Alabama head coach Nick Saban has been using some of his former Crimson Tide players, such as former NFL running back Trent Richardson and quarterback John Parker-Wilson, on his scout teams this season. Parker-Wilson and Richardson were brought in by Saban two weeks ago to act as LSU’s Danny Etling and Leonard Fournette. Former Tide quarterback Blake Sims was used to act as Texas A&M’s Trevor Knight, as well.
Look at Urban Meyer’s reaction when he learns college teams can use former pros in practice
He’s probably got a few people he could call.
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer was asked about Saban’s usage of former players on scout teams on Tuesday and apparently, Meyer had no idea that this was allowed. After a reporter explained that the NCAA allows it, Meyer said that it now has him thinking.
The practice of using former players as members of the a school’s scout team for a short period of time completely legal, thanks to NCAA bylaw 14.2.1.6, which reads:
A former student at the certifying institution (e.g., former student-athlete) may participate in an organized practice session on an occasional basis, provided the institution does not publicize the participation of the former student at any time before the practice session.
Basically, if a player’s participation is “occasional,” and Bama doesn’t tell the public beforehand about alumni at practice, everything’s OK with the NCAA. Any team could do this kind of thing — including Ohio State.
Now, Meyer, isn’t going to call in active players such as Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot, who just became the fifth player in history of the NFL, with more than 1,000 rushing yards and over 250 receiving yards in the first nine games of the season. However, there’s obviously no shortage of former NFL talent Meyer can choose from.
Ohio State had 12 total players drafted in the 2016 NFL draft, and set a new record for the most picks in the first three rounds, with 10.
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly was asked about Saban’s scout team personnel, and the Fighting Irish head coach had a different response than Meyer’s, saying that he thought the practice was “ludicrous.”
We’ll see if any other college teams take advantage of this NCAA rule. I mean why wouldn’t you?
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