COLUMN: What is and what never should be: NFL’s rule change invites young talent
On Wednesday, USC sophomore receiver Mike Williams declared himself eligible for the 2004 NFL Draft. Williams, an All-American last season, is the first player to take advantage of the new rule change regarding the NFL’s draft eligibility policy.
The rules were changed when former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett challenged the NFL and won his case, freeing the way for college players to enter the draft before the traditional three-year waiting period.
The former rule was that amateurs could not enter the draft until they were three years removed from high school.
First, Pittsburgh All-American receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who went to a prep school after high school then played two years at Pitt, made the jump.
Clarett, who had a fantastic freshman year helping the Buckeyes become national champions, stated his intentions to go pro during his freshman campaign. Since then, it has not been a surprise to many that Clarett would challenge the rule and leave college for NFL bucks.
Williams could be the first pick in the draft, and he will certainly go no lower than the top 10.
“Mike made his decision that he wants to go to the NFL,” said USC coach Pete Carroll, on losing his best player. “We’re disappointed that we’re losing him because he’s had a terrific two years for us … but we’re anxious to watch him in the NFL.”
So what does this mean to the NFL and college football? Formerly, college coaches had the security of knowing that if they worked their butt off recruiting a top-notch athlete, it would pay off for them for at least three years.
The three-year plan which used to be in place also made coaches nervous enough that they were afraid to redshirt their best prospects, even if they seriously needed some fine-tuning. Their fear was that they would only get two good years out of the player.
For instance, Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer redshirted his top recruit in 2000. The kid from Newport News, Va. was an incredible athlete, but Beamer felt that he would be much better suited to play if he had a year to learn the system. Michael Vick learned the system, had two excellent years for the Hokies, but then bolted for the NFL after his sophomore season.
Will the redshirt now become completely extinct? It’s fair to say that coaches will be much more hesitant to redshirt their top recruits, scared that they will only get a year from them if they are shelved for a season.
As for the NFL, there is a possibility that if young college athletes take full advantage of their ability to make big money even earlier, this rule could have an NBA-like effect on the league. There is no doubt that the NBA and the NFL are completely different leagues. Being physically ready is much more crucial in football than in basketball, but if kids’ egos get big enough, they have the power to leave school whenever they feel they’re ready.
A pair of Aggie lineman don’t think the change in eligibility rules will have much bearing on college football and the NFL.
“I don’t think it will make a difference,” said Scott Barrett, a freshman defensive tackle. “I think guys will be smart enough to know on their own if they’re ready.”
Freshman offensive tackle Matt Reese, on Clarett going pro, said, “I think he should be able to go. He’s gonna get there and people are gonna put him on his
a–.”
Reese said, “In the NFL, physically, you need man strength. It’s why you can’t beat up your dad.”
Essentially, the rule change could have a major negative impact on football, or not really spark much change at all. Now, players like Williams, who is physically as ready as anyone, will be able to leave at the height of their success, and not risk injury later in their college career just waiting to become eligible.
On the other hand, players like T.A. McClendon, a sophomore who has had a lot of college success, yet is not ready physically for the NFL, could end up ruining what could have been a good pro career by leaving college too early.
Hopefully, players will be smart and know their limits. This year, with Clarett, Fitzgerald, and Williams entering the league, college players will get to see first-hand the result of perhaps leaving school too soon.
Brad Barth is a freshman majoring in English. Comments can be sent to bcb@cc.usu.edu.