This is a sad story that happens over and over and over again. Most players not only would benefit from staying in school to improve their draft prospects, but also to complete their educations. You have to be an exceptional college player just to make an NFL camp. Most major college players don't seem to grasp the quantum difference between the two levels. And even if a player makes a roster, the average career is over almost before it starts. JC blames unprincipled agents, and they do deserve blame. I also blame college recruiters who sell their programs as stepping stones to NFL stardom.
“Most major college players don't seem to grasp the quantum difference between the two levels.” That is the point right there Ken. Everyone at that level is a great athlete and you don’t realize it until you get there. Those who fall into an entitlement mentally and start dwelling on how amazing they were in college, fail. While the player who make the adjustments, and works on making those incremental daily improvements, they have a shot.
For instance my first NFL training camp with Browns, while doing 1 on 1’s, a slow veteran DB who I was way faster than, jammed me at the line and threw me to the ground. Right then and there, I had a decision to make, to get better asap or start feeling sorry for myself. I saw many college players fail to push through those moments.
Ken, I wonder if getting a college education is a priority for many of these kids? I suspect many (most?) are enrolled in college/university primarily to play football/basketball (aspiring to “The League”). Maintaining academic eligibility is just the price they pay for doing so. Many upperclassmen that maintain academic eligibility ‘to ball’ don’t speak understandable English (witness TV interviews), much less speak in complete, somewhat grammatically correct sentences. Maybe it’s time to consider stopping the “student-athlete” charade associated with college football/basketball and make the formal education piece optional? Are “scholarships” still a necessity with NIL?
Regardless, for the most part I agree, “Most college players don’t grasp the quantum difference between the two levels. And if a player makes a roster, the average career is over almost before it starts.”
A lot to agree with here Bill. One note, from where I stand in the classroom though, most of the student athletes are there for the degree and the full experience. I'll say, 90% of them, maybe more. We spend so much time focussing on football, (and I believe that's your point here so, fair) that we forget the hundreds of other athletes who are focussed on academics as well. In fairness to some, I'll say this, football is a fulltime job, 40 hrs a week during the school year. That's before travel. It's a gift in a lot of ways to get to play, but they're out of class at least 40% of the time due to the sport they play. IF, someone really wanted to make them student/athletes again they would play fewer games, have fewer practices, etc. Hey, then there's balance. But there's not. I remember a basketball player's schedule during the Final Four year (he didn't go to the NBA) and his schedule was absolutely full 6 days a week from 6am to midnight. A student of mine tutored him from 8:30pm to midnight every night when they weren't on the road or playing, until midnight. He was exhausted virtually all of the time. I'm not making excuses for the players, but there's a reality for what they're being asked as well. For what it's worth he was working on a very useful degree. He got 5 1/2 hrs of sleep every night to try to do it, He got through it but had zero time to make friends or be part of anything outside of basketball. There are a lot of solutions to these challenges, sadly, nobody at the NCAA has any creativity or offers new ideas. These guys are all old, tired, and a million miles away from the actual students athletes. So they have zero idea how to improve the system. So they cowardly offered up NIL with no rules or regulations. Now it's the Wild West and the old tired, lazy guys in Indianapolis are just going to quit because they have no new ideas. Sad state for everyone who loves college sports. IMO.
Most of the male basketball or football players with whom I interacted while covering major college football and basketball thought they at least had a long-shot chance at the NFL or the NBA. Sure, some took their schooling seriously, but it take a commitment that many didn't make. In my experience, by contrast, most Division I female basketball players and Division I track athletes of both genders are serious students, even though the time demands are largely the same as those for football and men's basketball.
Last I checked, Verone and Cj graduated prior 2021. I saw the announcements during the summer of 2020. I know Verone Mckinely was working on his masters in Political Sci.
Bill, respectfully get your racist elitist bulljive outa here!!!.. your part of the problem.. why am I not surprised that nobody else here us calling out the racism?...
I am sure you did not mean to be racist in your comment and I wouldn't be so pointed as AD, but yes, your, " Many upperclassmen that maintain academic eligibility ‘to ball’ don’t speak understandable English (witness TV interviews), much less speak in complete, somewhat grammatically correct sentences", is a *very* common dog whistle for referencing black Americans. One forgets that most of these kids who do not "speak in complete, somewhat grammatically correct sentences" grew up in homes where they were not fortunate enough to have educated people teaching them grammatical english as infants where most of our language skills are formed. Even on the flip side, if a black kid is interviewed and has decent grammar, he is almost always referenced as "well-spoken" which is a subtle racial comment as well.
