Instant Reaction: CIF Delays Football Season Until 2021
The California Interscholastic Federation on Monday announced that the state's 2020 football season will be delayed until December or January. It's a decision that will have a ripple affect across the country, short term and long term.
"It's heartbreaking but understandable," said John Garcia, Jr., Sports Illustrated's director of football recruiting. "Of course, we should see several other states follow California's lead."
The SI analyst described the nature of the decision as unprecedented for recruiting, which affects both the college and high school levels.
"It's anybody's guess what it could mean in the long run," said Trevor Mueller, Husky Maven/Sports Illustrated's high-school recruiting analyst. "Overall, football participation has been in decline for the past few years in California."
The Huskies have four 2021 commits from California in defensive backs Zakhair Spears and Dyson McCutcheon, defensive end Maurice Heims and offensive tackle Robert Wyrsch, who are all in a holding pattern as to how this decision will impact their immediate future on the field.
Mueller noted the obvious ramifications for unsung players in the class of 2021.
"It could be dramatic for recruits from smaller schools as first of all they haven't been able to go to camps," Mueller said. "Then the start of the season is pushed back beyond the national signing day."
Signees from the class of 2021 will have less game film and experience than any other class, plus their arrival at the college football level will see a slowdown in development to become established FBS players.
"It may be the most important factor if you consider the lack of freshman impact because of the lack of (high school) senior experience," Garcia said.
