Pipeline to the Pros

"It is our job to help these young men prepare for a brighter future," said Temple Football head coach Rod Carey. "For some, that might mean the National Football League. For most, it will mean putting their degree to use in their chosen field."

Carey has backed that up during his first year at Temple. Last month owlsports.com detailed the many ways that Temple's football players are preparing for their future with guidance from recent alumni. Today we are going to take a specific look at a specific program reserved for those players in their final year of eligibility who aspire to play in the NFL.

This series also took place over four weeks in June. Players and their parents were invited to hear from a number of different experts to help them navigate through perhaps the most difficult and anxiety-ridden year of their lives. Topics included: selecting an agent, managing money, expectations from the National Football League's Players Association (NFLPA) and NFL scouts.

"It's scary and fun at the same time," said Maria Graham-Baptist, mother of linebacker Isaiah Graham-Mobley. "There are a lot of emotions. It's always been a dream of Isaiah's to play in the NFL but now that it's an arm's length away, it changes the scope of it. Scary but totally exciting. He's worked so hard to get to this point that it's just so great to be acknowledged and to know that his hard work is paying off is so gratifying."

"The 'Pro Series' has been an incredible development feature that we have here at our football program," said Isaiah. "And I think it's a great idea for us all to have. It has taught me what my future could potentially be and how to go about it in the best and smartest way. We've learned about budgeting, and different life aspects; understanding the different responsibilities I will have once I'm on my own; and who I can go to for support."

The first session concentrated on the compliance aspect of being evaluated as a prospective NFL player. Kristy Bannon Sromovsky, Temple Athletics' Senior Associate AD/Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs, who was present for each session, discussed the complexities of dealing with potential agents and advisors.

"Being a resource and advocate for our student-athletes is the basis of the Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs'" said Sromovsky. "Providing our student-athletes with the education necessary to make informed decisions, as they transition to their lives after they exhaust their eligibility, is very important to me. This is the really exciting part for me - seeing our student-athletes from the first day they report to campus to growing on and off to the field to the opportunity to play professionally."

"You don't know what you don't know," was a common theme of many athletes and parents.

From there, Temple introduced TeamAltemus to educate both players and parents on financial literacy. TeamAltemus believes money is a constant in life for everyone and part of any life-skills development program has to include money skills.

"Our budgeting workshops with Temple Football student-athletes have been awesome," said Courtney Altemus, CEO and Founder of TeamAltemus. "They are engaged and curious, we've seen some great progress in their knowledge. For those who have the opportunity to compete at the next level, their 'Pro Series' is a comprehensive program of experiential learning and lessons to help them through the entire transition process. All of the skills and tools gained from the 'Pro Series' will help student-athletes in their future whether or not they compete at the next level."

The next eye-opening session was from the NFLPA. This group was led by Willis Whalen, NFLPA Senior Manager of Collegiate Outreach, and included two Temple alums Mark Levin and former Temple Owl Zamir Cobb, a running back for the Owls from 2000-03.

"Making the transition from student-athlete to professional athlete is not an easy process," said Whalen. "Which is why we provide support to our potential future members through our 'Pipeline To The Pros' program. We appreciate Temple University for allowing us to provide resources on the College Advisory Committee and the agent selection process."

This session discussed how to hire an agent; why it's important to follow both NCAA and university rules; what are the chances of making it at the next level; and where your money goes.

"They mentioned that contracts are not (always) guaranteed – that's good to know;" said Graham-Mobley. "It was interesting to hear how the regular season looks/works; league minimum; how much practice squad players make; all the different places your money goes (taxes, agent fees, NFLPA dues, etc.)."

"The one thing we discussed as players was that we need to be more prepared for the business aspect of football," said recent transfer defensive end Manny Walker. "I never had a real job before so it was pretty interesting to hear about where all your money goes when you get your paycheck."

The final presentation was from agents and scouts themselves. Terry Bradway, a former NFL general manager (New York Jets) and recently retired scout (Miami), spoke from the scout side, and Tony Agnone gave an agent's perspective.

Bradway explained the scouting process, who they talk to about the players, what they are looking for on game and practice film, and what to expect at senior showcases and the NFL combine.

"It's important to educate Temple student-athletes about the scouting process" said Bradway, "as it's so much more than film, we want to know who we are drafting… character matters."

"I was surprised to hear that they will ask how you treat the janitor," said Walker. "Everything you do is evaluated by the NFL."

Agnone outlined the who's who of an agency; the difference in a playing contract and a marketing deal; and an agent's investment in you.

"As a senior it's a whole different ballgame as far as the process of being evaluated by pro scouts and agents trying to get in touch with you," said wide receiver Branden Mack. "I gained a little bit more insight into what could happen in the upcoming year. It opened up my mind on a lot of things. It also helped my mom and my family out as well. It gave us a better understanding of the business side of football."

Graham-Mobley summarized the experience as "A super important step to help us prepare for the NFL but relevant information to prepare for life in general for what's about to hit us in a year."

He and his family will take a group approach to the coming year. His mother added, "I was pleasantly surprised [with the program]. My husband and I didn't play football. We've been hearing what might come into play but it was super helpful and really opened our eyes to the next phase. I took notes and listened very intently and we are planning on having a family conference to discuss everything."

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Pipeline to the Pros

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