Jalen Robinette undrafted after Air Force ruling

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Wide receiver Jalen Robinette, who led the nation at 27.4 yards per catch, went undrafted after the Air Force told him just this week that he’d have to serve two years in the military before being allowed to play in the NFL.

Robinette, who is set to graduate from the Academy in less than a month, had prepared for the draft believing he’d be allowed to play in the NFL right away because of a U.S. Department of Defense ruling last summer.

Robinette was informed Thursday night as the first round was underway that Air Force leaders had informed the academy that cadets would still be required to serve at least two years on active duty before being allowed to apply for the Ready Reserve, which would allow them to play professional sports.

A projected midround pick, Robinson was the first Air Force player ever invited to the East-West Shrine Game, the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine.

He maintained a full class load while commuting 100 miles six days a week to train

with other hopefuls in suburban Denver included Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey. He’s on track to graduate May 24.

After Navy standout quarterback Keenan Reynolds was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens last year, the defense department changed its policy for service academy athletes who are offered the opportunity to play professionally, saying they could receive reserve appointments upon graduation and start their pro careers immediately rather than having to serving two years of active duty first.