Becoming a Dominant Defensive End: Strength, Speed & Training Advice

Question
this semester i am going to be a freshman at A.H Parker High School in Birmingham. Im trying to get a starting position as a defensive end once i get there. I can bench 250, squat 300, and can deadlift 350. Can someone please give me some advise so that i can get a starting position?

P.S
I can hit pretty hard too

Answer
Hello Melvin.

My advice is not a for sure way to get a starting position. You need to make sure that you are not only working on your strength but also your quickness. You will be blocked a lot of times by a offense tackle (sometimes the tightend or the guard depending on the blocking scheme)you will not always be able to over power them although you must be able to take on the block. You will sometimes have to rely on speed and quickness. Running sprints up a hill or with a parachute will usually help in both departments. Understanding your teams defense and the responsibility of the D-end in each of the defenses is also key. These are a few things that will help you be in the running for the starting position.

Good Luck,

Coach Art