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
Penn State freshman makes move to a new position during preseason camp
BWI
Penn State preseason camp special teams updates: Who leads the punter battle? A freshman turning heads, and more
BWI
‘Almost painfully slow’: How Ryan Clanton is building Penn State’s offensive line
Rivals
Penn State commit Deonte Flemings still looking, & Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Nebraska lead the charge
BWI
Penn State preseason camp coverage: See how to get BWI for $30 as Week 2 begins