Introduction
The dream of playing professional football is a goal for many college athletes. Unfortunately, not every player gets drafted into the NFL. Some are faced with the disappointment of not being selected and must contemplate their next moves. A pressing question for these players is: can you go back to college football if not drafted? In this article, we will explore the rules, options available, and various strategies for athletes thinking about their future.
Understanding NCAA Rules
The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) has specific rules regarding eligibility for college athletes. Here’s how it works for football players:
- Eligibility Expiration: College football players typically have four years of eligibility, which can be extended under certain conditions (e.g., injury or military service).
- Declaration for the Draft: Athletes who declare for the NFL Draft lose their college eligibility unless they withdraw prior to the draft.
- Returning to College: If a player goes undrafted but did not sign with an agent, they can go back to college football, as long as they are still within their eligibility period.
The Path to Returning: Case Studies
Many athletes who face the disappointment of not being drafted have navigated their way back to college football effectively. Let’s look at a few examples:
- Example 1: Kyle Allen – A former five-star recruit, Allen declared for the NFL Draft after playing at the University of Houston. He went undrafted and made the decision to go back to college football, ultimately transferring to Utah State to revive his career.
- Example 2: Dorian Thompson-Robinson – After his college career at UCLA, Robinson was not selected in the NFL Draft. Opting not to sign with an agent, he maintained his eligibility. He then utilized the NCAA’s extra year granted due to COVID-19, returning for another season.
These athletes leveraged their experiences and the rules to continue contributing on the field and showcased their skills for future recruitment.
Challenges and Considerations
While going back to college football can be an option, it’s not without its challenges:
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Returning to college means returning to a student-athlete lifestyle, including time management between studies and football practices.
- Competition for Positions: Many programs are filled with talent, and even returning players must compete for starting positions with new recruits.
- Injury Risks: After a stint in the NFL Draft process, some players may face higher risks of injury or burnout.
Each of these factors should be carefully considered by athletes before making the decision to return to college football.
Statistics and Insights
The statistics surrounding the NFL Draft and college football eligibility illuminate the landscape for aspiring athletes:
- Approximately 254 players are selected each year in the NFL Draft, out of thousands eligible.
- Statistically, 1.6% of college football players make it to the NFL, putting into perspective the challenges many face after college.
- The NCAA allows for approximately 50% of players who declare for the draft but go undrafted to return to college football, provided they follow the proper guidelines.
Understanding these numbers can help players set realistic expectations about their futures.
How to Make the Most of Your College Opportunity
For those who opt to return to college football, here are several strategies to maximize the time and opportunity:
- Engage in Team Activities: Build relationships and improve skills by fully engaging with the team during practices and games.
- Seek Guidance from Coaches: Take advantage of the expertise available from coaching staff and previous players to enhance your skill set.
- Pursue Academic Excellence: Focus on academic performance, as completing a degree can enhance opportunities both in football and after athletics.
- Network with NFL Scouts: Use your time to showcase your skills to scouts through practices and games, especially if applying for an NFL career after graduation.
With determination and proper planning, there’s potential for a successful path back to higher levels of play, even after an undrafted experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, going back to college football after not being drafted is indeed a possibility for many players, provided they adhere to NCAA eligibility rules. While the road may come with challenges, the opportunity to further develop skills and showcase talent remains a viable option. Players interested in continuing their careers should weigh all their options and make informed decisions about their futures in the sport.
