What Makes a College Football Practice Hard?

Hey there! I am a high school junior and I am considering playing college football. I've heard that some colleges have really intense football practices. Can anyone shed light on what factors contribute to the difficulty of football practices at a college level? Might be a useful heads-up for what's in store.

College football practices step up the intensity in a number of ways compared to high school practices. Here are a few factors that particularly contribute to their challenge:

1. Duration and Frequency: College football practices often run longer than high school sessions, sometimes multiple times a day, especially during preseason. Longer sessions call for more endurance. Additionally, the NCAA may permit up to 20 hours of practice per week during the season, meaning this "part-time" commitment can feel like a full-time job.

2. Intensity and Speed: At the college level, the game moves faster, and practices reflect that. Drills are more intense, and coaches expect athletes to complete them at a quicker tempo. You're essentially competing against and training with the best players from high school, so everyone's speed and strength are at an elevated level.

3. Higher Expectations: Coaches at the college level expect a greater degree of discipline, focus, and maturity from their athletes. Lack of comprehension or execution can lead to repetition of drills or increased physical conditioning as a form of correction.

4. In-Depth Playbook: College playbooks can be considerably more complex than those in high school. They contain a larger number of plays, and learning them requires more study time and mental preparation.

5. Conditioning Work: Fitness levels must be much higher at the college level. Conditioning work is grueling and can include extensive weight training, agility drills, and cardio exercises. These activities can be both physically and mentally challenging.

6. Balancing Academics: College student-athletes have to balance a demanding practice schedule with their coursework. "Time management" takes on a whole new meaning when hours spent in practice, film review, and travel for games are factored in.

With these points in mind, it's important to remember that balancing this new level of intensity with your academic responsibilities and personal life will be crucial to your success. It's certainly a big transition, but many student-athletes find this journey to be worth the challenge. Good luck with your journey!