There are risks all over the place, and I think it should all come down to one question for the high end HS pitcher -- what is the value of a college education and experience? This is the "life changing money" question, and it is different for each kid.
First, I’ll make it clear education is a high priority in our family. I agree with the concept of what is life changing money. It will vary from player to player. But, a player grabbing the money out of high school does not preclude attending college. For most players it means going back to college after baseball doesn’t work out.
I know a kid who went back to college at 27. He was a top prospect. Injuries took him down in AAA. He was focused. He didn’t see college as a party. He saw it as work. In his thirties he’s a very well compensated Wall Street analyst. Brad Ausmus went to college out of high school and didn’t start his minor league seasons until college was out in May.