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NCAA Football News and Notes: Harbaugh Favors An Open Draft

While NCAA football is currently in its offseason, there is already concern over the state of the game as fall approaches. There have already been discussions of whether the season will be altered, the season will be played without fans, or if there will even be a season.

With the uncertainty in mind, let’s take a look at some of the news from around the college football world.

Harbaugh In Favor Of Open Draft

Currently, to declare for the NFL Draft, a player needs to be out of high school for at least three years. If it were up to one Big Ten coach, those rules would change.

Surprisingly, Jim Harbaugh, Michigan’s head football coach, is in favor of players being able to be drafted at any point in their college careers. He would also be in favor of letting those that do not get drafted return to school to play.

In some ways, it would almost be like college football would serve as the minor leagues. While some could argue it is already a developmental league, Harbaugh apparently likes the idea of players being able to move up or down.

Interestingly, in this same open letter of Harbaugh’s, he said he would be in favor of five years of eligibility, more than 25 scholarships, and is ok with the one-time transfer (without having to sit a year). Interesting stuff coming from one of the premier coaches and premier programs.

No Extension For Supplemental Draft

While the supplemental draft is usually a mostly unknown commodity to NFL fans, it had the potential to be big news this year. That excitement, though, has largely been tempered.

The potential for making waves lied in the uncertainty of the college football season. There were some wondering if the college football season’s would-be superstars that were not quite eligible to be drafted in the regular draft this year would be eligible for the supplemental draft.

Think of players like Travis Etienne or Chuba Hubbard. There was legitimate concern that players could welcome a cancellation or try to leave in the case of a shortened season in favor of being picked up by the NFL.

According to Yahoo Sports, who talked with a league source, the NFL isn’t planning for “any different guidelines than in past years.” The supplemental draft usually takes place in June or July, but it appears that those committed to colleges, will have to wait it out to see if a collegiate season is played or not.

Endorsement Opportunities Means New World For College Football

With the NCAA now allowing players to earn money based on their name, image, or likeness, it will be a whole new world for college sports in the near future. One program is already embracing this change.

West Virginia is bringing in Jeremy Darlow, a brand consultant, to serve as an educator for young players when it comes to personal branding. West Virginia is trying to get ahead of the curve when it comes to branding, possibly making them even more enticing for prep players as they are deciding a future college.

This does bring up an interesting point when it comes to the NCAA’s rule on allowing players to make money. If teams have brand consultants or other endorsements waiting for the players, is that more of a pay-to-play as opposed to simply allowing the player opportunities that might be presented naturally.

Regardless, it is something that NCAA will have to monitor and something that universities may be looking to get an early advantage on. It appears West Virginia is ahead of the game in that regard.

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