As we continue to monitor and scratch our heads about the Seantrel Henderson recruiting situation, here is something to ponder: What happens if the offensive lineman from Cretin-Derham Hall never signs a letter of intent?
That is possible. If Henderson is indeed waiting to hear about NCAA sanctions against USC before deciding if he will carry through his verbal commitment and sign with the Trojans -- or choose another school -- it could be a long wait. As posted here a couple days ago, those NCAA penalties are almost certain to take place after the football signing period ends on April 1.
After April 1, prospective student-athletes cannot sign a football letter of intent. I have been consulting with the NCAA on what could happen, and it's possible for Henderson to completely avoid signing a letter of intent and still be on a Division I football roster this fall.
Here is what I was told by the NCAA: "The NLI (national letter of intent) is a voluntary program with regard to both institutions and student-athletes. No prospective student-athlete or parent is required to sign the NLI. The NLI deadline for football is April 1. After April 1, the PSA (prospective student-athlete) could sign an athletics aid agreement but not an NLI. The athletics aid agreement would be binding on the institution (per NCAA rules) but without the NLI there is nothing binding the PSA to the institution. His eligibility would not be impacted by not signing an NLI."
Very interesting. Imagine this scenario: April 1 comes and goes without Henderson signing a letter of intent. At that point, any college that wants to can offer him an athletics aid agreement (which would of course be a full-ride scholarship). Maybe he would wait all summer before deciding where to go to school.
Yes, he could become another Brett Favre...
John Millea is on Twitter at twitter.com/stribjohn
