Hello guys! I was wondering, does the college conference have any bearing on the number of players they've sent to the NFL? I'd imagine some conferences might have more than others. What's the influence here? Thanks for the info.
Absolutely, the college conference can certainly have an impact on the number of players they send to the NFL.
Larger conferences, such as the SEC (Southeastern Conference), often top the list when it comes to producing NFL talent. The SEC is notable for having a high level of competition and talent density, with teams like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia consistently being among the top teams nationally. This is evident as players from the SEC regularly dominate the NFL Draft each year, which is a testament to the high caliber of players these schools attract and develop.
The Big Ten conference, which includes teams like Ohio State and Michigan, is another conference that frequently sends a significant number of players to the NFL. And let's not forget the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference), with teams like Clemson and Florida State up there in the mix.
Certainly, playing in a "Power Five" conference such as the ones mentioned can provide many athletes with greater exposure to NFL scouts due to the high-profile nature of the games and the reputation of the program. If a player does well in one of these conferences, their chances of making it to the NFL can be significantly improved.
However, NFL talent can and does come from smaller conferences and even from the lower divisions. For instance, Carson Wentz and Jimmy Garoppolo, both successful NFL quarterbacks, came from the FCS, a lower division. So, while the conference might provide more initial exposure and opportunities, ultimately, individual talent, work ethic, and opportunity determine who makes it to the NFL. So, it's definitely worthwhile for aspiring football players at all levels to continue honing their skills, regardless of their conference.
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