<p>I am a junior WR being recruited by division I football teams. Of course there are the perks of committing (interests, scholarships, etc.). However, I would also like to pursue an engineering degree (chemical or aeronautical, not sure yet). Is it possible? Or is it too much work? Free time doesn't need to be taken into consideration (I like to think of football as my release). </p>
<p>If anyone was wondering, I've checked and with my credentials, I should be accepted to U. of Michigan, U. of Texas, etc. WITHOUT being recruited.</p>
<p>Yes, it can be done if you are are fully committed to it. While many football players take less demanding majors you will see some engineering majors every year at schools like Stanford, Georgia Tech, etc.</p>
<p>BTW: your top credentials also give you an edge b/c teams will want students who can boost team avg GPA as well as graduation rates. Institutions are under HEAVY pressure to deliver on these two points. Don’t sell yourself short by any means.</p>
<p>I knew several engineers and even pre-med footballers at my Ivy alma mater. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Michigan usually has one or more engineering majors on the football team. Returning senior Mark Huyge, a starting offensive lineman, is majoring in naval architecture and marine engineering. Reserve linebacker/special teams player Kevin Leach is majoring in mechanical engineering. Reserve WR Doug Rogan is majoring in aerospace engineering; he played on special teams and was the holder on placekicks in 2010 but saw limited (if any) action at the WR position. It’s demanding, but possible.</p>
<p>So the key to remember - If you’re smart, good, fast and strong, and want to make an impact, sign with NU. If you are not that smart and/or not that good, please sign with MI, OSU, or MI State*.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
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<li>Just kidding! I respect anyone that is even thinking about engineering and any organized sport. And that includes all Div 1, II and III levels too. And good luck to you OP regardless of where you matriculate. I just hate to see The Big Guys get all the good players.</li>
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<p>Thanks a lot. You’ve really helped me out, and it looks like I’ll be going into aeronautical as well. Do you recommend me taking summer classes as well? I believe I will be staying for five years compared to the regular four as well, so it should work out!</p>
<p>I would also like to attend a top flight engineering university (UMich, TAMU, purdue, etc.)</p>
<p>Five years will be better for engineering, you will have a bit more breathing space should you need to retake a class or drop one. Contact an academic advisor in the engineering department to ask about the summer course possibility (and check to see they offer those courses in the summer.)</p>
<p>You should definitely be aware of how “common” the serious student-footballer is and how the college views them. Don’t be surprised if some programs have no emphasis on them whatsoever – or even tacitly hope that you’ll take a lighter courseload to focus on athletics. You need to be prepared to stand your ground. Sure, any program can boast about a handful of good scholars – but which program is a cadre of serious students the norm?</p>
<p>If you’ll be red-shirted your first year, then you’ll have 5 years to get your degree. </p>
<p>5 fall semesters of 12 credits each plus 5 spring semesters of 14 credits each will net you enough credits for an engineering degree (60 + 70 = 130 credits). </p>
<p>Will you be coming in with any AP credits? If so, that will make it even easier. </p>
<p>How intense of a Div I football team are you considering or being recruited for?</p>
<p>Last year at my kids’ school, a football player was accepted to med school, so it is possible to have a challenging major and do football.</p>
<p>I would focus on schools that have a head coach that really respects education.</p>
<p>Definitely talk to the head coach and position coaches about this. The NCAA limits your opportunities for official contacts, but bring it up with the coaches, and don’t take their word for it; ask to talk to players on the team who are balancing D1 football against the rigors of an engineering major, and try to get them to honestly describe their struggles. I admire you for trying to make this work.</p>
<p>For aeronautical engineering, Stanford, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Purdue, Illinois, TAMU, and Texas would provide the best combination of highly competitive football (and potentially a shot at playing on Sundays if you’re that good) and opportunities for an outstanding education in your chosen engineering specialty. The Stanford and Michigan football teams regularly graduate engineers; not sure about the others, that’s something you’ll need to research. Good luck!</p>
<p>^^^^ Agree agree agree: talk to students! The coaches and assistants will say nearly anything to leverage themselves. No one is a better advocate for your future and your education and your sports career than yourself. Best of luck to you</p>
<p>(BTW: I’m a UMich fan – great place — hint hint hint)</p>