<p>You might want to anonymously check with each college how they structure their practices. I know of several of the NESCAC schools that intentionally don’t schedule practices until after all classes are out in the afternoon, and practices are over in time to hit the dining hall with all the non-athletes, leaving the evening free for study. Probably doesn’t make for a top-flight football team, but if your emphasis is on academics, a school with such a policy might be worth considering.</p>