Most of these Duck recruits play at such a high level in high school that they expect to make it to the NFL. Recruiting is a pitch, but they are just looking for the place that makes the feeling in their heart seem like a destined reality (if they join them). I don’t think these kids were misled in any way by the likes of Mario’s staff. Though I don’t like the disloyalty in his exit, I do believe he is about as honest in the recruiting process that you can find. Of course coaches are going to highlight their successes in NFL placement and minimize their failures. We’ve put a lot of players into the NFL recently. These guys played with them. They look at them and think they can do the same. This season ended differently. The PAC perception is not good, and I think Mario’s staff’s development reputation outside of offensive linemen is even worse. I truly believe if you aren’t leading the conference or projected to go in the first round, that you should get as much experience as you can for free in college. Only 262 players were chosen in the draft out of probably about 6,500 D1 eligible players, not including players pulled from overseas and other divisions. If they can’t figure out the risk on their own and still take that leap then they can really only blame themselves. Verone and CJ are NFL quality players, but they needed another year to cement that. CJ is banged up a lot, and Verone was on a team that allowed a lot of points and got embarrassed twice by Utah with a lot of less heralded recruits. They both still had a lot to prove. Though Verone should have went late rounds, that was surprising. Stay in school and make it look obvious you are ready.
You write: ' I truly believe if you aren’t leading the conference or projected to go in the first round, that you should get as much experience as you can for free in college.' Aren't many projected first-rounders in any college program. Players should get an education that will make a difference when the NFL dream dies. And it will die fast 99 percent of the time.
Exactly, that’s what I’m saying. If you aren’t projected first round it’s a crap shoot. They should prioritize the education and let the potential dream run its course in due time. I get there is a big threat of injury, but if you don’t make a roster that’s irrelevant. I know a few that made a short stint, and played against another who went on to a long as a backup QB. You know a lot more from your career, but the chances of making it are slim to none, and sustaining it even smaller.
It starts at home. The majority of NFL and NBA draft prospects are African American. This is a fact. The majority of African American’s experiences and history is exacerbated by continuing socio economic disparities - almost completely different than that of the average white American. So looking at a situation from one vantage point without having the experience from another- can lead to simplistic and idealistic statements, proposals and solutions. Comparing track athletes and female ballers experience to that of football and basketball players is whitewashing the issue. They are mostly coming from different backgrounds. Of course there are exceptions and we should strive for the ideal … but we should also focus on why aren’t the exceptions the rule and why is the ideal difficult for so many
Interesting read, hopefully the players could give you the interview and insight to their story for taking the risk of their decision. If they all graduated with a degree, then the fall back isn't to far from the dream.
If you don't dominate at a level, getting to the next one is a dicey fantasy. These young men have a powerful dream and are eager for encouragement. Unscrupulous agents know exactly what to say.
All true John. One factor that fans often forget is school itself. I've had several players in classes who opted to go to the pro ranks who honestly were not cutting it in the classroom. Not football players but other sports. They honesty didn't have much choice but to try to make the jump. Agents got to them and they stopped coming to classes, might not have been eligible moving forward anyway. It's a factor for some. Verdell has had so much wear and tear on his body and backs only have so many carries in them, period. LaMike is an example of that. See LaMike v. Kenyon who was a lot fresher when he got to the league. Wiliams has a family he's feeling the need to try to take care of. Rightly or wrongly that seems to be a driver. But Wright and McKinley are both head scratchers. They come back and dominate, they get taken. Verone is undersized to play NFL safety as it is and doesn't run like the wind. He also doesn't have the wingspan of his teammate in Miami. All things that drop him down, or out of the draft. Can the NFL modify its rules a little, give guys a chance to get evals before they have to make the final leap? Seems that might be best for both sides. Maybe they do and I'm just not aware.
Don't forget that these young men have been told by family and coaches for years that they're going to "the league." You can also bet they were told during recruiting that choosing the Ducks gave them the best chance at the NFL. Add in the fact they wanted to believe all of it! Not exactly a tough sell for any agent...
Might make more in college: Heard the discussion on talk sports radio today: (3/29) Tennessee football made a big statement last week when the program landed the commitment of 5-star quarterback recruit Nico Iamaleava for a rumored $8 million NIL contract.
