A QB's story

Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko thought about enrolling in college early in 2002 but ultimately decided against it. Like King and Williams, he had an opportunity to play early.
But, when Palko and his family investigated the possibility, they found out it would have been too difficult. West Allegheny has four nine-week grading periods, instead of semesters. For Palko to have graduated early, he would have had to take two English courses, two Social Studies courses and two physical education classes during the fall of his senior year.
Plus, he wanted to experience his senior year with the rest of his classmates and play in the Big 33 All-Star Game, a goal of his from early childhood. Under NCAA rules, any player who enrolls in college early cannot play in high school all-star games. - NFL Football -
"Looking back, I definitely would have regretted not playing in the Big 33 and everything I learned from that experience," Palko said. "That helped me prepare for college football in a lot of ways." - NFL Football -
Palko was a lot like King and Williams in another respect, though. He wanted to immerse himself in college football. So Palko attended many of Pitt's spring practices in 2002 and learned Walt Harris' offense. He worked out with his new team during the summer and got to know them.
In training camp, Palko lost a quarterback competition with Rod Rutherford, but only after an injury retarded his progress. He served as the top backup that season.
"I think I had the best of both worlds," Palko said. "I was able to stay close to home. I was able to go to a lot of the spring practices. I learned the offense. - NFL Football -
"I wanted to do senior things, but, in the end, I didn't really do much. I didn't go on the senior trip. I wanted to get ready for football season. I owed that to the University of Pittsburgh as someone who was going to be on scholarship. I was all about football the second half of my senior year." - NFL Football -
More and more, early enrollment or not, high school seniors are leaving the present behind and marching toward the future.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette