Nearly all of those young people who fit into that star athlete category have the idea that their abilities on the field or court ensures them a successful future. Too many are sure their physical skills are enough to get them into the college of their choice, or at least one where they will be revered for their athletic prowess. Those young people who think that way are about to get the shock of their young lives. The vast majority of scholastic standouts are about to find out that their stardom in the arena is meaningless if they do not fare as well in the classroom. That's a fact of life that young people don't seem to believe until they are turned away by the schools they want most to attend.
Colleges have their own standards for admission of athletes, as well as any other students.
In addition, the schools must also abide by the NCAA's eligibility rules. It is the responsibility of every adult who has contact with scholastic athletes to warn the young people about the importance of maintaining their grades as well as their scoring or rushing or batting averages. It is, in a large way, also the responsibility of well-known college athletes and particularly of those who are fortunate enough to reach the professional level of any sport. Giving of such advice would be the greatest service a professional athlete could provide, considering how those pros are idolized by high-school youngsters. But others push the envelope and stockpile prospects, comfortable in the knowledge that a couple of those signees can't spell ACT and will crash and burn academically between now and then.