I did it my last year in college as an undergrad. I had torn my ACL for the fourth time and was told that I couldn't play anymore. When I talked to my coach, he suggested doing that until I graduated, then I could move into the GA position. I did it because I couldn't stand not being out there every day. It is a TON of work and I realized all of the crap I had given the managers was another in my long line of IDIOT moments. It was a blast after I got used to it. After I got the GA position, my head coach also gave me the job of head equipment manager as a way to get me a little more money. I kept that job even when I finished my Master's and was hired as the full time DB coach. This was a DII school, so folks had to wear different hats. Some coaches had to teach. He11, one coach was also over the janitors. HAHA! We used to ask him if it was a sh*tty job making sure the toilets were clean. I loved my time as a manager. We got the same stuff the players did as far as rings for conference championships. I think they got a ring when we won the National Championships in 93, 94, and 95. It sure helped me when I took over a high school program because I knew who to call to order what we needed and who to stay away from.
Its not a job a student would want if they dont have an extreme passion for football because it takes up most of your time. When the players go home after practice, managers jobs are just getting started. We were there when most coaches left for the night. But, if a person is going into coaching, what better way to get used to long hours and little pay than doing it?