Anothering sobering factor: "The average NFL career for an offensive lineman is about three-and-a-half years. The average NFL career for a wide receiver is a little more than two years."
I agree - very sad - and our Ducks athlete department shares some responsibility. The university need to give MORE help to student athletes during times of transition! 🦆🦆🦆
I remember a 6-7 yr 'redshirt' senior who was asked about why he stayed in college. He mentioned that he had earned two master's degrees during his long football career. Quite an accomplishment.
I don’t mean to open a can of worms here but it should be said that many UO degrees are as highly regarded as those from any other PAC-12 school, including UW. Besides, the typical degree conferred upon most D1 football players are not from prestigious disciplines anyway. Just sayin’.
So you're assuming he didn't study and doesn't have a marketable major? The average Liberal Arts major earns 20,000 more a year than a high school grad, for life.The top 25% of Liberal Arts majors average 90k more per year than a high school grad. McKinley is a bright guy. Also, this is what he could've done. Transferred for his grad degree somewhere else. Just...like Travis Dye. Grad degrees from a different schools than your undergrad school are often more valuable. Travis knew that, also wanted to start his life in LA where he's from. Makes perfect sense. Congrats to him as well, he got married this weekend. Go Ducks!
Each young man is an individual, not a 'set' to be lumped together as the same to try to prove a point, even if the point is obviously sometimes true
CJ couldnt stay uninjured. Yet another injury plagued college season was not apt to get an ex 3 star recruit already high mileage small running back drafted. I dont think another year would have made any difference.
McKinley was an all american who lead the nation in interceptions. His measurables of smal size and lack of speed kept him from getting drafted. The chance of getting bigger or faster after 4 years of college is remote. How do you improve on an all american season? Maybe knowing Lanning would hire a dedicated speed coach, he should have stayed, as .2 off his 40 at the combine would have gotten him drafted, but at the time of his decision the speed coach had not yet been hired and most all americans get drafted as one of the supposedly top 22 players in the country, so easy to understand his decision to strike when he thought the iron was hot.
Williams obviously should have stayed and been a focal point of a more pass happy Dillingham offense. My guess here is a lack of desire to be in the classroom. The problem is that most teams are not willing to risk their draft picks on a player who doesnt have the ultimate motivation in college to suddenly capture that after getting paid.
Wright is the sad story here. He had a 'down' year in 2021 as it was. Why in the world would you leave after your worst year and not come back with a vengeance to improve within a Dan Lanning led defense?... Wright could have been a star in the coming 2022 season, as well as improve his rather pedestrian 40 time.
In some cases going "free agent" (glorified walk-on" is a God send. Take me for instance. I had a horrible senior year at Oregon. I had a mediocre four years. However, I signed free agent with Seahawks in '84. I would've been a fool to pass that up.
Not so for the four gentlemen we are talking about. I'm sure another year with Lanning would've proved fruitful for all of them. CJ Verdell in particular. With Lanning's offense the running game will blossom. No more "stacking the box" for defenders vs. that horrible "pistol" offense. Verdell would've went in the second easily had he stayed. I'm sure the others would've faired well also in the draft.
Hopefully they will all make their teams playing roster. The fact is, any time you are invited into a pro camp whether you are number on pick of last free agent its a ligetimate shot. They don't just invite anyone to camp. Some low draft choices and free agents have not only made their squad but had great careers. I wish my fellow Ducks well. Go Ducks!!
These guys live in a dream world…the biggest challenge they need to overcome is an unrealistic self evaluation…they think because they’re treated like celebrities that they’re actually something really that special…very few of them got into college for any other reason than their athletic talent…and very few have any aspirations other than the NFL….they’re easy prey for those who blow smoke up their butts…none of them will be playing football by the time they reach 25 yrs old…and they’re probably totally unprepared for the real world that lies ahead.
This is a sad story that happens over and over and over again. Most players not only would benefit from staying in school to improve their draft prospects, but also to complete their educations. You have to be an exceptional college player just to make an NFL camp. Most major college players don't seem to grasp the quantum difference between the two levels. And even if a player makes a roster, the average career is over almost before it starts. JC blames unprincipled agents, and they do deserve blame. I also blame college recruiters who sell their programs as stepping stones to NFL stardom.
