Texas coach Steve Sarkisian isn’t holding back, openly stating that taking a player off an NFL roster and telling a college kid who’s been grinding for nine months to “go kick rocks” is flat out “wrong,” even “morally, is wrong.” He’s talking about a trend that’s got some coaches ready to pounce on former NFL players, a move Sark clearly isn’t here for.
The NFL Echo In College Football
This whole situation might sound familiar because it’s standard operating procedure in the NFL, right? We see it every year. Players bust their tails through the offseason, training camp, and preseason, only to lose their hard-earned roster spot when a team claims someone off waivers or signs a free agent. It’s brutal, but it’s part of the league. Now, because of a new NCAA five-year rule, that same dynamic is spilling over into college football. For this year only, players who’ve already done four years in college can get another season, and suddenly, there’s a whole new pool of talent potentially looking for a spot.
Is It Really About Morals?
Sarkisian made his comments Monday, via David Eckert of 247sports.com, and he’s definitely got a strong take. But let’s be real, coaches say a lot to justify their positions. The article points out that coaches like Sark, along with Oregon’s Dan Lanning, actually don’t want any of these available former NFL players. When you don’t want them, it’s pretty easy to climb onto that soapbox and talk about the unfairness of embracing players released by NFL teams. It makes you wonder if it’s really a moral stand or just a convenient stance when it aligns with your own recruiting strategy.
What’s Next For The College Gridiron?
So, what does this all mean for the players caught in the middle? This debate over the NCAA’s new rule and the influx of former NFL talent isn’t going away. It’s a huge deal for those college players who put in the work, thinking their spot was secure. You gotta think about the commitment these kids make. Whether it’s “morally wrong” or just the cutthroat reality of high-level football, this conversation about player movement and roster spots is only heating up on the college gridiron. We’ll be watching to see how this all shakes out for the guys trying to make their mark.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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