According to what I read this morning, less than 1 percent, to be exact, 8 tenths of one percent of college football player makeit to the next level. I don’t imagine if it were broke down into early departures versus 4 year players it would be much higher separating them into groups meeting those two criteria.
The statistic was based on the fact that NFL teams will have a maximum of about 15 open spots for new personnel, now that all of these guaranteed contracts have come into play with the NFL. This total would include trades, and waiver pick ups as well. That would leave probably at a maximum 9 draftees, and three to four of those aren’t going to stick with a team. Of course if you are pretty solid and have a good NFL team, your shopping list would be less than 15. NFL teams have to budget carefully and evaluate carefully more than ever now, or you end up with a Jefferson out at Oakland or a Hanesworth out of whatever now. Hanesworth is a little different, since he signed his insanely rich contract after a few years in the league. Still though, it points out the stupidity of some of these contract, so if you are going to invest that much money on one player, he had better be a darn good one.

RB Mike Ball – Nevada

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/18531263dcbf473cac829ab55d88201f/NV-FBC–Nevada-Ball-NFL/

CB Cliff Harris – Oregon

http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/12/21/2653780/cliff-harris-will-declare-for-2012-nfl-draft-according-to-report

My committ above said key underclassmen, but here are my thoughts on next years Tiger team.

1) Peterson is one if the only disappointment this year for his lack of involvement in the offense. We have TE’s returning that can more than fill his void.
2) Taylor is a senior and probably a 3rd to 4th round pick but had a outstanding year for the Tigers. He will be replaced next year with strong depth at that position.
3)Hurst is a Jr and will stay more than likely and become ALL SEC / All American next year and be a 1st to early 2nd round pick in 2013. Hurst will be an outstanding pro player.
4) Randle is a Jr but he will return to upgrade his status in the draft with gunslinging Metenberger next year which will be an awesome QB for the Tigers. Randle will be Top 15 pick with a throwing QB
5) All the rest are red shirt soph or soph and will all return to join an impressive team that should be ranked #1 to begin the 2012 season next year.

The big area of concern is linebacker next year but hopefully Minter / Barrow / Jones will fill the gaps.

We are loaded next year!

Blackwell will be missed on the O-Line but if Dworaczyk is granted a 6th year for his injury this year the line won’t miss a beat. Lot’s of depth with Soph and Red Shirt Freshmen

D-Line is loaded with talent and I look forward to seeing the growth and improvement of the freshman FREAK Anthony Johnson he will be a beast over the next few years.

We will have the best rotation of running backs in the nation as we do now. They are all coming back!!!!

Simon replaces Clayborn and is just as good.

All key special team players are back lead by Alleman and THE HONEY BADGER!!!!!!!!!!

GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!
This team will be scary good!

What I was suggesting is that the NFL modify its rule as to when an underclassman is eligible to be drafted.

In the NBA, a kid has to go to college for at least their freshman season, right? In baseball, it used to be (don’t believe it is the case anymore) that once you enroll in college, you couldn’t be drafted until your college class graduates.

The NFL, in the interest of protecting kids from a physical development standpoint, and help maintain the integrity of the college game need to have something in place that bars a kid from being drafted until “x”. Not sure if “x” translates to end of junior season in college, or sophomore season, or whatever. It forces the kids to take their education seriously, especially if they have to stay eligible for a second full season (or a third). In the long run, considering how few players make it to elite status, the kids benefit. Shouldn’t that be the primary concern here?

no way the NFL would ever let kids straight from High School come into the league (which is what it sounds like you are proposing).

He along with several dozen or more other high profile players will slowly make their announcements.

Many have already informed their coaches to help them know how to recruit. Coaches, in turn tell potential recruits that certain stars are leaving, opening the door for more playing time.
Many times that leads to the news being “leaked” before the athlete announces.

In response to a prior statement–colleges “use” these players and why should they take 4 yrs of physical pounding if they are good enough to turn those last 2 yrs into “getting paid for the pain and suffering years!”

College football is a business and the players are entitled to ca$h in after 2 yrs.