“Most major college players don't seem to grasp the quantum difference between the two levels.” That is the point right there Ken. Everyone at that level is a great athlete and you don’t realize it until you get there. Those who fall into an entitlement mentally and start dwelling on how amazing they were in college, fail. While the player who make the adjustments, and works on making those incremental daily improvements, they have a shot.
For instance my first NFL training camp with Browns, while doing 1 on 1’s, a slow veteran DB who I was way faster than, jammed me at the line and threw me to the ground. Right then and there, I had a decision to make, to get better asap or start feeling sorry for myself. I saw many college players fail to push through those moments.
Ken, I wonder if getting a college education is a priority for many of these kids? I suspect many (most?) are enrolled in college/university primarily to play football/basketball (aspiring to “The League”). Maintaining academic eligibility is just the price they pay for doing so. Many upperclassmen that maintain academic eligibility ‘to ball’ don’t speak understandable English (witness TV interviews), much less speak in complete, somewhat grammatically correct sentences. Maybe it’s time to consider stopping the “student-athlete” charade associated with college football/basketball and make the formal education piece optional? Are “scholarships” still a necessity with NIL?
Regardless, for the most part I agree, “Most college players don’t grasp the quantum difference between the two levels. And if a player makes a roster, the average career is over almost before it starts.”
A lot to agree with here Bill. One note, from where I stand in the classroom though, most of the student athletes are there for the degree and the full experience. I'll say, 90% of them, maybe more. We spend so much time focussing on football, (and I believe that's your point here so, fair) that we forget the hundreds of other athletes who are focussed on academics as well. In fairness to some, I'll say this, football is a fulltime job, 40 hrs a week during the school year. That's before travel. It's a gift in a lot of ways to get to play, but they're out of class at least 40% of the time due to the sport they play. IF, someone really wanted to make them student/athletes again they would play fewer games, have fewer practices, etc. Hey, then there's balance. But there's not. I remember a basketball player's schedule during the Final Four year (he didn't go to the NBA) and his schedule was absolutely full 6 days a week from 6am to midnight. A student of mine tutored him from 8:30pm to midnight every night when they weren't on the road or playing, until midnight. He was exhausted virtually all of the time. I'm not making excuses for the players, but there's a reality for what they're being asked as well. For what it's worth he was working on a very useful degree. He got 5 1/2 hrs of sleep every night to try to do it, He got through it but had zero time to make friends or be part of anything outside of basketball. There are a lot of solutions to these challenges, sadly, nobody at the NCAA has any creativity or offers new ideas. These guys are all old, tired, and a million miles away from the actual students athletes. So they have zero idea how to improve the system. So they cowardly offered up NIL with no rules or regulations. Now it's the Wild West and the old tired, lazy guys in Indianapolis are just going to quit because they have no new ideas. Sad state for everyone who loves college sports. IMO.
Thank you, Bob. I appreciate your thoughtful, well written reply.
Most of the male basketball or football players with whom I interacted while covering major college football and basketball thought they at least had a long-shot chance at the NFL or the NBA. Sure, some took their schooling seriously, but it take a commitment that many didn't make. In my experience, by contrast, most Division I female basketball players and Division I track athletes of both genders are serious students, even though the time demands are largely the same as those for football and men's basketball.
I appreciate you sharing your insight, Ken. Thank you.
Last I checked, Verone and Cj graduated prior 2021. I saw the announcements during the summer of 2020. I know Verone Mckinely was working on his masters in Political Sci.
Bill, respectfully get your racist elitist bulljive outa here!!!.. your part of the problem.. why am I not surprised that nobody else here us calling out the racism?...
Respectfully?
Racist?
Elitist?
You might consider reading through a different set of lenses, Aaron.
I am sure you did not mean to be racist in your comment and I wouldn't be so pointed as AD, but yes, your, " Many upperclassmen that maintain academic eligibility ‘to ball’ don’t speak understandable English (witness TV interviews), much less speak in complete, somewhat grammatically correct sentences", is a *very* common dog whistle for referencing black Americans. One forgets that most of these kids who do not "speak in complete, somewhat grammatically correct sentences" grew up in homes where they were not fortunate enough to have educated people teaching them grammatical english as infants where most of our language skills are formed. Even on the flip side, if a black kid is interviewed and has decent grammar, he is almost always referenced as "well-spoken" which is a subtle racial comment as well.
Point taken, hokieduck. I wish I could provide everyone with a new “dog whistle.”
