I don't understand how anybody could possibly think this is a bad decision.
1)Just for pure success in the sport, I would argue he is more likely to have success continuing to do what he has already done, working with the same coach, living in the same area, doing whatever he feels comfortable with. That is going to be a much better training environment than trying to juggle moving to a new city, with new teammates, in an unfamiliar training system, while also having to go to school full time. If he wants a shot at being great, why not take it now and see what happens? Better now than 4/5 years from now.
2) Financially, there's no way he's not better off with this route. There's no way he's getting a full ride as just an 800 guy. Everyone is talking about how the NCAA gives you time to develop; there's also a chance that he doesn't improve and is a mediocre guy at the college level. He then has no chance to go pro, and will not have worked his way to a full scholarship on a team like Oregon. He will then have spent a good deal of money to be in college and have missed out on a pro deal. If he fails to improve now, he at least has whatever was agreed to in his current contract.