NFL Draft/NCAA Eligibility Rules

[TXDawg.sixpack]

What is the NCAA's position on an athlete's eligibility after declaring for the NFL draft?

I noticed in Marcello's blog post that Cox has declared, but hasn't hired an agent. I seem to recall that if he doesn't hire an agent, he can go through the draft, but still return with eligibility if he doesn't like his draft position. Is that the rule, or am I mistaken?

Also, I know the rules are different for football and basketball, but what are the differences?</p>

 

[RebelBruiser]

You can't test the waters and come back, even if you don't sign with an agent.

If you declare but don't sign with an agent, you can still decide to withdraw prior to the draft withdrawal deadline, but if you wait past that point, you're gone.

Oher declared after his junior year, but left the door open by not signing with an agent, and he ended up deciding to come back prior to the draft withdrawal date. I couldn't find the date this year, but it's usually a few days after the early entry deadline. Should be in a couple weeks.