Most of these Duck recruits play at such a high level in high school that they expect to make it to the NFL. Recruiting is a pitch, but they are just looking for the place that makes the feeling in their heart seem like a destined reality (if they join them). I don’t think these kids were misled in any way by the likes of Mario’s staff. Though I don’t like the disloyalty in his exit, I do believe he is about as honest in the recruiting process that you can find. Of course coaches are going to highlight their successes in NFL placement and minimize their failures. We’ve put a lot of players into the NFL recently. These guys played with them. They look at them and think they can do the same. This season ended differently. The PAC perception is not good, and I think Mario’s staff’s development reputation outside of offensive linemen is even worse. I truly believe if you aren’t leading the conference or projected to go in the first round, that you should get as much experience as you can for free in college. Only 262 players were chosen in the draft out of probably about 6,500 D1 eligible players, not including players pulled from overseas and other divisions. If they can’t figure out the risk on their own and still take that leap then they can really only blame themselves. Verone and CJ are NFL quality players, but they needed another year to cement that. CJ is banged up a lot, and Verone was on a team that allowed a lot of points and got embarrassed twice by Utah with a lot of less heralded recruits. They both still had a lot to prove. Though Verone should have went late rounds, that was surprising. Stay in school and make it look obvious you are ready.
You write: ' I truly believe if you aren’t leading the conference or projected to go in the first round, that you should get as much experience as you can for free in college.' Aren't many projected first-rounders in any college program. Players should get an education that will make a difference when the NFL dream dies. And it will die fast 99 percent of the time.
Exactly, that’s what I’m saying. If you aren’t projected first round it’s a crap shoot. They should prioritize the education and let the potential dream run its course in due time. I get there is a big threat of injury, but if you don’t make a roster that’s irrelevant. I know a few that made a short stint, and played against another who went on to a long as a backup QB. You know a lot more from your career, but the chances of making it are slim to none, and sustaining it even smaller.
It starts at home. The majority of NFL and NBA draft prospects are African American. This is a fact. The majority of African American’s experiences and history is exacerbated by continuing socio economic disparities - almost completely different than that of the average white American. So looking at a situation from one vantage point without having the experience from another- can lead to simplistic and idealistic statements, proposals and solutions. Comparing track athletes and female ballers experience to that of football and basketball players is whitewashing the issue. They are mostly coming from different backgrounds. Of course there are exceptions and we should strive for the ideal … but we should also focus on why aren’t the exceptions the rule and why is the ideal difficult for so many
Sad for those young men but a hard lesson learned. Hopefully younger ones coming up will watch, read and digest what went on before them.
Interesting read, hopefully the players could give you the interview and insight to their story for taking the risk of their decision. If they all graduated with a degree, then the fall back isn't to far from the dream.
If you don't dominate at a level, getting to the next one is a dicey fantasy. These young men have a powerful dream and are eager for encouragement. Unscrupulous agents know exactly what to say.
College football has gotten to big to care about the kids any more. At least there is the USFL for now.
Just like the rest of us poor saps, get a job and move on.
The ncaa should allow players that are not drafted to come back and play.
Spot on, John.
All true John. One factor that fans often forget is school itself. I've had several players in classes who opted to go to the pro ranks who honestly were not cutting it in the classroom. Not football players but other sports. They honesty didn't have much choice but to try to make the jump. Agents got to them and they stopped coming to classes, might not have been eligible moving forward anyway. It's a factor for some. Verdell has had so much wear and tear on his body and backs only have so many carries in them, period. LaMike is an example of that. See LaMike v. Kenyon who was a lot fresher when he got to the league. Wiliams has a family he's feeling the need to try to take care of. Rightly or wrongly that seems to be a driver. But Wright and McKinley are both head scratchers. They come back and dominate, they get taken. Verone is undersized to play NFL safety as it is and doesn't run like the wind. He also doesn't have the wingspan of his teammate in Miami. All things that drop him down, or out of the draft. Can the NFL modify its rules a little, give guys a chance to get evals before they have to make the final leap? Seems that might be best for both sides. Maybe they do and I'm just not aware.
it's a great point, Bob. Sometimes the athletes get fixated on turning pro early and don't leave themselves a second option.
Don't forget that these young men have been told by family and coaches for years that they're going to "the league." You can also bet they were told during recruiting that choosing the Ducks gave them the best chance at the NFL. Add in the fact they wanted to believe all of it! Not exactly a tough sell for any agent...
