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Turning Pro Early Is Usually Best
Published: 9/10/2009 3:17 PM
Last Modified: 9/10/2009 3:17 PM

There has long been a debate about turning pro early.
If a college athlete feels he is ready to play at the pro level, then a decision needs to be made.
But, the first piece of information that should be considered is where will you be drafted. If you learn that you are a first round pick, you should go.
That's easy to say now that two OU football players, both first round picks had they come out last year, are injured.
But, I've felt this way for more than 20 years. It was the right thing for Barry Sanders in 1988. It is the right thing for great players now.
It is not a good idea if you are projected as a mid-roiunds pick. Go back to school and try to improve your stock with your play.
But, if you are going to be the No. 1 pick of some team, you need to jump while the fire is hot.
You never know what is going to happen. Sam Bradford will, at this point, probably still be the No. 1 overall choice of the NFL draft. But, with every hit the remainder of the season when he returns, those close to him will be holding their breath.
It shouldn't be that tough of a decision and fans shouldn't be hoping a great player stays.
The right thing to do is to maximize your pro wealth. That may not be in the good old college spirit but it is the best thing for the athlete.



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Klein's Korner

Tulsa World senior sports columnist John Klein is in his fourth decade of covering sports. He started his newspaper career at The Daily Ardmoreite in 1977 and moved to the Tulsa World in 1978. He served 10 years as sports editor for the Tulsa World before being named to his current position in 2005. He also spent five years as the Southwest Conference beat writer for the Houston Post. He has won many writing awards and is a former Oklahoma Sports Writer of the Year.

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