Najee Harris finalizing his decision this week

Submitted by Rodriguesqe on

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ArmenHammer

January 1st, 2017 at 3:28 PM ^

Dude, considering that he is 'projected' a top 5 draft pick, the fact that he hasn't decided yet is telling. I saw the man literally crying while confessing "I don't feel like I've accomplished what I set out to do". Given Peppers' character and how the season unfolded, I don't think it's that obvious.

Joined: 12/07/2016

MGoPoints: 2164

bluepow

January 1st, 2017 at 3:42 PM ^

Jabrill Peppers is a well above-average human that will be in position to take advantage of many exciting opportunities throughout his life.  A few now available: spend another year in college, return the greatest college football program in all the land to it's former glory (with hardware), and potentially win the Heisman Trophy...  That ain't chump nuts and none of it can be bought.   

He has insurance.  The NFL isn't going anywhere.  He lives a life of passion.  I put it at 65/35 he stays and wish him all the best regardless.

Joined: 11/11/2009

MGoPoints: 3931

jdemille9

January 1st, 2017 at 8:15 PM ^

Yes, there are lots of reasons to stay, and we've seen a good deal come back to Michigan for another year when they could go to the NFL. No, it's not going anywhere but the "he has insurance" argument is dumb. If he gets hurt and his draft stock drops, he collects a couple million. But as a surefire first round pick he could lose tens of millions, if not more by coming back and getting severly injured. And worst case, he suffers an injury like Jaylon Smith and never plays again. 

I'd put it at 90/10 he goes. 

Joined: 01/29/2011

MGoPoints: 8525

bluepow

January 1st, 2017 at 11:37 PM ^

I think the insurance is absolutely relevant, or at the very least on par with the common "money trumps all" argument that is so common and frankly disrespectful to the timeless passion of college football.  Life is more than money; people of Jabrill's character recognize that.  Real is real.

The man is extremely intelligent, full of charisma, and has extraordinary talents outside of football.  Even if the worst case scenario occurs (which could happen as soon as he joins the NFL too of course, limiting long-term income potential) he has a cool two million dollars and infinite opportunity at his disposal assisted in part through the thanks of one of the largest, most well-off, and passionate alumni bases in the country.  This is the WORST CASE scenario.  

The BEST CASE is he establishes permanent traditional heroism at our fine university above and beyond anything he can acheive in the NFL (but for a handful of cities perhaps), gets paid every bit as much just one year removed, and starts fresh with everything to prove at a new level.

The lost opportunity cost for leaving is extreme and permanent. His decision will depend on many things we have no idea about, but money alone? No way.  He has been through enough to see bigger than that.

He values passion.  Don't cheapen what the University of Michigan Wolverine Football Program offers in that category: let's just call it a lot.  It is also permanent...pays again and again and again.  

Joined: 11/11/2009

MGoPoints: 3931

jdemille9

January 2nd, 2017 at 2:55 PM ^

I'm NOT cheapening what Michigan means to these guys. Nor am I cheapening the value of a Michigan degree, they both mean a ton.

He can leave now and still get his degree though, so I don't count that as a valid reason to come back. What does it matter if he gets it in 4 consecutive years or if he comes back after a long NFL career, or even a short one, and gets it? 

My point about the insurance was that getting paid out a couple million for getting injured pales in comparison to the tens of millions he stands to lose by a severe injury. Those are not apples to apples comparisons. 

Jaylon Smith may play football again, but it won't be at the same level. He did absolutely lose out on tens of millions because of it. 

I agree with you, he stands to accomplish a lot by coming back and I know he was deeply hurt by not being out there.

Selfishly I want to see him back. Beating OSU and winning a B1G title are absolutely big deals and good reasons to come back. But from a business standpoint, the amount of money he stands to lose IF he gets hurt is far more than any insurance policy will pay out. 

Obviously, more than just business comes into play here. But my point was not to cheapen what Michigan means.. just that from a strictly financial decision, IF the worst case does happen he WILL lose tens of millions of dollars. For me, I'm not sure that's a gamble I'd be willing to take.

I have a bowl of M&M's, most are safe to eat but let's say 10 will cause you to lose your income earning power in your field of choice. There are other options but you won't make 1/10th of the money and you won't be able to have your dream job. Are you going to eat a handful? 

 

Joined: 01/29/2011

MGoPoints: 8525

bluepow

January 3rd, 2017 at 12:24 AM ^

If 10 cause me to lose earnings potential (but I still get two million) and 20 give me the Heisman helll yeah I take a grab.  As for overall perspective: what 42-year old man would choose otherwise?  My main point is 2 million isn't chump change...it is life changing money.  So, he already has life changing money in hand, he is playing this decison with house money.  Why not go for maximum fame also?  Life is all about taking advantage of opportunity.  

Joined: 11/11/2009

MGoPoints: 3931

ArmenHammer

January 1st, 2017 at 3:20 PM ^

Yea, but he's in the same recruiting class with Najee. So, he'd still play behind returning players and Najee. If Najee goes Blue, I think O'Samuels has to either decommit or redshirt (depth chart: Evans/Higdon, Najee, maybe Drake, Kareem, Ty, O'Maury). But, yea, I like that set of talent... so let's get this o-line right. #CFtoAA #MBtoAA #TStoAA

Joined: 12/07/2016

MGoPoints: 2164