Some guys like Tim Settle come to college already with at least a rough path to be a pro someday. Of course there are no guarantees. But Settle was a known prospect by the NFL when he arrived at Tech. I would imagine every recruit on Alabama's roster has already been scouted by NFL teams. So everyone wants to have that kind of star power on their college roster, but the reality is the talent will be there as long as they have to wait to become a pro. The only answer is to keep recruiting top talent, and enjoy watching them show their skills for three years.

Second, Settle and Hill are rookies. Settle has established his place with the 'Skins. Hill will be a star. As their NFL careers unfold, it will pay benefits and respect to Virginia Tech. For a time, Tech was respected for producing offensive linemen. We produced a string of NFL running backs, before the well went dry. For a time, we produced the greatest QB ever. Success and respect is fleeting. You just have to keep grinding, there is no finish line.