What are the options here? Reclassification, gap year, post graduate, something else?
I have a 2021 who will graduate at age 17 and is at an athletically competitive high school. Smart kid but not a top student. Too late to HS redshirt, obviously.
Freshman year in HS, he was 5'0" tall and about 100 lbs. Coaches liked his personality as he was all in; he also played football. That winter, he broke his foot playing soccer and couldn't run for HS tryouts. He ended up being the manager. He was healed up enough to play club that summer, worked his way up to starter, got some licks in, flew all over the field, and got some college camp invites.
Sophomore year, only played baseball as he wasn't going to make that mistake again. Made the JV team and had a decent season. Was 5'4", about 120 lbs, and tied for shortest on the team. He played summer ball, had a great summer. Hit over .400, many to the fence, and never left the field.
Junior year, broke his wrist during HS tryouts. Started out 5'6" and about 140 lbs. Was kept on the team, but COVID. Got medically released to play in time for Summer ball, had another great summer, never left the field, played up on a team in a position not his, and still made all tournament team. Ended up 5'9 and 150 lbs. Got some campus invites. Wrist starting hurting again.
Senior year, played fall ball and showcases. Infield velo up to 90, exit velo 90. Jucos and D2 & 3s reached out early but dried up when wrist was bothering him hitting. Wrist got worse so revisit the doctor and diagnosed non-union of the fracture. Late fall, he had surgery, screw, and a bone graft on his throwing wrist. He was honest and let the programs know about his injury. All interested college communication dropped. Had a few NAIAs say if he wasn't committed by summer to let them know. He is now over 6'0" and 165 lbs. Missed HS tryouts as not cleared to hit. He tried to turn himself into a PO but not in time. HS Coach said he couldn't hold a jersey again as he would be missing 1/2 of the season but would let him travel with the team and practice. He is doing physical therapy. Doc expects complete healing and full range of motion back within the month.
He still wants to play baseball for as long as he can possibly.