Alabama made headlines two weeks ago by bringing in former players, quarterback John Parker Wilson and All-American running back Trent Richardson, to run scout team ahead of the Tide's annual showdown with Louisiana State.
It's a move ordained by the NCAA bylaw college football fans love to know: 14.2.1.6; it reads:
A former student at the certifying institution (e.g., former student-athlete) may participate in an organized practice session on an occasional basis, provided the institution does not publicize the participation of the former student at any time before the practice session.
It apparently paid dividends for Alabama, too. LSU QB Danny Etling finished with 92 yards and an interception. LSU RB Leonard Fournette finished with 35 yards on 17 carries, with a long rush of nine yards.
Football is a copy cat sport, so it makes sense other coaches might try to replicate the reigning national champion's latest innovation.
Asked about it at Monday at his weekly presser, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer didn't rule out the prospect:
Urban Meyer almost walked away from the podium to go make a phone call when a reporter told him Bama used Trent Richardson on its scout team
— Eric Seger (@EricSeger33) November 14, 2016
“I had no idea you could do that … it’s got me thinking."
— Eric Seger (@EricSeger33) November 14, 2016
Granted, nobody expects Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa, or Terrelle Pryor to take time out of their Pro Bowl seasons to risk injury running scout team in Columbus, but those wouldn't be the only players available to him.
If anything, it makes you think.
