Too soon?

I heard of this story last night, and it absolutely shocked me.

New USC head coach Lane Kiffin has received a verbal commitment from a quarterback. Not a big deal...until you consider the kid is only 13 years old and is in the 7th grade.

This whole story is wrong on so many levels, but I'll limit myself to only four fingers to point.

First, the NCAA. They actually classify 7th graders as "recruitable" now. Kids that may not have even reached puberty yet can be recruited by colleges for athletic scholarships. There's nothing wrong with 13 year old children thinking about college if it's for an education that they're seeking, but to be recruited for athletics? Insane!

Second and third go hand-in-hand. Kiffin and Steve Clarkson, the personal coach of this 13 year old. Kiffin was reportedly alerted of this wunderkid by Clarkson and directed him to a video on YouTube. Kiffin watched the video and liked what he saw. The child's age was an issue, but it didn't deter Kiffin from offering the scholarship. Clarkson says this kid is the best he's seen. Better than Matt Barkley and Jimmy Clausen.

And here's where it all starts, the boy's father. It's one thing to have your son involved in athletics, but Clarkson was hired as a "personal coach" three years ago. This boy will no longer have the ability to grow up a "normal" boy. The bulls-eye on his son's back has increased a hundred fold at least. When opponents hear that they're playing his son's team, they will go after him more than other QB they face just because of the label and stigma attached.

"He's the kid already committed to USC. Get 'em!"

We've all been 13 and know that's what will happen.

Thanks, Dad. All I really wanted was an Xbox 360.