Players like Skattebo and Martin are probably fielding calls from FBS schools and deserve the opportunity to test their talents against better competition.
I know this is a popular opinion around here, but one I strongly disagree with. For many reasons.
One of which is, unlike the coaches, these guys are amateurs (or are supposed to be) and not yet in their profession. Most coaches are older adults long since graduated from college that have been in their profession for years.
I believe these kids should own up to their commitments from the school that took the risk to offer them a full ride scholarship (which they accepted). Clearly none of these BIGGER or more PRESTIGIOUS schools thought enough of them to offer them the same out of HS. So unless there’s some irreconcilable differences or problems with the school/program — staying put and finish things out is the honorable and right thing to do.
Afterall, this isn’t 1985 anymore. Players good enough for the next level are discovered wherever they play. These guys don’t have to be at a big school or be on National TV every week to be seen and noticed. Case in point are Josh Allen, Carson Wentz, Trey Lance, Khalil Mack, etc. all becoming top picks despite playing for smaller or FCS programs. That was far less likely to happen 30 years ago. But it happens routinely today. Same goes for HS to college.
IMO these kids become wired to believe they need to be at the bigger school simply due to the prestige and notoriety of it, not necessarily because it’s a better fit. Coming out of HS it’s often considered a lesser thing or insult not to go to a D1 FBS program. Often kids will “settle” for the lowest level FBS program they get offered over an FCS or D2 program simply because of the prestige.
That kind of thing should never be considered. Only fit, both academically and athletically.
I get wanting to test oneself against the best competition possible. But, again, if a player is good enough that will happen regardless. There’s nothing to indicate or prove that a player going to an FBS program will get better prepared than a player going to an FCS program simply because the competition is better. More FBS players make it to the next level than FCS because there is a larger volume of really good talent and players there. But the ones at FCS that are good enough still make it.
And there are many that get their chance to develop and shine at the lower levels that might have been buried on the depth chart at the FBS level. There’s a lot more to consider than many think.
Regardless, as I said, I know my opinion isn’t popular but it is how I see things. I’m just not influenced or wow’d by the same things many others are. And I religiously believe in loyalty and living up to promises and commitments.
