I agree with the points you make. I understand that the NFL or NBA is the dream of many of these kids who give their sport their undivided effort and attention. It pays off for a few. At the same time, I lament the fact that the vast majority coming from dire circumstances will not make the league and will return to the life cycle of hard knocks and lack of opportunity that results from a lack of the educational skills necessary to compete in the real world. I don't blame anyone other than the parents for letting this happen.I'd also like to point out many of these kids who are news worthy transfers aren't really concerned with the education because the NFL is the goal. After cashing in the NFL career if they want a world class education they can pay for it after.
Low level transfers who have no shot at the NFL go for the places they can either cash in on college success or an education that suits their interests. Illinois is a great school but there are only so many programs that are at the forefront of their sector and isn't as big of a draw as we like to think.