Is Texas RB commit changing the game with a senior year decision?

A sign of things to come or just a one-off?

We have seen players opting out of bowl games prior to last season, when multiple players also opted out from a COVID-19 impacted year. Those circumstances were different, but yesterday, Texas running back commit Jaydon Blue made his decision to forgo his senior high school season and prepare for his tenure with the Longhorns.

The real question surrounding Blue’s decision is if others will follow. As a running back, the shelf life for a career is much shorter than other positions, so an opt out isn’t out of the question, but at that level it’s a bit of a interesting choice.

Blue plays in one of the most competitive states for high school football in Texas, so keeping his mileage down does make sense, but he’s going to miss out on so much. Senior activities, playing with your high school friends for the last time, beating your rivals and other school traditions for the outgoing seniors.

It’s clear that Blue is making a “business” decision, but I don’t see this becoming a common theme among high school players. We might see others do the same, it’s an individual choice. I don’t see Blue’s choice as a sign of things to come, he’s just making a choice that he believes will be the best for his future.