re: Why do football players want to play so close to home yet...?

I've wondered about this as well. I'm leaning towards socioeconomic status as the main reason. Many of these kids haven't traveled far from their home AT ALL. And I don't have any data on this, but it seems like QBs are the most likely to leave for college. Also seems like well off, well educated players are ok with it as well.

By the time I had to make a decision, I had played baseball in probably 20 different states. Spent weeks/months in each of NYC, Arizona, Texas, Atlanta, Miami...and that was all strictly for baseball. Doesn't include vacations throughout life with the family.

After a while, the world shrinks and you're comfortable with distance. If you've never experienced that, it would probably be scary as shite to leave your support system.