I agree that it is a commitment. The coaches did promise him that he could play at whatever position he wanted, as he was top recruit. He can pitch and play position/hit if desired. They went to bat for him both in admissions and with the financial aid office and we are very grateful. It's a young team, not over-recruited (its hard to get into the school, for one, and it's not large), and we believe what he's been told.
Son considered walking on to a D1 but realized the better opportunity was to play at a D3, at a very good school. However, I think he would take a late offer from a D1 if one came his way because he knows he could fight his way on. I realize things could be much worse, but there is a bit of wondering what could have been right now. (He is the only player on his high school team to make the senior all star game, he made first team all league, and he is a smart kid.)