[Bob Seger]

:Thumbs: Well said. IMO, most kids are much better off not participating in college athletics if they can afford to turn down the athletic scholarship opportunities. Playing college football or any other varsity sport is physically demanding and it also places a great demand on a student-athlete's time. Unless an athlete has a legitimate shot at a pro career and an overwhelming desire to be a professional athlete, he will be better off focusing on academics rather than athletics after high school.BTW, I have no idea whether J. J. Jude enjoys wrestling or football more, so my assumption that he will be wrestling on a full scholarship is just that - an assumption. There are personal and financial reasons that a kid might prefer walking on to play in a D1 program over taking a scholarship at another level or in another sport and I cannot say that is not a possibility in Mr. Jude's case. Whatever course he decides, I am sure that he will be very successful after graduation. You just do not often see the kind of work ethic in a high school athlete that has made J. J. Jude such a standout in two very demanding sports.

Hard for an 18 year old kid that loves to play, and hates to give it up, but the wise one's focus on what you suggested. Not playing.There may be some memories and good times, but for most kids that challenge of playing and studing is so overwhelming that in the end it puts them so far behind that the playing part is a detriment.

The bulk of scholarships are only partials to begin with. You can send your kid to a state university for less than you can to a private school coupled with a partial athletic scholarship.