Expired eligibility, Winter semester and Graduation
I have a few questions I was just wondering about the student-athletes. I hope some of you can answer them.
Do players who just ended their football careers in the fall typically stay around for the following winter semester? I assume that most players who do not have the NFL in their future do to get a degree, but what if you are going to NFL? It seems like the senior bowl, combine and draft take up a lot of time, and most players would drop out and spend their time working on their draft stock instead of going to class. Does that affect the APR?
I guess this was kind of answered by RR when he said Sheridan can't help because he hasn't graduated, but could players who are still in school help out with the younger players? If wanted/needed, could a player with expired eligibility play during Spring practice?
I know Donovan Warren has been traveling between California and Ann Arbor, so I assume a guy like him is done. Brandon Graham has stuck around though, but I don't think he can play or coach or do anything really other than lift with the team and be around them.
So you're saying BG can't help with the punting situation?
I don't know about APR, but most players do stick around Ann Arbor while preparing themselves for the draft. A few years ago, Alan Branch used to play video games with my roommate every day while he was training.
A lot of guys (especially those who finished their 5th year of eligibility) will graduate in winter, especially if they're going to the NFL.
Some guys just don't really like school, and drop out following their final season, regardless of their progress toward a degree, a la Alan Branch.
hanging around AA and partying all of the time.
I'd have to imagine he was having as much fun as anyone in AA for a while there...
In the Blind Side, Michael Lewis made it seem like many Seniors packed up and left the day after their season ended. Not sure if it's accurate all over though.
It's common for players (at any school) to withdraw from classes to concentrate on the draft. Fifth-year seniors usually manage to graduate in December, but fourth-year seniors often have to come back later to finish their degrees.