villanueva: OT -> WR -> OT? Never heard such a thing

RUSH

 

OH IT'S ON!!! LOL!!!

 

Why do you think it is that those guys can't cut it in the pros? Are they poorly coached in college or something? I really don't even know how their programs work because I'm not a college football fan. I know the Army-Navy game is always a big deal but they play other people too right?

 

There's a number of factors that play into it...

The physical fitness requirements limit the size of guys that can be fielded. You'll often see that the offensive and defensive lines can be up to 100 lbs less than one of the premiere D1 football schools.

Red shirting isn't as easily exercised at a service academy. I know someone who did, but it's rare so you truly only get 4 years.

The time requirements are a lot more taxing even for athletes at the service academies. There is a core class load required for everybody that results in a bachelor of sciences degree regardless of the major. The day to day military activities and formations also eat into time that may be used for team activities at a traditional D1 school.

Yet another factor is the service commitment required upon graduation. Career field dependent, it is a minimum of 4 years. In rare cases this can be waived or transferred to reserve duty to allow them to play.

All those factors add up to make recruiting a bit of a challenge when compared to other D1 schools.

Yes, they do play other people. They're all D1 so they've got a typical college game schedule. Every once in a while Navy or AF will creep into the top 25, but you won't hear much about them unless you follow them barring the occasional unexpected upset of one of the D1 powerhouses.

 

Patrick Haines is the son of a friend of mine. In High school he broke all the Cal. Records for a running back. At Navy he was a fullback. Fullback being a thing of the past it seems/seemed Lead Patrick to stay in the Marines. I imagine he is a LTCOL by now. Last time I saw him many years ago, he was a MAJ. I did get to see him play once when My brothers and I attended an Army Navy game. We used to do that a lot. I am down to one brother so we don't go anymore