The exclusion of the Florida State University football team from the College Football Playoff is a stark reminder of the challenges facing high school recruits, especially quarterbacks, who hope to join top-tier college football programs. Despite earning the right to make the playoff based on their resume, Florida State’s decision to bring in a true new quarterback in need of further development arguably cost the team a shot to compete in the College Football Playoff due to the perception that the team couldn’t compete. Almost to the same level as they did with injured quarterback Jordan Travis.
The emphasis on immediate performance at the championship level has created a challenging landscape for quarterbacks coming straight out of high school who may need further development to reach elite levels of play. The implications are that programs may choose to sign older quarterbacks who are more acquireable through the transfer portal instead, which could limit opportunities for talented young athletes seeking to make their mark in power conferences.
Similar to college football’s transfer portal, the rapid emergence and advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked discussions about how it will impact various industries, including technology. Just as the exclusion of young quarterbacks from top college football programs highlights the challenges faced by aspiring athletes, the increasing complexity of technology careers signals a similar shift toward a higher level of skill required to break into certain technological fields.
In the past, entry-level roles in technology-based professions were primarily focused on executing tasks. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence, merely mastering programming in a field like software engineering may not be enough. Employers are now looking for candidates with broader skill sets, including problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, creativity and adaptability. Similar to the different levels of development we see in college football quarterbacks, career paths in technology are evolving to require individuals who can go beyond executing tasks to identifying problems and developing innovative solutions. For example, in software engineering, the first level typically involves assigning a task and then completing it through programming. However, the higher level of entry often involves confronting a problem and using programming skills to develop a comprehensive solution. This shift means that entry-level roles in technology may become more difficult to obtain, as employers increasingly prioritize candidates who can demonstrate a higher level of technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities.
Just as high school quarterbacks need the proper infrastructure to accelerate their development and prepare for the challenges of playing at higher levels, aspiring professionals in the technology industry also need similar support systems. With the rapid pace of technological advancement and the increasing competitiveness of the labor market, it is essential to create infrastructures that foster early development and equip individuals with the skills needed to excel.
In the technology industry, this can include initiatives such as coding bootcamps, mentoring programs, and internships. By providing resources and guidance from experienced professionals, these programs can help individuals gain the technical skills and practical knowledge needed to compete against elite competition. Additionally, early exposure to real-world projects and challenges can instill a sense of confidence and resilience that is critical to success in the industry.
However, creating the necessary infrastructure to accelerate development is not limited to the technology sector alone. This applies to different fields, including sports, arts and entrepreneurship. Institutions, organizations and communities must invest in resources, facilities and programs that support the growth and development of promising students from an early age.
The challenges faced by high school quarterback recruits seeking opportunities at top-tier college football programs and the advancements in AI in technology careers indicate a shift toward requirements for a higher level of skill and problem-solving abilities to break into both fields. Both scenarios underscore the need for young athletes and aspiring technicians to continually improve their abilities and be prepared to meet the evolving demands of their respective fields.
It should also serve as a reminder of the need to create infrastructure capable of enabling accelerated development. This applies not only to aspiring athletes, but also to individuals seeking excellence in various industries, including technology. By investing in the growth and preparation of talented individuals from an early age, we can help them compete on equal terms with elite competition and thrive in a dynamic, rapidly changing economy.
Dr. Marcus Bright is an author and social impact specialist.
The recruitment of high school quarterbacks into college football can have a significant impact on the future career prospects of a university’s technology program. As these quarterbacks are often seen as leaders and decision-makers on and off the field, their recruitment can serve as a key indicator of a university’s ability to attract top talent in various areas, including technology. Additionally, the success of a college football program can bring positive attention and resources to the university as a whole, potentially leading to improved networking opportunities and industry partnerships that can benefit students in technology-related fields. Therefore, examining the recruitment of high school quarterbacks into college football can provide valuable insights into the future career prospects of a university’s technology program.