Players not expected to return even though 2020 doesn't use year of eligibility
Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2020 8:58 pm
The NCAA has said no matter how much you play in 2020, due to covid-19 they won't expire a year of eligibility. So this begs the question--who will not be returning for 2021 in spite of the extended eligibility? This would be due to NFL prospects, age and life changes, or using up their 4 years of scholarship and the 'ship is needed for an incoming player. We know there is a backlog of players coming in early due to covid-19 as well. Here are my thoughts.
Not likely to return due to NFL prospects:
QB Zach Wilson, Junior - With the year he is putting up and his national attention, he would not improve his standing by coming back for a senior year.
OL Brady Christensen, Junior - He was regarded as a NFL prospect coming into this year. Since he served a mission, his age is his biggest drawback. That won't get better by returning.
OL James Empey, Junior - Is regarded among the best centers in the country. Also the age thing as a returned missionary.
OL Chandon Herring, Senior - Mentioned as a solid player who could play at the next level.
OL Tristen Hoge, Senior - Needs to get healthy from his covid-19 issues to impress, but was on the NFL draft radar coming into the season. 2 years of not being healthy could derail those prospects.
DL Khyiris Tonga, Senior - Considered the NFL draft last season, now the opportunity is ripe for him to go.
Others mentioned as having a shot depending on how their season goes this year:
- LB Isaiah Kaufusi, Senior
- S Troy Warner, Senior
- DB Chris Wilcox, Senior
Other scholarship seniors:
- LB/DB Zayne Anderson (no mission, but already used 2 redshirt years 2018, 2019 - medical)
- DL Zac Dawe
- DL Bracken El-Bakri
- LB Kavika Fonua
- DL Uriah Leiataua (currently enrolled in Marriott School of Business)
- OL Keiffer Longson
Walk-on seniors:
- DB Samuel Allred
- TE Kyle Griffitts
- DB Jared Kapisi
- DL Jeddy Tuiloma
Let me know your thoughts.
Not likely to return due to NFL prospects:
QB Zach Wilson, Junior - With the year he is putting up and his national attention, he would not improve his standing by coming back for a senior year.
OL Brady Christensen, Junior - He was regarded as a NFL prospect coming into this year. Since he served a mission, his age is his biggest drawback. That won't get better by returning.
OL James Empey, Junior - Is regarded among the best centers in the country. Also the age thing as a returned missionary.
OL Chandon Herring, Senior - Mentioned as a solid player who could play at the next level.
OL Tristen Hoge, Senior - Needs to get healthy from his covid-19 issues to impress, but was on the NFL draft radar coming into the season. 2 years of not being healthy could derail those prospects.
DL Khyiris Tonga, Senior - Considered the NFL draft last season, now the opportunity is ripe for him to go.
Others mentioned as having a shot depending on how their season goes this year:
- LB Isaiah Kaufusi, Senior
- S Troy Warner, Senior
- DB Chris Wilcox, Senior
Other scholarship seniors:
- LB/DB Zayne Anderson (no mission, but already used 2 redshirt years 2018, 2019 - medical)
- DL Zac Dawe
- DL Bracken El-Bakri
- LB Kavika Fonua
- DL Uriah Leiataua (currently enrolled in Marriott School of Business)
- OL Keiffer Longson
Walk-on seniors:
- DB Samuel Allred
- TE Kyle Griffitts
- DB Jared Kapisi
- DL Jeddy Tuiloma
Let me know your thoughts.