[Goose]

And while we are talking about this, most graduate programs make their admissions decisions in April.  I know there are early decisions for undergraduate admissions for athletes, but is there any such thing for graduate programs?  Wouldn't a prudent student-athlete want to keep all the options open until they know where they are admitted for graduate school?

I think this is the crux of it. While some guys may be content with just taking more undergraduate classes, others may really want a graduate degree. If you don't know you will be admitted, it is stupid not to have a "plan B". In some cases, the student may want an MBA or JD from a University in the area of the country they want to live. That may not be Northern California. Consider Terrence Alexander. Those guys are probably gone unless they don't get into their target school. It is certainly better to keep your options open as long as possible.

[Goose]

And while we are talking about this, most graduate programs make their admissions decisions in April.  I know there are early decisions for undergraduate admissions for athletes, but is there any such thing for graduate programs?  Wouldn't a prudent student-athlete want to keep all the options open until they know where they are admitted for graduate school?

I think this is the crux of it. While some guys may be content with just taking more undergraduate classes, others may really want a graduate degree. If you don't know you will be admitted, it is stupid not to have a "plan B". In some cases, the student may want an MBA or JD from a University in the area of the country they want to live. That may not be Northern California. Consider Terrence Alexander. Those guys are probably gone unless they don't get into their target school. It is certainly better to keep your options open as long as possible.