Why should there be a problem? Once underclassmen apply for the NFL draft by the Jan. 11 deadline, they are automatically gone from the college game anyway. Why shouldn't they be treated like potential professionals, as the seniors are?

Why do seniors go to postseason all-star games? To enhance their draft potential. Underclassmen should be afforded the same opportunity.

It's ridiculous that they aren't allowed to play in all-star games. If anything, it would benefit college football because the high-profile players would be in the spotlight, helping their programs. Why not allow William Green to be front and center for Boston College? Why deny him the right to play alongside the seniors?

The underclassmen could have a chance to showcase their skills with the seniors in the same venue. Why do seniors go to postseason all-star games? To enhance their draft potential. Underclassmen should be afforded the same opportunity. For now they can only show their ability in the combine and in individual workouts.

This year there could be as many as 17 underclassmen selected in the first round. The best defensive end, safety, running back, tight end and receiver are juniors. Their presence in postseason all-star games would increase the fan interest, the TV ratings and the talent level. Julius Peppers, Roy Williams, Jeremy Shockey and Antonio Bryant could be promoted as the marquee names to watch, especially in a year when the senior class isn't that strong.

Steve Hale, president of the Senior Bowl, told me he thought it would be detrimental to college relations to bring in players who have not yet exhausted their eligibility, whether it lasts four years or five years. That's why they don't even let fourth-year juniors play. Hale also said spending a week with the NFL's top decision-makers is an opportunity only provided to those who have completely fulfilled their collegiate obligations.

Hale makes a valid argument; if the postseason all-star games were open to juniors, they would be placed on a level playing field with the seniors. Right now, one reason some juniors stay in school is that they aren't allowed to play in the all-star games. Removing that restriction could conceivably make their decision to leave school early much easier. The negative -- missing out on the all-star games -- would no longer be a negative.

In 1996, Cal defensive tackle Regan Upshaw played in the Hula Bowl as a junior and helped his draft grade. He went as a first-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Michigan tackle Jon Runyan, however, was one junior who chose not to play. I had him rated as the 34th-best player in the draft and projected he would go in the second round. He ended up going in the fourth round. He wasn't interested in playing in the Hula Bowl because he felt he would be a first-round draft choice. Maybe the game would have helped him, or maybe not, but at least he had the option to play or not to play.