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Trend for early college enrollment grows among prep players
Iliana Limon | Sentinel Staff Writer
February 21, 2008

Michael Brewster's life has changed dramatically during the past two months.

Brewster, who was a standout offensive lineman at Edgewater in December, wakes up before 5 a.m. at least four days a week and piles on winter clothes. He heads off to optional workouts with his new Ohio State teammates before the sun comes up. Then he goes to class, rehabilitation for an injured shoulder and study hall.

He is among a growing number of athletes known as early enrollees.

They aren't among the young college standouts who left college early and are participating in this week's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. They are taking the early trend a step further, graduating from high school a semester early to enroll in college and participate in spring football workouts before their true freshman year even begins.

"I'm glad I'm here, but it's a ton of work," Brewster said. "It's like a job. If you don't love it, you won't last."

Edgewater Coach Bill Gierke, who worked with Brewster, said he sees some cases where enrolling early in college could help athletes.

"Michael was a very dedicated student who understood how hard he would have to work to make this happen," Gierke said. "I think he is a special kind of young man who could handle the challenge and succeed. I'm very curious to see how he does and whether this really is good for kids like him."

Brewster insists heading off to college early really isn't for everyone.

He misses his family and his dog, not to mention relaxing with high school friends.

"I don't have any regrets about starting college early, but I can see how a lot of guys wouldn't make it if they tried it," Brewster said. "I tell everyone who asks me that it really isn't a big party. If you're going to do it, you better be ready to work."

Trend for early college enrollment grows among prep players -- OrlandoSentinel.com