It may have been mentioned previously. But I brought it to the board several years ago back when my son was in high school. He’s twenty-six now.
i was at a Boston College game against NC State. By chance I was chatting with the right fielder’s father. The kid was starting as a freshman. They were from North Carolina.
i asked if UNC recruited the kid. At the time UNC was significantly better. The dad said UNC made an offer. But they only showed interest. They gave the kid the traditional “you will have the opportunity to compete for a position” pitch. NC State told him specifically he would be competing to win the RF position with a good chance to win it.
The dad told me NC State showed love. They pursued the kid with intent. He said UNC showed interest. They would have been pleased if he chose them. But he never felt they would be bothered if he didn’t.
After I posted this story the legendary, late TR Hit kept hammering home the point of “go where you are loved.”