This has spun out of control. Driven by greed.Yup. It's basically a requirement around these parts. Most better athletes go to private schools, and each private school flunks them (I refuse to whitewash the practice by calling it "reclassing") so they can gain a competitive advantage.
Just saw a kid who had a June birthday, and already started school late, "proudly announce" on twitter that he was transferring to a private school and "reclassing." So, in June of this year, he was already 16, and he's going to be a freshman (again) this fall. Depending how long their school year is, he could be 17 before he finishes his freshman year.
We've gotten decently far in the process of looking into the private schools, but I refuse to let my kid be flunked, so I've held off broaching the subject with the coaches, and we've kind of pulled back on it. Straight A's, all Honors courses, and I'm going to flunk him? Crazy. And, on the other hand, if he goes and doesn't get flunked, he'll be competing for spots against kids up to 2 years older than him, but in the same "class."
![]()
Immanuel Iheanacho - Georgetown Preparatory School - Offensive Tackle
Explore Immanuel Iheanacho's athlete profile at On3.com. Get news and insights into their playing career, statistics, and achievements in sports.www.on3.com
![]()
Immanuel Iheanacho - Georgetown Preparatory School - Offensive Tackle
Explore Immanuel Iheanacho's athlete profile at On3.com. Get news and insights into their playing career, statistics, and achievements in sports.www.on3.com
Penn State wanted him
BWI
Could Penn State not only make the Playoff but also win a couple CFP games in 2026? One analyst thinks so; here's why
BWI
Penn State receivers responding to new standard as camp rolls on
BWI
Penn State's Top Camp Performers on Offense: Who Stood Out Most
BWI
Inside Lasch: Breaking down Penn State's early 2028 defensive tackle targets
BWI
Penn State QB Alex Manske's details his journey back to the field from open-heart surgery