Might make more in college: Heard the discussion on talk sports radio today: (3/29) Tennessee football made a big statement last week when the program landed the commitment of 5-star quarterback recruit Nico Iamaleava for a rumored $8 million NIL contract.
Anothering sobering factor: "The average NFL career for an offensive lineman is about three-and-a-half years. The average NFL career for a wide receiver is a little more than two years."
USFL pays $4500/game for roster players..
I agree - very sad - and our Ducks athlete department shares some responsibility. The university need to give MORE help to student athletes during times of transition! 🦆🦆🦆
Jon, you left out the benefit of getting a college education. I realize that a UO degree isn’t as prestigious as a UW degree, but it’s something.
In the case of McKinley… he already had an undergraduate degree. But he still should have stayed.
I remember a 6-7 yr 'redshirt' senior who was asked about why he stayed in college. He mentioned that he had earned two master's degrees during his long football career. Quite an accomplishment.
I don’t mean to open a can of worms here but it should be said that many UO degrees are as highly regarded as those from any other PAC-12 school, including UW. Besides, the typical degree conferred upon most D1 football players are not from prestigious disciplines anyway. Just sayin’.
a degree means nothing unless it is backed by a marketable major with the requisite skills and knowledge.
So you're assuming he didn't study and doesn't have a marketable major? The average Liberal Arts major earns 20,000 more a year than a high school grad, for life.The top 25% of Liberal Arts majors average 90k more per year than a high school grad. McKinley is a bright guy. Also, this is what he could've done. Transferred for his grad degree somewhere else. Just...like Travis Dye. Grad degrees from a different schools than your undergrad school are often more valuable. Travis knew that, also wanted to start his life in LA where he's from. Makes perfect sense. Congrats to him as well, he got married this weekend. Go Ducks!
Each young man is an individual, not a 'set' to be lumped together as the same to try to prove a point, even if the point is obviously sometimes true
CJ couldnt stay uninjured. Yet another injury plagued college season was not apt to get an ex 3 star recruit already high mileage small running back drafted. I dont think another year would have made any difference.
McKinley was an all american who lead the nation in interceptions. His measurables of smal size and lack of speed kept him from getting drafted. The chance of getting bigger or faster after 4 years of college is remote. How do you improve on an all american season? Maybe knowing Lanning would hire a dedicated speed coach, he should have stayed, as .2 off his 40 at the combine would have gotten him drafted, but at the time of his decision the speed coach had not yet been hired and most all americans get drafted as one of the supposedly top 22 players in the country, so easy to understand his decision to strike when he thought the iron was hot.
Williams obviously should have stayed and been a focal point of a more pass happy Dillingham offense. My guess here is a lack of desire to be in the classroom. The problem is that most teams are not willing to risk their draft picks on a player who doesnt have the ultimate motivation in college to suddenly capture that after getting paid.
Wright is the sad story here. He had a 'down' year in 2021 as it was. Why in the world would you leave after your worst year and not come back with a vengeance to improve within a Dan Lanning led defense?... Wright could have been a star in the coming 2022 season, as well as improve his rather pedestrian 40 time.
In some cases going "free agent" (glorified walk-on" is a God send. Take me for instance. I had a horrible senior year at Oregon. I had a mediocre four years. However, I signed free agent with Seahawks in '84. I would've been a fool to pass that up.
Not so for the four gentlemen we are talking about. I'm sure another year with Lanning would've proved fruitful for all of them. CJ Verdell in particular. With Lanning's offense the running game will blossom. No more "stacking the box" for defenders vs. that horrible "pistol" offense. Verdell would've went in the second easily had he stayed. I'm sure the others would've faired well also in the draft.
Hopefully they will all make their teams playing roster. The fact is, any time you are invited into a pro camp whether you are number on pick of last free agent its a ligetimate shot. They don't just invite anyone to camp. Some low draft choices and free agents have not only made their squad but had great careers. I wish my fellow Ducks well. Go Ducks!!
These guys live in a dream world…the biggest challenge they need to overcome is an unrealistic self evaluation…they think because they’re treated like celebrities that they’re actually something really that special…very few of them got into college for any other reason than their athletic talent…and very few have any aspirations other than the NFL….they’re easy prey for those who blow smoke up their butts…none of them will be playing football by the time they reach 25 yrs old…and they’re probably totally unprepared for the real world that lies ahead.