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(UWIRE) STILLWATER, Okla. -- Many college football players blow off school or drop out after completing their senior season to focus on the NFL draft.
Not Oklahoma State University's Dantrell Savage.
Savage, a first-team All-Big 12 selection last year, is taking 19 hours this semester to complete his graduation requirements for a bachelor's degree in education.
Savage said completing his education will give him options in case professional football doesn't work out.
"Be a P.E. coach and just sit back and watch them play kickball," Savage said.
There's a practical side to Savage staying in Stillwater, too.
"I stay here because there's no reason to go anywhere else and spend money," he said. "You can just pocket that and keep it for rainy days, help your family out.
"We have the best strength and conditioning coach in coach [Rob] Glass. It's just best to stay here and stay focused on my schoolwork and working out."
Advice from Vernand Morency, former OSU and current Green Bay running back, also influenced Savage's decision.
"I had a couple guys say that I should just stay in school and finish my degree 'cause it can make a big impact on how much money you get," Savage said. "Some of the coaches, they respect you more because you have a degree."
Savage and 11 other Cowboys performed for at least 20 NFL scouts during OSU's Pro Day on March 12 as they try to improve their stock for the draft on April 26-27.
Savage was the star of the day, posting a 4.4-second time in the 40-yard dash, an improvement over his 4.56 time at the NFL combine in February.
Scouts are still concerned about his small size (5-foot-8) and injury history, but Savage said his performances should still stand out.
