by Michael Orr

Created on: January 27, 2009

Despite reports to the contrary, leaving college early and entering the NFL Draft as an underclassman is as en vogue as ever. And why not? Multi-year contracts and multi-million dollar signing bonuses are waiting for the first round picks.

However, the past two Heismen trophy winners, Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford, were sophomores when they won the prestigious award. Tebow returned for his junior year and will return to lead the National Champion Florida Gators next season as well. Sam Bradford will return to the Sooners next year.

That these very high profile athletes made that choice speaks volumes about their character. It has also led to speculation that more kids are staying in school. That the NFL Draft is Not a big deal.

The facts just don't bear that out. The number of underclassmen entering the Draft has steadily increased since 2000, when 31 undergrads entered the draft (though only 20 were drafted). In 2008, there 53 underclassmen in the draft with 39 actually getting drafted. In fact, there have been 40 or more in each draft since 2001. While this is obviously only a fraction of one percent of the NCAA players, the trend is definitely upward.

The reasons for coming out early vary. One or two are extraordinary athletes. A few are truly ready to start at the next level. Some got enough press and have a high enough profile that they feel like they have to seize the opportunity. Others simply need the money to support their families. Someone like Florida's Percy Harvin, who is enormously gifted athletically and has already won two National Championships, may feel like there is nothing more to prove at the college level. It's hard to argue against any of those viewpoints.

The fact is that most NCAA football players have always had stay in school. They need to mature and develop physically. They need to get faster and stronger. Some need to get bigger. They need to really learn the game at the college level, in order to be prepared for the pro game. The undergrads who enter the draft early are the exception, not the rule. The penalty for entering the draft and not getting drafted is stiff. With returning to college no longer and option these journeymen must travel from training camp to training camp trying to walk on. Few are successful, as to take a spot on the team he must outshine someone that the organization actually did draft. Most end up on scout teams hoping to catch someone's eye.

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