My son didn’t play freshman year. He was a late recruit due to injury. He was actually recruited for the following year. He was invited to walk on the first year. He was beat out by a pitcher who is now in the majors. He did catch bullpens and got to take BP. My daughter was so afraid about (softball) eligibility she sacrificed sleep and social life for studying and got a 4.0.
I believe my son’s slow immersion into competitive college ball was beneficial. He also arrived at 6’1” 175 and was 6’2” 190 and a lot stronger the next season. He also got a shock fall semester with a 2.7. The spring semester more focused on academics got him where he belonged (3.5). He would have lost his 50% academic ride without a 3.0.
Transitioning to college can be overwhelming enough for regular students. I’m all for freshman not being eligible or not being on travel squads. Not that it will ever happen.