re: Jordan Jackson Air Force DE 6th rd pick

He’s not skipping out on his commitment. The form of what his commitment is may have changed, and it may not be the traditional serve five years straight right out of the Academy, but that doesn’t mean he’s not serving his commitment.

I’m not sure if this is still the case, but the Air Force used to have a clause for elite athletes to serve in the AF Reserve, if it was deemed it would bring credit upon to the service and raise the Air Force’s profile. The intent was to allow the secretaries of the services the option to waive or alter a service commitment of an athlete if thier pursuit of a professional athletic career would bring credit to the service. Of course, this is also way to attract better athletes to the service academies. If they demonstrate the talent to play professional sports but cannot go pro, you’re really not gonna get anybody to play for a service academy. I know there are a couple pitchers, including at least one in the MLB, who followed this model and are serving in the Air Force Reserve.

They are still honoring their commitment, it’s just the conditions of their commitment have changed.