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
Take a tour inside the renovated west side of Beaver Stadium
BWI
LOOK: New Penn State football photos from the Lions' latest practice: See Becht, Kemajou, and more
BWI
Where does Penn State rank in the preseason AP Top 25?
BWI
Penn State involved with nearly 30 prospects in initial 2029 Rivals100
BWI
Pre-Snap Read: What Penn State's scrimmage revealed about its secondary