<p>GNBA makes a good point about having the good grades and being a recruited athlete, but one thing to keep in mind is that the academies can’t really have red shirt freshmen like other big schools can (because everyone graduates in 4 years). I’ve heard (rumors - seriously, don’t take this as anything definite) that USNA has sent some athletes to NAPS so they can train them up, even if they’re excellent academically. I think it makes perfect sense to do something like that - all of the competitive civilian schools have that option, plus sending an athlete to NAPS will better prepare them for life at the academy so it won’t be as hard to juggle being a D1 athlete with all the other academy stuff.</p>