Oh man, I usually agree with a lot of what you post, but I disagree with everything you just wrote.
If that money is there now, they should get it now. Why on earth, especially if you have your degree or are within credits of having it, would you ever put in the work required for college football and risk injury for no payment? That's insane.
If you think you can increase your draft stock, that's one thing, but there's no guarantee of that. If you are what you are you just pissed away a year of earnings. If you get hurt you said goodbye to a career of earnings.
I keep banging this drum, but if the NCAA allowed student-athletes to profit from their name and likeness you might see them stay in school longer. Do you think Sugar Bear would make more money as a practice player for the Jets, or as a mini-local celebrity making paid appearances and doing commercials for Syracuse businesses?