Sorry, BOF, but it's an absolute need!! That is, if the athlete is planning to go to an NCAA Division I or II school, whether directly out of HS or transferring from a JC. They need it for immediate eligibility as a freshman, and so they know what academic requirements they must satisfy if they will be a JUCO transfer.
It's recommended that an athlete register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly the NCAA Clearinghouse) sometime during their sophomore year. A primary reason is due to the opportunity for Division II schools to offer official visits as early as June 15 prior to the junior year of HS. A prospect must be registered with the EC in order to take an official visit.