Ozone posted:I guess it can be considered a "checkbox" but I think it's more a school rule than NCAA mandate. You must allow anyone to tryout or you can be open to legal problems. We have kids that can't practice or play on Friday or Saturday for religious reasons. Kids that never played HS ball. Kids that don't own gloves or cleats or kids that just have no clue. They are all welcome because the web site says so. This year we had 62 walk-ons for 4 roster spots. There were about 15 preferred walk-ons. Those were the kids we vetted through their coaches recommendations, had video on or saw live. The rest were a crap shoot with no prior info. Of course we focused on the players we knew, but believe me no one slips by if they have talent. It may seem as though coaches are not paying attention but it takes one swing of a bat to turn heads. You also have the returners giving feedback to the coaches. It's true that the grinders can slip by but they usually are in your face letting you know how they can help. It's not easy but it all starts with the PSA getting some info to the coaching staff. Most of us coaches are honest when we get a text or phone call from a PSA but they really only hear what they want to hear. I always tell them that if they are coming to the school anyway then give it your best shot but if playing ball is the most important thing then you might want to look elsewhere since nothing is guaranteed. If when they contact us and ask the right questions they usually have an idea which way try-outs will go for them.
What level are you at? Because I have done some research and very few D1 schools take it seriously. I understand it may be different with small schools.
I also question your 15 preferred walk-ons for 4 spots. Every school I've talked to a preferred walk-on was a guaranteed spot through the fall and then you had to compete to make 35. These guys normally do not come to walk-on day. They start practicing with the team from day 1 just not on scholarship. I agree with the above from most of the people. The walk-on day was 5 pitches with normally being in the cage and the pitchers threw 10 pitches. If someone impressed the grad assistant, then they were asked to stay and meet with the AC or HC according to the impression.