“Competition. Someone would end up dead if you tossed David into that mess,” Dad said.
“I get that,” Bo said. “They seem to take a top ten quarterback each year. There’s no way all that talent will make it onto the field, and that’s a shame. I think the ideal situation for that kind of talent is to go somewhere where they can redshirt and then play two to four years as the starter. Having someone with game experience is critical, as far as most NFL teams are concerned. In the Clemson model, either someone beats everyone out in a bloodbath, or you might only get one year to start.”
We stopped at that point and moved to the living room. Coach Mason offered Dad and Bo drinks and Flo and me coffee as we relaxed after a good meal.
“You both know the three schools I’m looking at. If you had to pick, which one would you choose?” I asked.
“I’ll go first and say it depends,” Coach Mason said. “If you’re looking for individual awards and recognition, which will translate to draft status in the NFL, I would pick Michigan. It’s no secret that it’s easier for the east coast media to watch your games if you went there.
“If you want to win a National Championship, I would choose Oklahoma as your destination. They should be the cream of the crop in the Big 12, with the drop of teams like Texas and Baylor. My only concern would be that Oklahoma’s defense would let you down once you reach the playoffs. All you need to do is look at Alabama’s defensive line play to see it’s a whole different ball game than what’s played in the Big 12.
“I would pick USC if you weren’t sure if you wanted to play in the NFL, eventually. Yes, they get quarterbacks into the league. I assert that if you’re serious about acting, they may be the best bet,” Coach Mason concluded.
“I would suggest Oklahoma as your school. Their offense fits your skill set the best, and you would be scary-good there. I even think you could overcome the better defenses that an Alabama or Clemson might roll out,” Bo said.
“His mom and I’ve talked about it, and we’re worried about his health. He’s already had at least two concussions,” Dad said.
“I think the jury is still out on whether football causes CTE or not.” CTE is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy—brain injury. “Yes, it is a violent game, and players get hurt. There have been and will be advances in gear, tackling techniques, and the rules to protect players,” Bo said.
“I agree with a lot of that, but I submit David doesn’t need football,” Coach Mason replied. “He would be just fine if he never played pro or even college ball. While they’ve not proven a direct link, there seems to be enough evidence to say that one is coming. Brain injuries are not the only possibilities he has to worry about.
“The only reason I would suggest you play college football is if you want to,” Coach Mason said.
Then my dad floored me.
“Your mom and I would like you to consider taking a step back after you finish your movies next fall and consider just being a college student. You’ve not really had a chance just to do normal things,” Dad said.
“That sounds good in theory, but I’ve put a lot of time and effort into football,” I said.
“We haven’t even talked about baseball,” Bo said to confuse the issue even more.
“Are you still thinking about playing both in college?” Coach Mason asked.
“I’d considered it.”
“What about playing baseball full-time? I think you found out this summer that you could be selected in the spring draft. We’ve talked about how much more money you can make, and it would be safer than playing football. That would translate into playing more years,” Coach Mason said.
“You mean I’m not going to be Tom Brady and play until I’m 40?” I asked.
“The odds are not with you on that,” Bo said.
“Just so we’re clear. My choices are to play football; skip college and play pro baseball; play both in college; movies in some way in all the combinations or alone; or chuck it all and try to be normal,” I summarized.
“Don’t forget that you have to go to college if you pick the normal route,” Dad said.
“I know what would solve everything. Sign with Alabama on Wednesday, become a cog in our system, and help us win four National Championships,” Bo suggested.
“Will you let me play defense and baseball?” I asked, acting excited.
“Sure we will,” Bo said.
“It’s true what they call you, ‘stupid boy,’ if you buy into that load,” Coach Mason said.
“Stranger things have happened,” Bo said to defend his fantasy.
“I could see him walking on water before all that happened at Alabama,” Coach Mason shot back.
