LSU juniors leaving for NFL vs. Alabama juniors

I've wondered about this in the past.

I don't think it would be too hard to find the data. Look up past NFL drafts with Alabama players getting drafted (or undrafted signings; after all, a impact player could go undrafted) & see what year they were year of the draft.

Let us know your findings!

Bama players take a pay cut when they go pro.

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I think DJ last year was a first in a long while

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Tre White kept his promise to his mom that he would graduate.

it's 2018 paw paw

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Sabans philosophy is only 1st rounders leave early.

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It's not his decision to make though

It’s not out of the realm to think that they may get a bonu$ from the booster who bought them during recruiting. Most of these players come from poor families, which explains the “business” decision and doing what’s best for their families. I’m truly amazed that none of this has blown up in their faces yet.

To me the biggest thing is stability. Players are more willing to stay in a stable environment than an unstable one. Not talking always about coaches but culture and perception of a program from the inside. Support from the school, coaches other players etc. There have been multiple accounts of nonsupport and of our program being unstable internally for years.
Also doesnt help that our guys arent always coached to stay for their best interest.
Clemsons incredible haul of returnees last year is another example of a "stable" program returning its draft eligible players.

Why go to the NFL and take a pay cut?

A lot of it is the ridiculous depth they have. A lot of guys don't get on the field in a starting role til about their third year and I'm talking 4 and 5 star recruits.

I don't think the numbers are extremely different, but i bet Bama does have a few more that choose to stay than most schools. I would say two factors are mainly involved:

1. Bama has had much more depth than other schools. So not only does it take longer for players to get on the field and show their skills, it's harder to show that they have elite abilities. (Did bama need you to win that game? are you really good? or is everyone playing around you just really good).

2. Bama wins a NC pretty much every other year right now, if not more. So, if you return for a senior season, there is a pretty damn good chance you will win a championship.


LSU has a lot of NFL talent every year, and a lot of these guys have been getting serious playing time since their freshmen year. Our team has been under performing, but they are still in the national spotlight and get a lot of attention. When it's time to go, it's time to go.