth it. Nothing that comes easy would be worth it in the long run. Also, there's going to be a day where you'll have the worst practice of your life, it sucks, it happens, but guess what? You have another opportunity the next day, let that last practice go, learn from mistakes and keep on moving forward. Don't quit on yourself or your teammates, it won't do you any good
