Quarterback disadvantage

Question
Dear Coach,

I'm a junior quarterback in Minnesota and in the number 2 spot behind our senior. I'm told that my development is coming along, and that I am the predicted starter fir next year. However our senior qb this year is 6' 3'', 200 pounds, and the sophomore coming up is about the same height, but probably about 160 pounds. I however am 5' 10'', 170 pounds. I think that i can play, and with more coaching and heart, i can compete with anyone. Do you think that i can hold out the starting spot even when the coaches don't think i have the physical attributes, and even more, is there any shot of a d1 college if i can perform well my senior year? Thanks for your time,

Casey

Answer
Hello Casey and thank you for asking this question.

Anything can be made into an advantage.  Is it possible that being 5' 10" actually gives you more agility and maneuverability than someone 6' 3"?

Are there ANY successful D1 college quarterbacks that are roughly 5' 10" and 170 pounds?  What did THEY do to be successful?  I'd suggest talking to your coaches, get specifics of where they are coming from and let them know you'll do whatever it takes to succeed.  Coaches like motivated players and could help you.  Plus, realize that EVERYONE has untapped physical potential - mental training can help you get that extra five percent that can put you over the edge into excellence.

Also realize that any coach can be biased, and feel that a 6' 3" quarterback could work best for them, even if the skill level isn't as good as yours.  If this is the case, talk to the coach or coaches and find out if there's anything you can do to help change their belief.

This is a complicated issue, please also ask one of the other experts on this forum for their feedback.

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

David

David Kenward, The Mental Coach
Sacramento, California
http://www.thementalcoach.com