[JohnR34231]

Not a of immense proportions surprise. But definitely a significant loss.

I believe Smith and Costello are roommates. I hope Smith's decision doesn't influence Costello to leave also . . .

I also hope Costello stays. I do think it is wise for Costello to get some kind of a draft evaluation and make an informed decision. I suspect he isn't first round material this year. A lot may depend on what he thinks he can accomplish by staying. Love's example may make taking that risk less attractive. Herbert staying at Oregon makes this year's QB pool shallower. My initial reaction was that Costello wasn't yet NFL ready, but I can see reasons to at least look.
Smith is a different case. He has shown the ability to do all the things a tight end can be expected to do in the NFL. No need to wait and risk having a less-impressive year. The is essentially no up-side.

Well, I was laboring under the delusion that, like Love, Smith might want to get his degree before he headed off.
But I guess that's not much of a factor any more, except in rare cases.
I guess I might as well learn to accept the fact that, for the better players, college football is merely a training ground/minor league for the NFL.

[JohnR34231]

Not a of immense proportions surprise. But definitely a significant loss.

I believe Smith and Costello are roommates. I hope Smith's decision doesn't influence Costello to leave also . . .

I also hope Costello stays. I do think it is wise for Costello to get some kind of a draft evaluation and make an informed decision. I suspect he isn't first round material this year. A lot may depend on what he thinks he can accomplish by staying. Love's example may make taking that risk less attractive. Herbert staying at Oregon makes this year's QB pool shallower. My initial reaction was that Costello wasn't yet NFL ready, but I can see reasons to at least look.
Smith is a different case. He has shown the ability to do all the things a tight end can be expected to do in the NFL. No need to wait and risk having a less-impressive year. The is essentially no up-side.

Well, I was laboring under the delusion that, like Love, Smith might want to get his degree before he headed off.
But I guess that's not much of a factor any more, except in rare cases.
I guess I might as well learn to accept the fact that, for the better players, college football is merely a training ground/minor league for the NFL.