Cam Newton wasn’t wise when he was starring at Auburn. The former Heisman-winning quarterback sure is now. His words of wisdom could be a detriment to Tennessee football.
Newton has uncovered what should be the No. 1 recruiting pitch for any football program by pointing out that former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow taught him how to be a quarterback with his professionalism. The lesson didn’t stick immediately, as Newton decided to transfer to Blinn Community College before transferring back to the SEC to be a star Tiger. Still, he claims he learned plenty from Tebow both on and off the field.
The 2010 Heisman winner recently addressed what should be most important to prospective college football players: preparing for the NFL or whatever the future might bring in a business setting. Players have clamored for money, which they deserved, and they got it with NIL and the soon-to-be instituted fund which allows schools to pay players directly.
That’s turned out to be a nice chunk of change, but it won’t be enough. Players will soon want more, and they’ll look towards an NFL future to get it. Unfortunately for Tennessee football, this may not work out in head coach Josh Heupel’s favor.
Heupel’s offense isn’t rocket science. Sure, quarterbacks have to make quick decisions, but multiple reads aren’t what Heupel’s offense is based on. It’s based off of wide splits and fast tempo. Here’s a problem: I don’t see any of that in the NFL.
Former Tennessee football quarterback Nico Iamaleava left the Vols for more money. That’s pretty obvious. However, reports were leaked that he also wanted a more pro-style system to refine his game for the NFL. I have my doubts on that considering NFL teams run so many different offenses, but let’s work on that assumption.
Let’s say that the recently approved congressional settlement and NIL even each other out amongst the power teams of college football – and it will. Surely, there will be times in which boosters spend marketing dollars more freely during the good times. However, that will all likely even out in the end. Plus, the economy is always an unknown factor in such expenditures.
Forgive me if I sound like an old grandpa, but prospects need to think about their future more. Who can get them ready for the NFL? While Heupel may be struggling a bit with the lure of his offensive philosophy, he’s mastered building a culture, which he’s done quite well at Tennessee.
There is no question in my mind that Heupel, his staff and current players can – and will – continue that trend. High school players learn how to be a pro at Tennessee. Just take a look at former offensive lineman Darnell Wright. He could barely get on the field before Heupel arrived and then turned into a first-round draft pick. There are other examples, but he is certainly the most prevalent under Heupel.
Quite simply, culture will win in football now that players get a fat check in the mailbox. Are players jealous of what each other make? Are they in it for their team or themselves? Once the money levels itself, preparing oneself for the NFL will be key, along with winning championships.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian recently concluded that improved students would make better athletes. He pointed to the Longhorns’ improved grade point average during his tenure as one of the reasons they are national title contenders. I’m not so sure about that. I’d rather have an elite athlete than an elite student, but maybe that’s just me. However, one thing is clear.
Student-athletes are pros now. They wanted to be treated like it. They got their wish. However, someone had better let them know that every player isn’t guaranteed generational wealth. Therefore it’s time to think about the future. In other words, get off my lawn.
