Universities should offer vocational programs. If after 4-5 years an athlete doesn't make pro, they will have several marketable trades under their belt.
That would be an excellent idea. But the pointy-headed academics in charge would say that is against the “mission” of the school. Wouldn’t want the students to learn anything useful. I would make it where a player is ineligible if he’s taking non-credit remedial courses. Pass those then you can play.