I tend to agree with you. Why not have both?

I tend to agree with you. Why not have both?
by smithwick (2023-03-27 14:39:27)

In reply to: I might be advocating exactly what he fears posted by ravenium

Under a players as employees model, why not endeavor to recruit/employ the same type of kid ND targets right now; hard working, responsible, an asset in the community, etc.

Let's say 80 percent of the team had the grades to earn a ND degree and the other 20 percent, either didn't have the grades/or didn't want a degree, but were still a strong presence in the ND community and wanted to play for the ND brand, but not work towards a degree.

We have statues outside the stadium for Lou and Ara who didn't go to school here and were just "employees" of the university. Are there recruits/individuals out there who may not be suited for the ND classrooms, but are impressive individuals I'd be happy to represent my school and are a net positive to the community? I'd think so.

I wonder if the Bettis model might be a good one

(in that he came back to finish his degree)

Guarantee four years as part of compensation (and whatever pay model) but you don't say when those four years have to be. You can come back and finish your degree if your NFL career doesn't pan out.