ol te switch

Question
Hey coach. I'm Nik and I'm from south jersey. I'm 6'6 260 and I run a 5.0 40. I'm going to be playing football next year in college and I want to know what would be better for me to do; Work on my speed and quickness to play TE or just put on weight to play OT? The college is giving me the option on what I want to do so what do you think?

Answer
Nick -

It is really hard for me to answer this, because I would have to see your skills as a tight end.  Size and speed are important, but it is the amount of skill, and which you would have the best shot at playing that matters.  My best advice would be to talk to the coaches again and see which they need more, and which would give you the better shot at playing sooner.  As for training, speed never hurt anyone, at any position.  And it is very possible to put on more size while at the same time getting faster. Just put on weight the right way, not just weight for weight's sake. You are already big enough to come in as a freshman.  They will pack another 20-30 lbs on you if they feel it is necessary at college.  So dont worry about that too much.

Once you have spoken with the coaches again, and taken a look at the depth chart for next year, you will be in a better position to make a decision.  That is what I would do for sure. Think not only what is best for you, but what is best for the team.  

Best of luck in your decision.

Coach Perl