Receiver Jalen Robinette's status in the NFL draft has been left in doubt following an Air Force ruling that athletes will not be given a waiver from active duty to immediately play professional sports after graduation.
Robinette, according to an Air Force statement, will be required to serve two years active duty before being eligible to request Ready Reserve status, which would allow him to play in the NFL.
Robinette, who led the nation in yards-per-catch for Air Force Academy in 2016, was expected to be drafted between the second and fifth rounds in the NFL draft.
An NFL scout said Saturday morning he does not expect Robinette to be drafted because of the new ruling.
Robinette, reached by phone Saturday, politely offered no comment on his situation.
"I really don't know what to tell you honestly," he said.
Here is the statement from Air Force:
"The Air Force notified Academy leaders yesterday (Thursday) that the service would not approve requests to waiver active duty military commitments for cadet athletes. Cadets will be required to serve two years active duty prior to entering Ready Reserve, which would allow their participation in professional sports. The Air Force places tremendous value on our cadet athletes and their contributions to the nation as we continue to build leaders of character, engage in combat operations overseas and continue to ensure our highest military readiness at home."
