USC Trojans: The Abusurdity of NCAA Football Recruiting

Hasn't football recruiting gotten a bit out of control?

A bit of a minor stir occurred in college recruiting today, when it was rumored that a USC recruit, quarterback David Sills, was considering attending Auburn in the fall.

But fear not Trojan fans, that rumor was debunked by his father. He said that David was not offered "...[a scholarship] by Auburn." He continued, "We have a very good relationship with their(USC's) coaches. They all know he wants to go to USC.”

Crisis averted, evidently, as Lane Kiffin is still on track to have to Sills under center...in 2016.

David Sills is in the eighth grade.

That’s right, there are recruiting battles over 13-year-olds.

Sills was offered a scholarship last year by Lane Kiffin, when he was in seventh grade. Now, the future Trojan quarterback is prepping for high school while rumors circulate about potential FBS destinations.

Doesn’t this latest recruiting scandal, or rather, event, underline the fact that there needs to be some rules in place when it comes to recruiting?

Perhaps meetings with dozens of potential future coaches should be reserved for times when “recruits” are considering which college, not which high school, to attend.

High school is distracting enough for young athletes, with classes, practice and high school games. Worrying about potential recruiting pitfalls before one’s freshman year of high school looks to be on the horizon for the nation’s most talented youth.

But is it really for the best?

College football is a business, obviously. Getting the best recruits makes the best team, which wins the most games and makes the most money. 

But such victory comes at a price.

The term “student-athlete” has certainly been skewed towards “athlete-student,” and practically just “athlete” at most traditional athletic powerhouses. By beginning the recruiting process so early, it will cause high schools to begin adopting a more college-like student-athlete system, where academics will fall by the wayside.

Students who do manage to graduate will have a harder time meeting academic requirements of their respective colleges and this lack of academics could ultimately prevent them from playing football and other athletics.

Though it seems a bit far-fetched, it is certainly a possibility.

Years ago, it would have seemed preposterous for USC to offer a scholarship to a twelve year old, yet, here we are.   

Where are we going?