What should I be: offensive or defensive lineman, depending on my stats, also how can I build muscle?

Question

I weigh around 140, am 5 foot-8 inches tall, and am only 13. I would kind of say I have good agility for my size. I was going to play (for my first time) football on my middle school team, which would be in 8th grade. My friends all say I should be a defensive or offensive lineman. They really didn't say anymore than that. I really ain't quick, as in my top speed, so I don't think any running spots would be good. My throwing is a little short and pretty much kinda sucks. So I'll stick with lineman. But should I be offensive or defensive? I don't wanna mess up blocking and have turnovers and stuff. I'm pretty sure I can take plenty of hits. Right now, my chest hurts from taking a dang good hit. Probably a pulled muscle. But enough about me. I still ain't sure. Anyone got any ideas? Also, for the position I choose, what muscle do I need to strengthen and what are some good exercises to do? How can i make those things that you have to push, like to train with? Thanks!

Answer 1

offensive lineman are a usually smarter, they have to know their assignments(who to block), the snap count, and rely on more technical blocking such as pass blocks, runblocks, chopblocks, pulling(thats when you lead block on sweeps),etc
If you consider yourself a more cerebral player than you need to be an O-lineman.
defensive lineman are usually more aggresive, their job is just to get up field, disrupt the QB or the play, they tend to be more wild. If you consider yourself a more crazy and emotional player than you need to be on D.
Your coach will decide which position will best suit you. If you are serious you should lift weights, 6 days a week, 3 days st8, then 1 day rest, then 3 days again, and just keep going until you are super strong.
I suggest a lot of bench press, military presses, leg squats, getting your arms bigger and running, remember football is about speed and explosion, you need to get off first, hit them in the mouth before they hit you, so when you workout, train your muscles to explode, but most of all just have fun

Answer 2

All right buddy listen up...You are young and your body will grow, and that goes for all the other kids you will be playing against, so picking your position strictly upon your size should not be a big concern. You must however figure out what kind of person you are. If you are aggressive, sort of a bully, take no crap off nobody, talk alot of smack, or just plain a junk yard dog you should go with defensive line. Now if you are the silent hero type, a friendly giant, loyal, careing, intelligent, and dont require alot of fan fare pick offensive line. Defensive lineman want all the glory, cant shut up, or quit screaming. They are the bark of the team. The offensive linemen want NO glory, never talk to anyone except amongst the O line and their QB, they are the inner strength, the silent confidence, and the heart of the team. O line requires more brains than D line. After reading your question, I would say your O line material, you seem analitical to an extent, but whatever you choose make sure you gat your bench press and squat as freakin high as possible, and do crunches til you puke EVERY DAY!! I am a quarter backs coach at the University of Utah and the linemen who make it to the NFL are the ones who try to conduct themselves honorably, even when no one is around to know the difference. Good Luck! P.S. I was 6' tall and 210 lbs at age 12, dont worry about nutritional supplements, you are young and have more inside of you to create muscle than 10 body builders with metrix, just hit the gym daily and never give up!!!

Answer 3

i'm an 8th grader thats about the same size i play qb and middle linebacker, i think u should be quick enough to play something else if u wanted to, depending on how big other players are, but out of those 2 i would say defensive end, plus its a very fun spot,