Players around the country (including SMU) opting out

[PonyPride]

Some of the players who have decided to forego the 2020 season for pandemic-related concerns:

Jay Tufele, DT, USC (Aug. 19)
Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest (Aug. 19)
Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan (Aug. 18)
Jacques Turner, DL, Southern Miss (Aug. 17)
Kary Vincent, DB, LSU (Aug. 17)
Kennedy Brooks, RB, Oklahoma (Aug. 16)
Eli Johnson, C, Ole Miss (Aug. 16)
Warren Jackson, WR, Colorado State (Aug. 16)

[Dukie]

Multiple Duke players have as well.

[Mexmustang]

Pretty small number considering the number of NCAA players. The list has three players whose teams aren't even playing.
Now that the NCAA has proposed waiving this year in terms of eligibility, whether your team plays or not, let's see what happens to this list.

[PonyPride]

According to his Twitter account, SMU defensive tackle Mike Williams has opted out, and pledged to return in 2021.

[PonySnob]

Looks like we have another one:

[Ikus]

This will happen more and more across the country. Will be interesting to see how attrition affects the decisions of conference commissioners and athletic directors.

[AustinPerson]

Not criticizing any single individual; I certainly take the virus seriously myself. But I'm blown away that suddenly everyone is worried about the coronavirus for football players. Yet the players, coaches, media, etc. seem to show little, if any, concern for long-term brain damage.

Once you start taking brain damage seriously, then I will show a serious level of concern for the coronavirus and football players.

[mustangxc]

I think it has to do with the fact that COVID-19 is an immediate threat whereas CTE is a long-term issue. CTE is just as if not more devastating but doesn't become an issue for another 10+ years so it's not on their radar even though it should be.

[JasonB]

Really selfish move by Sutton.

He is just trying to break Flanigan's longevity record.

[Charleston Pony]

Clearly a lot of unknowns despite what those with an agenda might declare, but there certainly have been an alarming number of myocarditis cases occurring in previously healthy young athletes after they have contracted this bug. I'm not going to fault anyone for opting out given all the unknowns.

[ALEX LIFESON]

With the loss of 6 linemen from last season, this is a massive blow to the team. Defensive back Eric Sutton also opted out. Let's hope it does not start a Domino effect.

Good sign that Sutton entered transfer portal.

[PonyPower]

Eric Sutton says on Twitter that he's headed to transfer portal

[Charleston Pony]

Appears Sutton's leaving is going to hurt the team's depth at CB. Hopefully this means there are more talented guys we aren't aware of yet on the roster but if not, I wonder if we might see some WR move to the CB group

[PonyPride]

LSU receiver Ja'Marr Chase reportedly will opt out to prepare for the draft.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/s ... -nfl-draft

[ALEX LIFESON]

Appears Sutton's leaving is going to hurt the team's depth at CB. Hopefully this means there are more talented guys we aren't aware of yet on the roster but if not, I wonder if we might see some WR move to the CB group

Don't be alarmed, Eric would've helped more on special teams than the secondary. We have good options there.