I take issue with the article's implicit assertion that clustering is necessarily tied to a reduced university experience.

Yes, a half-shred of common sense tells one that clustering likely implies the academic path is easier for those students, although there are other possible explanations for trends within a program, such as greater schedule flexibility, better support, or the fields relate clearly to football. HOWEVA, few who attend higher education would ignore the gains that are formed outside the classroom. I don't just mean becoming "more outgoing" or exploring "networking opportunities;" one can learn valuable skills outside of classes. In fact, I believe many high-end academics would advise that success is found in outside opportunities; i.e., research projects, internships, apprenticeships, and the like.

The thrust of my argument--and by extension my beef with the article--is that the most meaningful learning experiences (usually those which focus on skills and perspectives rather than content knowledge) typically occur outside the classroom and in an area of interest and hopefully passion to the student.

A discussion on aptitude and whether the typical (perhaps stereotypical would be a better word) athlete can achieve at the same level as his non-athlete peers is outside my realm of expertise; however, it is generally accepted that football players' academic achievement is lower. I argue that this simply is not particularly important because the football experience is meant to prepare these individuals for success in life. This is why Bo said all he cared about with past players that came to visit was what kind of husband, son, and father they were being. I believe universities ought to prepare students for the important things in life, and quite frankly, I believe many football players receive a better education in this manner than many non-athlete students. I use the dreaded, vague "many" on purpose; it may be that most non-athletes are prepared for the important things (which in my opinion include supporting a family, being everything for them, and knowing how to turn dreams into goals into achievements), and certainly there are plenty of athletes whose university experience misses this completely (I can only wonder what kind of family men some of the Spartans turn out to be).

This argument is hugely dependent upon my personal valuation of skills and aspects of life and my opinion of the ideal way to develop them, and I know they are not universal opinions. But I am frustrated by an article that asks football players to be great academics as well. I am a musician; while I happen to have a curiosity for most fields, if I were asked to study architecture at a high level as well, I'd politely tell them to FOAD because my practice and musical experiences are what will enable me to support a family (modestly) and have helped me grow as a human being.

/rant

Michigan football: 7. Ann Arbor News: 0.