Referring to Bryce Young and Will Anderson, who will both go high in the 1st round. Both are likely top five, certainly both will go in the top 10. Both played in their bowl game against Kansas St.
"I think these guys sent a message to everybody that you create value for yourself by playing football. You don't create value for yourself by option out and getting ready for the draft. What are you getting ready for, the combine? Half the stuff you do at the combine isn't relative to football. But when you play against good competition and you play well, that creates value. And I think it speaks volume of your character when you choose to be part of your team and you can be counted on to be a part of your team regardless of the circumstances and you finish the season with your team."
Even Bayou Brian chimed in with good take...noting that bowl games are watched, and the NFL is paying close attention. "That's a whole lot more important than working on your 40 time."
These are not fashionable, nor I suspect, popular takes, but I'm glad some people are willing to go against the grain on this topic.
And Mayer and Foskey fell under its spell.
stature by playing in the Gator Bowl.
With those names too.
(no message)
(no message)
At least inside the hell out of them if they get hurt.
O/S the playoffs and NC the players have very little to gain absent pay and a lot to lose.
The list of highly drafted players who have opted out is extensive. For the most part, the guys that have something to gain in playing a bowl will play.
btw, everything that Saban says is out of self-interest.
Though, it is kinda nice to get their replacements some meaningful action in a bowl game that doesn't really matter in the grand scheme.
Young and Anderson went into the game as top 10 picks and came out as top 10 picks. If scouts can’t get a feel for someone watching the previous 50 games then they shouldn’t be drafted.
Obviously, as Irish fans we always look back to Jaylon Smith. He went into the bowl game a top 5 pick and came out 2nd round and lost MILLIONS. It’s easy for people to say “they should play” when it’s not their money.
When the 12 team playoff starts, there will even more meaningless bowl games where more and more players will opt out. It’s the nature of the beast.
Poor fella
Jaylon is fine with his decision. Everyone else acts like it’s a tragedy.
Somehow he’ll need to find a way to get by on the $33M that he’s made, to date.
Are we supposed to just forget about it. He lost $20 million plus because of the injury on just his rookie deal. Not to mention the millions on second and third contracts because he wasn’t the same. You cannot dismiss this fact.
your team and the "game of football" and displaying your talent on a national stage. But the downside risk of getting injured needs to be considered as well, especially to early round draft picks. Lots of potential $$$ can be lost forever.
And lost money only apply to a bowl game?